Winnipeg Winterhawks U17 (2012-2010) & U22 (2009-2006) Girls Box Lacrosse Development Program
Our U17 & U22 Girls Box Lacrosse Development Program is designed for athletes looking to expand their lacrosse experience, develop their box lacrosse skills, and become more confident and effective players on the floor.
Whether players have experience in field lacrosse, box lacrosse, or are looking to transition into the indoor game, this program provides an opportunity to build on existing athletic abilities while developing the technical skills, tactical awareness, and game understanding required for box lacrosse.
At the U17 and U22 levels, players are ready to take their development further. Sessions will emphasize skill execution, offensive and defensive concepts, game awareness, decision-making, and applying individual abilities in competitive game situations.
Through structured practices, position-specific instruction, competitive drills, and game-based activities, players will develop a stronger understanding of the box lacrosse game while improving their confidence, versatility, and overall performance.
The goal is to bridge the gap between individual skill development and competitive team play, giving athletes the opportunity to challenge themselves, learn new aspects of the game, and prepare for higher levels of box lacrosse.
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Program Details
Age Groups: U17 (2012-2010) & U22 Girls (2009-2006)
Dates: Sundays – January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and February 7, 2027
Time: 12:00-1:00PM
Location: Gateway Recreation Centre
Travel Opportunity - U17 ONLY: Optional participation in the 2027 Jailbreak 4×4 Tournament, February 12–14, 2027, Saskatoon, SK
Program Cost: $250+ GST
Program Focus
Players will work on developing and refining intermediate box lacrosse skills, tactical concepts, and competitive execution, including:
Stick Skills & Ball Control
Improving passing accuracy, catching consistency, and stick control at game speed.
Developing ball protection, deception, and confidence handling the ball under pressure.
Improving passing while moving and executing in tight spaces.
Developing quick hands, awareness, and effective ball distribution.
Ground Balls & Possession
Refining ground ball technique, positioning, and contested ball skills.
Developing confidence winning possession in traffic.
Improving ball protection and outlet passing.
Understanding how ground ball possession creates offensive and transition opportunities.
Shooting & Offensive Development
Improving shooting mechanics, accuracy, release speed, and finishing.
Developing shooting on the move and creating scoring opportunities.
Understanding offensive spacing, timing, and movement without the ball.
Introduction to picks, screens, give-and-go plays, and two-player offensive combinations.
Learning to recognize defensive coverage and make effective offensive decisions.
Defensive Skills & Positioning
Developing defensive footwork, positioning, and body control.
Understanding individual defensive responsibilities and team positioning.
Improving communication, coverage, and awareness.
Introduction to defensive rotations, slides, and switching.
Learning how to anticipate offensive movement and respond effectively.
Transition & Game Awareness
Developing offensive and defensive transition skills.
Understanding fast breaks, odd-player situations, and defensive recovery.
Improving decision-making and recognition of opportunities during gameplay.
Developing an understanding of game flow, possession, and situational play.
Offensive & Defensive Systems
Introduction to structured offensive movement and team concepts.
Understanding spacing, ball movement, and player responsibilities.
Developing defensive communication and team positioning.
Learning how individual skills contribute to overall team execution.
Athletic & Performance Development
Improving agility, acceleration, balance, and change of direction.
Developing coordination, quickness, and overall athletic movement.
Building conditioning and confidence competing in a fast-paced environment.
Improving the ability to execute skills while moving and under pressure.
What to Expect
Each session will combine technical instruction, tactical development, and competitive activities designed to help players improve their skills and understanding of the box lacrosse game.
Sessions may include:
Game-speed stick-handling, passing, and catching drills.
Competitive ground ball and possession battles.
Shooting, scoring, and offensive movement drills.
Position-specific offensive and defensive instruction.
Two-player and small-group offensive combinations.
Defensive positioning, communication, and coverage drills.
Transition and fast-break scenarios.
Small-area competitive games.
Situational gameplay and modified scrimmages.
Team concepts, communication, and game strategy.
As players progress, sessions will incorporate more complex game situations, increased pressure, and opportunities to apply individual skills within team systems.
Optional Tournament Opportunity - U17 ONLY– Jailbreak 4×4
Players will have the opportunity to participate in the 2027 Jailbreak 4×4 Tournament, taking place February 12–14, 2027, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
This optional tournament provides an opportunity to put developing skills into action, experience competitive box lacrosse, and gain valuable game experience alongside fellow Winnipeg Winterhawks athletes.
The 4×4 format encourages quick decision-making, creativity, offensive movement, defensive responsibility, and the ability to execute in tight spaces. It is an excellent opportunity for players to develop their game awareness, build confidence, and experience the excitement of tournament competition.
Additional tournament participation details will be provided to interested families.
Additional Tournament Cost: $250 plus GST
Our Goal
The Winnipeg Winterhawks are committed to creating opportunities for U17 and U22 female athletes to grow their game, expand their lacrosse experience, and develop a stronger understanding of competitive box lacrosse.
We recognize that players will enter the program with different backgrounds and levels of box lacrosse experience. Some may have extensive field lacrosse experience, while others may have played box lacrosse previously or be looking to make the transition to the indoor game.
Our goal is to build on each athlete's existing abilities while providing the instruction, repetitions, and game experience needed to become more confident and well-rounded box lacrosse players.
Players will be encouraged to challenge themselves, take ownership of their development, communicate with teammates, and apply what they learn in competitive situations.
Whether your player is looking to transition from field to box lacrosse, improve their existing box lacrosse skills, or gain additional floor time and competitive experience, this program offers a great opportunity to continue developing as an athlete and expand their game.
Develop your skills. Expand your game. Compete with confidence.
Come develop your game and be part of the Winnipeg Winterhawks family!
