On Saturday, emphasis was indeed on speed and looking at out heart rates, you could tell. In addition to diving deep into running technique and 30-30-30 sprints, Lesley introduced us to Laxfit HIIT workouts, in which high-intensity interval training is paired with stick skills and game-like exercises. We highly appreciated that both of the coaches prayed what they preach and joined in for the intensive Laxfit session with us – you could feel the team spirit in the air when everyone cheered each other on to push through a little bit longer. Altogether the drills we did provided us with plenty to take back home to our individual training and to our club practices.

To balance out the high-tempo training, we had two theory sessions, where the players were divided into groups to gather information about the topics on hand and then present them to the rest of the group. In the first theory session we tackled the Sixes rules, which most of us have acquainted ourselves with in the past three summers. However, when it comes to rules, some revising never did any harm. While the groups presented their topics, we all came to realise just how much Sixes weaves field to box and vice versa. It's inspiring how new the game still is and how everyone in the lacrosse community is still learning how to best play it! The second session was all about mental game and its importance. It provided us with a ton to think about in terms of the benefits of visualisation, relaxation, positive self-talk and a focus plan in an atlete's game and life overall.

Let's just say that by Sunday morning we all could feel our legs. Nevertheless we didn't let that budge our work ethic, which Hawke complimented us on. Sunday was the most game-like practice day and in the end there was some scrimmage action, too. The final whistle was blown too soon, at least based on the disappointed murmur. However that quite quickly turned into excited anticipation as Hawke and Miller wrapped the weekend up. These ladies are ready to put in the work for the ECs!

Head coach Lesley Hawke’s comment:

Travelling to Finland and meeting the players who hope to make up the National Team Sixes Squad was an experience unmatched. 

From the minute I landed in Helsinki and travelled to Pajulahti, I was embraced by all of the participants and it set the stage for a fantastic weekend of lacrosse. The players were keen, ready to learn and expand on what they already knew about the game. 

They were enthusiastic and put in the work both on and off the field. 

What really impressed me the most was knowing that these players all came from different clubs and were willing to step out of their comfort zones and work with people they usually play against. That to me is the true spirit of a National team and they all embraced it. There were lots of laughs and fun to be had amongst the gruelling speed work and conditioning drills. 

Ending the weekend with a Sixes scrimmage left me excited to return and continue my work with this amazing program. And huge thanks to Jokke for stepping up to help me coach. You can tell he already has an amazing rapport with the players and I look forward to building on that together.