4Corners Taxonomy of Lacrosse
4Corners Taxonomy was cultivated from years of experience and research. The goal was to create a systemic program that would progress athletes through various development stages on their ability to achieve domain level objectives.
4 Domains of Lacrosse through 4 Stages of Development, hence 4Corners Lacrosse
4Corners: 4 Domains of Lacrosse & 4 Stages of Development
4Corners Domains of Lacrosse
4Corners Stages of Development
4Corners Stages of Development
- Character Development - Passion, Toughness, Work Ethic, Commitment
- Biomechanical and Kinetic Development - Footwork, Speed/Acceleration, Plyometrics, Generating Power, Stability/Mobility
- Lacrosse Cognition - Skill Technique, On-ball Awareness, Off-ball Awareness, Whole Team Schematics
- Lacrosse Skill - Passing, Catching, Shooting, Dodging
4Corners Stages of Development
4Corners Stages of Development
4Corners Stages of Development
1. Beginner (8-11)
- Introduction and practicing the fundamentals.
2. Intermediate (10-13)
- Developing competency in the fundamentals in authentic game-play situations
3. Experienced (12-16)
- Branching off the fundamentals and discovering variations
4. Established (15-22)
- Establishing proficiency and lacrosse identity
Domain Level Objectives
"SMART" OBJECTIVES
Each Domain has multiple standards that "make up" the Domain. Within each standard are SMART objectives we use as benchmarks for athletes to learn and develop at that specific stage. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. Each stage, has different objectives that range from lower levels of learning (Beginner) to higher levels of learning (Established)
Like state educational standards, these objectives create a blueprint for what the athlete should master at stage of development. These benchmarks guide our coaching. The ultimate goal is to progress each of our players from the Beginners stage to the Established stage, hence our slogan Become Established
Benchmark Example
Stage: Intermediate
Domain: Lacrosse Skill
Standard: Lacrosse Catching
SMART Objective: LS_C 2.1 - By the end of the Intermediate stage, graduates will be able to catch a ball over the shoulder and going to the ball with both hands, at least 4 times consecutively
Meeting the Objective: Developmentally appropriate and skill aligned drills, demonstrations, and skill cues provided in practice and trainings.