A professional lacrosse player is much more than a weekend warrior. He is an athlete, a skilled technician and a team player all at once. Young athletes who wish to make the jump to the professional stage should strive to develop six essential qualities, which are key to success.

6 Qualities Every Professional Lacrosse Player Possesses

1) Athleticism

Lacrosse is called the fastest game on two feet for a reason. Action is non-stop up and down the field all four quarters. The speed of the game requires athleticism.

Lacrosse stars are well-rounded athletes. They have strength, speed and agility.

Young players who long to play in Major League Lacrosse could start their ascent with a simple regime of regular exercises, including lifting weights, jogging, wind sprints and more.

2) Mad Skills

At its essence, lacrosse is a game of skill, but these skills require practice to perfect. In lacrosse, strong fundamentals like catching, throwing and cradling, breed successful players.

Before you try to throw a lacrosse ball across the Baltimore Harbor like Paul Rabil, players should spend some time at a nearby wall to practice catching and throwing. Since all the best lacrosse players are ambidextrous, young players should focus on developing their weak hand as well.

If you develop mad skills, one day you may find yourself in Rob Pannell’s shoes, shooting behind the back in the MLL All-Star game.

3) Team player

With 10 players on the field at a time, professional lacrosse is more a team sport than an individual one. Yes, there are stars like Greg “Beast” Gurenlian, but every player plays a distinct role. As the ball moves up and down the lacrosse field, constant collaboration brings victory.

Successful lacrosse players learn to put egos aside. Virtually every player on the professional lacrosse field was the best on their team at one time. But when the stakes change, winners learn to become good teammates.

4) Excellent work ethic

Every player in pro lacrosse is incredibly talented. But that’s not why they’re on the field and others aren’t. One of the secrets lies in their work ethic. In lacrosse, those that can out train, out hustle and outfox the competition move on to the next level.

MLL players all have regular workout plans that they follow nearly year round. To play pro ball, lax rats must be gym rats, too.

5) Intellectually curious

Lacrosse is fast-paced and hard-hitting but also strategic. As the sport evolves, the leading players are continually thinking and learning.

If you aim to play professional lacrosse, remember your brain is as valued as your brawn.

6) Hungry to Win

A drive to win is a crucial quality for any successful lacrosse player. It can carry a player through that extra mile of their jog or propel them to sprint after a loose ball.

Like in any sport, true competitors rise above the rest.