About the NLA

The NXT Lacrosse Academy (NLA) is for high-performing lacrosse players driven to take their game even higher. Our program matches a player’s intensity with small-group, position-based instruction built on Division I training curriculum. This isn't time to run through the motions in your average drill. Our goal is measurable improvement.

We're looking for the area's most talented and intense players who are committed to getting to the next level. Last year's NLA sold out and featured players committed to Maryland, Notre Dame, Lafayette, Stevens Tech, Salisbury, Ohio State, Richmond, Hofstra and more. 

Players in grades 6-12 are welcome to apply for their spot in the NLA. There is a two-step registration process with an application to ensure that the correct amount of players are enrolled in each group and at each specific position. 

The first 30 minutes of each session are whiteboard and video breakdown in the Main Line Sports Center Classroom directly next to the field. 

Sundays
1 - 3 PM | Middle School division (Grad Years 2024, 2025, 2026)
3 - 5 PM | High School division & Committed training (Grad Years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)

Main Line Sports Center
1340 Swedesford Road
Berwyn, PA 19312

WEEK 1 | POSITION 411

• What do you need to do to be elite at your position
• Position-based skills taught and drilled in small groups

WEEK 2 | EVEN NUMBERS

• How do you play in even-number situations?
• 1v1, 2v2, 3v3, 4v4  

WEEK 3 | ODD NUMBERS

• How do you play in odd-number situations?
• 2v1, 3v2, 4v3, 5v4, 6v5

WEEK 4 | REVIEW & PLAYER ASSESSMENT TOOL

• What did you learn?
• Each player will receive a handwritten positional evaluation at the completion of the program

DEFENSE

• Advanced stickwork for the complete defenseman
• Approaches: behind, wing and up top
• Nothing Top Side: playing the arc
• Shutting down wing dodges
• Fire, Fill and Find: sliding and recovering
• Defensive ground balls and escapes
• Checks: what and when to throw

FACEOFF MIDFIELDERS

• Advanced stickwork for the complete midfielder
• Feeding technique and accuracy
• After the Draw – the tough ground ball
• Defensive approaches and short-stick defense
• Shooting on the run
• Eyes on the prize: playing offense in transition

GOALIES

• Advanced stickwork for the complete goalie
• Tracking the ball and hand-eye quickness
• Footwork, angles, and positioning
• Making saves on island shots and time and room shots.
• Leading a Defense: communicating Fire, Find and Fill.
• Get the Break Going: outlets and starting transition.
• Tennis ball & reaction ball training

COLLEGE COACHES

This year's college coaches include:

• Evan Zielinski - Neumann University
• Trey Wilkes - Delaware
• Nick Taylor - Haverford College
• Eric Kluge - Eastern / All-American at Salisbury
• Charles Giunta - St. Joes
• Steve Layne - Formerly at Richmond
• Bill Leahy - PA HOF and La Salle Head Coach
• Gary Mercandante  - Ursinus
• David Alyanakian - F&M
• PT Ricci - Former coach at Loyola, Towson, and Cabrini
• Jamison Koesterer - UMBC