At its best, Mass Youth Lacrosse coaching is about far more than teaching X’s and O’s. It’s about shaping character, building confidence, and fostering a lifelong love of the game.

Through the Mass Youth Lacrosse (MYL) Coaching & Education Program, Marty Bowes outlines four core principles in the Learn2Coach Lax platform that define what it means to be an effective, development-focused coach.

1. Be Kind — and Be Firm

Great coaches strike the balance between compassion and accountability.

• Kindness builds trust, safety, and confidence.

• Firmness establishes standards, structure, and respect.

Players thrive when they know their coach genuinely cares about them—but also holds them to clear expectations. This balance creates an environment where growth can happen.

2. Adopt a Growth Mindset

Coaching is a journey of continuous improvement. A growth mindset means:

• Being open to feedback

• Learning from mistakes

• Seeking better ways to teach and communicate

• Modeling lifelong learning for players

When coaches embrace growth, players learn to see mistakes not as failures, but as opportunities to improve.

3. Connect With Each Player — and the Team

Effective coaching is relational. It requires connecting with:

• Each individual player — understanding their strengths, challenges, and motivations

• The group as a whole — fostering teamwork, chemistry, and shared purpose

Players perform better when they feel seen, heard, and valued. A connected team environment enhances both skill development and enjoyment.

4. Be Fully Present — and Bring the Fun

Youth lacrosse should be engaging and energetic. Being fully immersed in the task at hand means:

• Giving players your full attention

• Creating focused, purposeful practices

• Infusing energy and enthusiasm into drills

• Making learning enjoyable

Fun is not the opposite of discipline—it is the fuel for learning. When players enjoy practice, they stay engaged, improve faster, and develop a lasting passion for the sport.