"Steal the Fox’s Tail": A Perfect Warm-Up Game for Boys’ Lacrosse
Starting practice with energy, competition, and movement is key to getting players ready for lacrosse. The classic game "steal the fox’s tail" may seem like child’s play, but when properly adapted, it becomes an effective tool for physical and mental activation, perfectly suited to a sport that demands explosiveness, agility, and quick reactions.
Why Use This Game as a Warm-Up in Boys’ Lacrosse?
In men’s lacrosse, players need to be fast, strong, and make decisions in split seconds. A warm-up should not only get the body ready but also stimulate competitiveness and mental focus. This game is fun, but it also delivers on all of those fronts from the very first minute:
1. Full-Body Mobility
Players work on directional changes, acceleration, deceleration, and coordination.
It activates key muscle groups used in lacrosse: legs, core, and shoulders.
2. Reaction and Situational Awareness
Players must constantly read the movements of opponents and teammates, just like in real-game scenarios such as 1v1 matchups, defensive slides, or clears and rides.
3. Competitive Focus
A competitive atmosphere builds naturally, but without added pressure.
Encourages players to go all out and take pride in protecting their tail.
4. Resilience and Mindset
When a player loses their tail, they can re-enter after completing a small physical challenge, reinforcing a never-quit mentality.
How to Adapt It for Boys’ Lacrosse
Basic Version (No Stick)
Each player tucks a ribbon into the back of their shorts.
In a designated space (half-field or a large square), players move freely trying to protect their own tail while stealing others’.
Can be played as an elimination game or with a tally of tails stolen.
Stick Version (Intermediate/Advanced)
Each player carries their lacrosse stick and a ball.
The challenge is to protect the tail while maintaining ball control with proper cradling.
If the ball drops, the player must complete a short penalty (e.g., 5 burpees or 10 wall balls) before re-entering.
Useful Variations
Team version: Two teams each choose a “fox” with a tail. The team works to protect their fox while trying to steal the opponent’s.
Lives or challenges: When players lose their tail, they complete a short physical task before coming back in (push-ups, planks, short sprints).
Short rounds: 60–90 second rounds with brief rest in between to promote high-intensity intervals.
Conclusion
"Steal the fox’s tail" is more than just a fun game—it's an excellent way to kick off a boys’ lacrosse practice. It gets the body moving, sharpens the mind, and brings out a competitive spirit from the start.
Players warm up faster, improve agility and awareness, and do it all while competing and having fun with teammates. It’s an ideal way to transition into a focused, high-energy training session.
