Convention Strands The US Lacrosse National Convention utilizes a "strand" system to help guide attendees to sessions and presentations that will be of most interest and benefit to each individual. As a guideline, each session is earmarked as either being Level 1, 2, 3, or 4. The levels correspond to the general breakdown shown in the grid below. STRAND  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Level 4 Player Descriptor Pure beginning player Experienced player, ready to move beyound basics More experienced player ready to develop advanced skills  Highly skilled lacrosse player  Buzz Word BASICS INTERMEDIATE ADVANCED  COLLEGIATE  Athlete Skill Level Beginning players, regardless of age Players with some lacrosse experience; beginner with basics mastered Players with multiple years lacrosse experience; ability to perform in a highly competitive environment Players with multiple years lacrosse experience; ability to perform in a highly competitive environment Player Development Focus Focus on fundamentals Fundamentals automatic, developing mental and tactical game theory; honing skills; Fundamental sports psychology  Advancement of the fundamentals, variety in skills, advanced team strategies, preparation for intense, competitive game-like situations. Conditioning for performance enhancement. Expansion of principles of sports psychology.  Focus will be on execution of advanced skills within a team context. Higher expectations of creativity and decision making, attention to special situations, peak performance concepts, advanced sports psychology. Typical age group, but not limited to 15 years and younger 18 years and younger  Highly skilled high school player, junior varsity or varsty level  Collegiate player  Avg. age bracket 10-15 years  14-18  16-19  18-plus  Competition Level Youth leagues, rec programs, developing high school teams Competitive inter-squad environment or school-based program similar to that of the junior and senior high school Varsity high school and elite club programs  Collegiate, high-level varsity high school and elite club programs  Exceptions, and others who may benefit Coach who is new to coaching lacrosse, regardless of age of player  Coaches of higher level U-15 teams. Caution on developmental considerations  Some collegiate players; club players Coaches of strong high school teams