Lacrosse Evaluation Form

Ground balls win games. Every lacrosse coach knows this, yet most evaluation forms focus solely on stick skills and shooting. The reality is that the player who attacks loose balls with their whole body, not just their stick, often contributes more than the flashy dodger who disappears when things get physical. Your evaluation needs to capture both technical precision and competitive intensity.

These forms are built around the six skills that define lacrosse: stick work, shooting, ground balls, dodging, defense, and game intelligence. Each rubric describes observable behaviors at every rating level, so your staff scores consistently whether evaluating a 10-year-old or a high school varsity prospect. Position-specific forms break down the unique demands of attack, midfield, defense, and goalie—because what makes a dominant pole defender looks nothing like what makes an elite feeder.

Free Printable Lacrosse Evaluation Form

Each skill gets a 1-5 rating based on what you actually see on the field. The definitions below focus on lacrosse-specific actions rather than generic athleticism, so you're measuring stick skills, not just who runs fastest. A player who "attacks every ground ball" earns higher marks than one who "hesitates on loose balls."

Skill Evaluation Table

Skill Category	1	2	3	4	5
Stick Skills	○	○	○	○	○
Shooting	○	○	○	○	○
Ground Balls	○	○	○	○	○
Dodging	○	○	○	○	○
Defense	○	○	○	○	○
Lacrosse IQ	○	○	○	○	○
Notes
Total Score	_______ / 30

Rating Scale Definitions

Watch for these specific behaviors when scoring. These descriptions separate elite players from average ones.

Skill	1 (Needs Work)	2 (Below Avg)	3 (Average)	4 (Above Avg)	5 (Excellent)
Stick Skills	Struggles with basic catch/throw; frequently drops ball	Catches with dominant hand only; inaccurate passes	Catches and throws consistently; adequate accuracy	Strong with both hands; accurate under pressure	Elite stick work; equally proficient with either hand
Shooting	Shots lack power and accuracy; poor form	Basic shooting motion; inconsistent placement	Hits target with adequate power; standard release	Quick release; accurate in traffic; varied shot selection	Scores from anywhere; deceptive release; finishes under pressure
Ground Balls	Hesitates on loose balls; poor scooping technique	Attempts ground balls but technique needs work	Wins 50/50 balls; proper scoop form	Aggressive pursuit; wins contested balls	Attacks every ground ball; creates turnovers; box-out technique
Dodging	Predictable moves; loses ball frequently	One or two moves; occasionally loses possession	Basic dodge repertoire; protects stick adequately	Multiple effective moves; creates separation	Elite footwork; dictates matchup; draws slides
Defense	Out of position; reaches instead of moving feet	Understands position but slow to react	Maintains good body position; uses stick legally	Shuts down matchup; forces turnovers	Locks down best attackers; communicates; directs team defense
Lacrosse IQ	Doesn't understand assignments or team concepts	Knows own role but confused by game situations	Executes assignments consistently; follows game plan	Reads the game; anticipates plays; makes smart decisions	Makes teammates better; sees plays before they develop

How to Evaluate Lacrosse Players

Lacrosse evaluation requires watching the whole player, not just their stick. USA Lacrosse coaching resources recommend(opens in new tab) evaluating five key areas: catching and throwing, ground balls, individual offense/defense, and team concepts. But the best evaluators look beyond these technical skills to assess competitiveness, coachability, and game intelligence.

Stick Skills: The Foundation

Watch hand position during catches—the hand should be near the top of the stick. Observe footwork: does the player move their feet toward the pass or reach with their stick? Accuracy matters in passing too. A good pass lands within the target of the receiver's stick head, not somewhere they have to chase.

The best indicator of stick skill development is whether a player can catch and throw with both hands. A player who only goes to their strong hand becomes predictable. Watch for over-the-shoulder catches and the ability to switch hands smoothly—these separate players who will develop from those who've hit their ceiling.

Ground Balls: Where Games Are Won

Ground ball technique reveals a player's willingness to compete. Watch body position: the head should be over the ball when scooping, with hands near the top of the stick to get low. The best players run through the ball, not to it. They scoop with both hands and immediately protect the stick.

Beyond technique, evaluate the mental side. Does the player attack loose balls or wait to see what happens? Hesitation costs ground balls. The player who gets there first usually wins, even with imperfect technique.

Individual Offense and Defense

Offensive evaluation focuses on dodging, shooting, and stick protection. Can the player create space with their feet? Do they protect their stick when challenged? Watch shooting form and accuracy, but also shot selection—smart players take good shots, not just open ones.

Defensive evaluation looks at positioning, balance, and footwork. The best defenders don't chase their opponent's stick—they stay in good position and use legal checks at the right moments. Digital evaluation tools help you track these observations across your entire roster.

Lacrosse IQ: The Differentiator

Physical tools get a player on the field. Game intelligence keeps them there. Watch how players move without the ball: do they cut to support teammates? Do they see the whole field or just their immediate area? On defense, can they communicate and execute slides?

The best lacrosse players anticipate rather than react. They know where the ball is going before it gets there. This isn't teachable in the same way stick skills are—it comes from watching the game and playing it thoughtfully.

Lacrosse Scouting Report Template

A scouting report goes deeper than a tryout evaluation. While tryout forms assess many players quickly, scouting reports provide detailed analysis of individual players. Use this template when evaluating prospects for your program, tracking player development over time, or preparing for opponents.

Physical Profile

Record height, weight, and a general speed assessment. In lacrosse, size matters for certain positions (poles benefit from length, goalies need quick reflexes), but speed and athleticism often matter more than raw size. Note dominant hand and whether the player is developing their off-hand.

Intangibles Assessment

Competitiveness shows in contested situations. Does the player fight for ground balls? Do they battle through checks or avoid contact? Coachability reveals how a player responds to instruction. Watch how they react to corrections—the best players adjust immediately and don't make the same mistake twice.

Skill Category	1	2	3	4	5
Stick Skills	○	○	○	○	○
Athleticism	○	○	○	○	○
Lacrosse IQ	○	○	○	○	○
Competitiveness	○	○	○	○	○
Coachability	○	○	○	○	○
Notes
Total Score	_______ / 25

Notes Section

Strengths:

Areas to Develop:

Projection / Notes:

Youth Lacrosse Evaluation (Ages 8-14)

Youth lacrosse evaluation requires age-appropriate expectations. What you prioritize in a 9-year-old should differ from evaluation criteria for high school players. Younger athletes are still developing coordination, spatial awareness, and the mental processing speed that lacrosse demands.

Ages 8-10: Focus on Attitude and Basic Skills

At this level, evaluate coachability, enthusiasm, and basic stick skills. Can they catch and throw consistently? Do they understand where to be on the field? Most importantly, do they try hard and respond positively to coaching?

Ground ball technique matters less than ground ball effort at this age. A player who attacks every loose ball but hasn't perfected their scoop will develop faster than a player with good form who hesitates. Look for competitive fire and love of the game.

Ages 11-12: Add Fundamental Assessment

Players at this level show more differentiation in skills. You can start evaluating stick work with both hands, basic dodging moves, and defensive positioning. Watch who understands team concepts—cutting to support teammates, sliding on defense, and communicating on the field.

This is when position preferences emerge based on body type and skill set. Quick, agile players often gravitate toward midfield. Taller players with good hands might project as attackmen or poles. Let players try multiple positions rather than specializing too early.

Ages 13-14: Evaluate Position-Specific Skills

By this age, players should understand their position responsibilities. Evaluate dodge repertoire for attackmen, transition speed for middies, footwork and stick checks for defensemen. Physical attributes matter more, but game intelligence often predicts success better than size at this level.

Recommended Evaluation Weighting by Age

Age Group	Skills	Fundamentals	Attitude
8-10	25%	30%	45%
11-12	35%	35%	30%
13-14	45%	30%	25%
High School	50%	30%	20%

Green highlights show the highest priority category for each age group. Attitude matters most at younger ages; position-specific skills become primary as players mature and develop their lacrosse identity.

What Is 5 and 5 in Lacrosse?

In lacrosse, "5 and 5" refers to the fouling out threshold at the high school level. A player who accumulates either five personal fouls or five minutes of personal foul penalty time is removed from the game. This rule encourages clean play while giving players multiple chances before removal.

How Fouling Out Works

The rules specify different thresholds by level. USA Lacrosse youth rules(opens in new tab) state that players under 14 typically foul out after three personal fouls. At the high school level, NFHS rules(opens in new tab) use the 5-and-5 rule—five personal fouls or five penalty minutes, whichever comes first. College and professional levels have their own variations.

Why This Matters for Evaluation

Understanding foul thresholds helps evaluators assess defensive players. A defender who draws five fouls by halftime becomes a liability regardless of how well they play. Look for players who can defend aggressively within the rules—physical enough to disrupt, disciplined enough to stay on the field.

Note foul tendencies during tryouts. Players who frequently cross the line in practice will do the same in games. Coachability includes the ability to play hard within the rules.

Personal Fouls vs. Technical Fouls

Personal fouls (slashing, cross-checking, unnecessary roughness) result in time-serving penalties and count toward the 5-and-5 threshold. Technical fouls (offside, crease violations, holding) result in possession changes but don't accumulate toward fouling out. Help players understand the difference—personal fouls cost more than the immediate penalty.

Position-Specific Lacrosse Evaluation

Lacrosse positions demand distinct skill sets. Use position-specific evaluation after you've identified where a player projects, or when evaluating returning players who already have a role. Track position-specific development with Striveon's athlete management tools.

Attack Evaluation

Attackmen need to finish. Evaluate dodging repertoire—can they beat defenders with multiple moves? Watch shooting form, accuracy, and the ability to score in traffic. Off-ball movement separates good attackmen from great ones: do they cut at the right time and create passing lanes?

Feeding is essential for attackmen. The best create goals for teammates as often as they score themselves. Watch vision and the ability to deliver accurate passes under pressure.

Midfield Evaluation

Middies cover the most ground. Transition speed matters—can they push the ball in fast breaks and get back on defense? Ground ball dominance at midfield swings possession. Two-way play has become essential; middies who can only attack or only defend limit your lineup flexibility.

Shooting on the run rewards athletic middies. Watch if they can catch, take a few steps, and release accurately without slowing down. Defensive slides require communication and recovery speed—middies who can't slide hurt the entire defense.

Defense Evaluation

Defenders need footwork and patience. The best don't reach—they stay in good position and wait for the right moment to check. Body positioning and the ability to move an attacker where you want them separates poles from guys with long sticks.

Communication runs through the defense. Poles who call out picks, slides, and cutters make everyone better. Clearing ability has grown in importance as offenses pressure the ball more aggressively.

Goalie Evaluation

Goalies need positioning first, reactions second. A well-positioned goalie makes saves look easy because they've cut down angles before the shot. Watch hand-eye coordination on reaction saves, but prioritize consistent positioning.

Clearing passes start the offense. Goalies who can outlet long to breaking middies create transition opportunities. Communication matters too—goalies see the whole field and should direct the defense constantly.

Attack Skills

Skill Category	1	2	3	4	5
Dodging	○	○	○	○	○
Shooting	○	○	○	○	○
Finishing	○	○	○	○	○
Off-Ball Movement	○	○	○	○	○
Feeding	○	○	○	○	○
Notes
Attack Total	_______ / 25

Midfield Skills

Skill Category	1	2	3	4	5
Transition Speed	○	○	○	○	○
Ground Balls	○	○	○	○	○
Two-Way Play	○	○	○	○	○
Shooting on Run	○	○	○	○	○
Defensive Slides	○	○	○	○	○
Notes
Midfield Total	_______ / 25

Defense Skills

Skill Category	1	2	3	4	5
Footwork	○	○	○	○	○
Body Position	○	○	○	○	○
Stick Checks	○	○	○	○	○
Communication	○	○	○	○	○
Clearing	○	○	○	○	○
Notes
Defense Total	_______ / 25

Goalie Skills

Skill Category	1	2	3	4	5
Positioning	○	○	○	○	○
Reaction Time	○	○	○	○	○
Clearing Passes	○	○	○	○	○
Communication	○	○	○	○	○
Composure	○	○	○	○	○
Notes
Goalie Total	_______ / 25

Position-Specific Rating Definitions

Skill	1 (Needs Work)	3 (Average)	5 (Excellent)
Dodging	Cannot create space; loses ball on contact	Two-three moves; creates some separation	Elite dodger; demands slide; creates 2v1
Shooting	Misses cage consistently; poor form	Accurate to corners; adequate power	Elite finisher; scores from any angle
Finishing	Cannot convert close-range opportunities	Finishes basic crease plays	Elite finisher; creative around crease
Off-Ball Movement	Stands still; doesn't read defense	Cuts at right time; creates passing lanes	Elite cutter; draws attention without ball
Feeding	Cannot complete feeds; turnover prone	Accurate feeds under some pressure	Elite vision; no-look passes; creates goals
Transition Speed	Slow in transition; liability on break	Runs the floor; contributes to breaks	Elite transition player; game-changing speed
Two-Way Play	Offense only; doesn't get back	Competent on both ends	Dominant on both ends; changes game
Shooting on Run	Cannot shoot in transition	Basic shot on run	Elite shooter on run; goalkeeper's nightmare
Defensive Slides	Doesn't slide; leaves teammates exposed	Slides on time; recovers adequately	Elite help defender; quarterback of slides
Footwork	Flat-footed; reaches instead of moving	Good footwork; stays balanced	Elite footwork; forces attacker into bad positions

Lacrosse Tryout Drills and Plan

Organized tryouts reveal more than chaotic ones. When players stand around confused or wait in long lines, you miss evaluation opportunities. Homegrown Lacrosse recommends(opens in new tab) using drills that are easy to set up and explain so players at all skill levels understand the purpose.

Pre-Tryout Preparation

Calibrate your staff before players arrive. Review what each rating level looks like: "This is a 3 in ground balls—good form, wins some contested balls. This is a 5—attacks aggressively, wins most balls, creates turnovers." When evaluators see the same examples, they apply the same standards.

Set up stations before tryouts begin. Mark areas for line drills, ground ball circuits, and 1v1 matchups. Smooth logistics let your staff focus on evaluation instead of organization. Platforms like Striveon let you digitize evaluations and compare players across multiple tryout sessions.

Sample Tryout Drills

These drills reveal lacrosse skills that don't always show in scrimmages. Each drill targets specific abilities you need to evaluate.

Drill	Duration	Purpose	What to Watch
Line Drills	10 min	Stick skills warm-up	Catch and throw accuracy; watch hand position and footwork toward pass
Ground Ball Circuit	8 min	Ground ball technique	Scooping form, body positioning, running through the ball
1v1 Dodging	12 min	Offensive and defensive skills	Attack moves, stick protection; defensive footwork, body position
Shooting Stations	10 min	Shooting accuracy and form	Time and room shots, on-the-run, and quick-stick finishes
3v2 Fast Break	10 min	Transition and decision-making	Ball movement, filling lanes, defensive recovery
6v6 Scrimmage	20 min	Game situations	Full-field play; team concepts; competitive intensity

Station Rotation Strategy

Divide players into groups that rotate through stations. Each evaluator watches a specific skill area and sees every player on that skill. This creates consistency that roaming observation cannot match.

Watch how players interact between stations. Who encourages teammates? Who stays focused when not being directly evaluated? These observations predict team chemistry better than skill scores alone.

Scrimmage Evaluation

End with scrimmage time to see how players perform in game conditions. Watch who competes when the score gets tight. Some players shine in drills but disappear in games; others raise their level when it matters. Mental toughness shows in competitive settings more than isolated skill work.

Sample Tryout Schedule

Example schedule for evaluating 40 players in 2 hours with 4 evaluators.

Station	Duration	Players/Group	Skills Tested
Warm-Up / Line Drills	15 min	All (grouped)	Stick skills, catch/throw
Ground Ball Station	15 min	10-12 per group	Scooping, box-out, pursuit
1v1 Evaluation	20 min	Paired matchups	Dodging, defense, finishing
Position Groups	20 min	By position	Position-specific skills
Scrimmage	30 min	Two teams	Game IQ, competitiveness

Post-Tryout Review

Gather your staff after the final whistle. Compare scores across evaluators—agreements point to clear roster decisions while disagreements highlight players worth another look. Digital tools like Striveon compile scores instantly, letting you sort by position and identify standouts in minutes instead of hours.

Provide specific feedback to players who request it. "Your stick skills are solid but work on ground ball technique" helps more than vague advice. Clear criteria give players concrete development paths whether or not they make the roster.