U7

Under Lacrosse Canada's Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) framework, U7 field lacrosse falls under the Active Start and early FUNdamentals stages, focusing on fun, basic motor skills, and non-competitive half-field games.

Core Objectives

• Fun and Participation: Emphasizing a positive first experience rather than scores or standings.
• Basic Skills: Teaching foundational actions like catching, throwing, and scooping the ball.
• Physical Literacy: Developing core physical skills like agility, balance, and coordination (the ABCs) through play.

Game Format and Rules

• Play Style: 5-on-5 format (4 runners and 1 goalie) with no long poles and no body contact.
• Field Size: Played on a half-field surface to maximize touches and engagement.
• Equipment: Uses smaller 4x4 foot nets, a soft-type lacrosse ball, and a shortened stick (cut to roughly 24 to 26 inches).
• Flow: No offsides and no faceoffs after goals are scored to keep the action moving.
• Game Length: Two 15-minute halves with a 5-minute break, preceded by a 10-minute warm-up.