Box Lacrosse is coming to the North Shore this winter! Played indoors in a hockey rink-sized arena, box lacrosse is a fast-paced, high-scoring 6-on-6 game that builds quick decision-making, precise stick skills, and toughness. The confined space and constant action accelerate skill development, improving field vision and ball control that directly enhance field lacrosse performance.

Many top college and pro players credit box lacrosse for their creativity, quick thinking, and advanced stick work giving them a clear edge on the field.

Kougarz Box Lacrosse (team website) was founded by Coach Derek Yannone, a St. John’s Prep and Endicott College alum who has coached with the Faceoff Factory, St. Anselm’s College, and St. John’s Prep.

Kougarz will field two teams (5th–6th grade and 7th–8th grade). Tryouts are Sunday, Nov. 16, 2:30–4:30 PM at Danvers Indoor Sports (register here!). Practices run Sundays, 2–3:30 PM, December–mid-February at the same location. Teams will compete in two tournaments:

• Connecticut Box Championships — Jan 17–18
• Connecticut Indoor — Feb 14–15

For more info contact Coach Yannone at kougarzboxlc@gmail.com or visit https://kougarz.com

Make sure every player is taking the time to hit the wall and work on their stick skills. It is critical that each player develops their stick skills every off season. 

FOR BEST RESULTS

1. Find a flat brick or concrete wall at least 10 feet high, the longer the better
2. Every drill that you do- do it with both hands
3. Always wear gloves when you are performing your routine- you play with gloves so why not practice with gloves
4. Stand 5-7 yards away from the wall
5. Perform this routine at least 4-5 times per week
6. Each routine should be at least 20 minutes in length- if you finish all drills in less than 20 minutes, repeat drills starting with the drill that challenged you the most.
7. Listening to music always helps me work harder, so crank up the tunes
8. Have fun!

LACROSSE WALL BALL DRILLS

1. Quick stick – 50 right, then 50 left (no cradle)
2. One hand quick stick- 50 right, then 50 left (no cradle)
3. Quick stick- change hands each time you throw the ball while the ball is in the air- 50 right, then 50 left ( no cradle)
4. Both hand catch and cradle- 50 right, then 50 left (one quick cradle)
5. One hand catch and cradle – 50 right, then 50 left (one quick cradle)
6. Face dodge- catch-face dodge-throw- 50 right, then 50 left
7. Split dodge- throw right, catch right, split dodge to left hand, throw left, catch left, split back to right hand- 50 right, then 50 left
8. Cross handed- 50 right, then 50 left- “cross handed” means stick in right hand on the left side of body, or stick in left hand on right side of body (one quick cradle each time)
9. Behind the back- 50 right, then 50 left
10.Develop your own drill (Be creative and make sure you use both hands)

Registration will open at the end of November for the 2026 season. DYL has teams for both Girls and Boys grades 1/2, 3/4, 5/6 and 7/8. 

Practice starts mid March with games being played on the following Sundays:

Week 1 – Sunday, April 12

Week 2 – Sunday, April 19

Week 3 – Sunday, April 26

Week 4 – Sunday, May 3

Week 5 – Sunday, May 10

Week 6 – Sunday, May 17

Week 7 – Sunday, May 31 (May 24 is Memorial Day Weekend)

Week 8 – Sunday, June 7

LITTLE LAXERS 

This program is for our Pre-K and Kindergarten aged players looking to learn the game of Lacrosse. The program starts the last weekend of April. Little Laxer sticks will be provided for each player. This is a practice and learn program only. No games will be played.