NXT Lacrosse Academy

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.

Sundays
1 - 3 PM | Middle School division (Grad Years 2025, 2026, 2027)
3 - 5 PM | High School division & Committed training (Grad Years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)

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

BY POSITION

ATTACK

• Advanced stickwork for the complete attackman
• Getting to the island and scoring
• Crease play: cutting and finishing.
• Dodging through change of direction at X and on the wing
• Creating space from your defenseman
• Feeding technique and accuracy
• Time and room shooting
• 2-man games
• Mastering playing without the ball

MIDFIELD

• Advanced stickwork for the complete midfielder
• Dodging to create space through change of direction
• Feeding technique and accuracy
• Crease play: cutting and finishing
• Defensive approaches and short-stick defense
• Time and room shooting & shooting on the run
• Mastering sliding & recovering

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

WORKHORSE OF THE WEEK

While the NLA is the most elite training in the area, we take the time to evaluate every player and highlight them each week.

One standout middle school and high school player are selected weekly and highlighted for crushing it. A picture is taken (horse mask, optional) of the kids, their school/club, and some serious props are given for having a great week.

COLLEGE COACHES

This year's college coaches include:

Scott Meehan - St. Joseph's (middle school only)
Dave Page - UPenn (middle school only)
Trey Wilkes - Delaware (middle school only)
Evan Zielinski - Neumann University
Nick Taylor - Haverford College
Eric Kluge - Eastern / All-American at Salisbury
Bill Leahy - PA HOF and La Salle Head Coach
Gary Mercandante - Ursinus
David Alyanakian - F&M
Ron Garling - Cabrini
Alec Dambach - Chestnut Hill
Kevin Kohut - DelVal

*Due to NCAA recruiting restrictions, DI coaches are only permitted to coach the middle school age-group