Should Volleyball Players Play Lacrosse?

In today’s competitive sports landscape, athletes are increasingly encouraged to specialize early. But is that always the best path? For volleyball players, exploring a second sport like lacrosse might offer surprising benefits. Both sports demand agility, coordination, and mental toughness—raising the question: should volleyball players play lacrosse?

Lacrosse vs Volleyball

While volleyball and lacrosse share athletic foundations, they differ significantly in gameplay, physical demands, and skill emphasis.

Understanding these contrasts helps athletes and coaches decide whether crossover training makes sense.

Gameplay Style

• Volleyball: Played on a court with a net, emphasizing vertical movement, quick reflexes, and precise ball control.
• Lacrosse: Played on a field with goals, emphasizing horizontal movement, stick handling, and physical contact.

Physical Demands

• Volleyball: Focuses on explosive jumping, core stability, and shoulder mobility.
• Lacrosse: Requires sprint endurance, upper body strength, and full-body coordination.

Skill Emphasis

• Volleyball: Prioritizes timing, hand-eye coordination, and reactive defense.
• Lacrosse: Develops spatial awareness, stick skills, and strategic positioning.

Team Dynamics

• Volleyball: Structured rotations and set plays demand tight coordination.
• Lacrosse: Fluid formations and transitions encourage adaptive communication and improvisation.

Shared Athletic Traits Between Volleyball and Lacrosse

Despite their differences, volleyball and lacrosse share several core athletic demands:

• Agility & Footwork: Quick lateral movement and explosive transitions are essential in both sports.
• Hand-Eye Coordination: Tracking fast-moving balls and reacting with precision is a shared skill.
• Endurance & Speed: Volleyball’s short bursts and lacrosse’s sustained sprints both build cardiovascular resilience.
• Mental Toughness: High-pressure decision-making and competitive focus translate across both games.

Transferable Skills from Volleyball to Lacrosse

Playing lacrosse can enhance several volleyball-specific skills:

• Defensive Positioning: Lacrosse teaches spatial awareness and anticipation—key for volleyball defense.
• Explosive Movement: Sprinting and dodging in lacrosse complement jumping and diving in volleyball.
• Passing & Timing: Both sports require crisp, well-timed passes under pressure.
• Communication: Fast-paced team dynamics in lacrosse sharpen verbal and non-verbal cues used in volleyball.

Benefits of Lacrosse for Volleyball Players

Lacrosse isn’t just a fun change of pace—it can be a strategic training tool:

• Off-Season Conditioning: Keeps athletes active and engaged without repetitive volleyball drills.
• Upper Body Development: Stick handling and shooting build shoulder and arm strength.
• Visual Tracking: Reading plays and reacting to movement improves peripheral awareness.
• Mental Refresh: A new sport can reignite motivation and reduce burnout.

Case Studies & Athlete Examples

Many successful athletes have thrived in both sports:

• High School Standouts: Dual-sport athletes often show improved performance and leadership.
• College Recruits: Coaches value versatility and adaptability—traits honed through multi-sport experience.
• Coach Insights: Trainers report better injury resilience and mental focus in athletes who diversify.

See recruiting tips for multi-sport athletes from NCSA Sports.

Coaching Advice for Volleyball and Lacrosse Multi-Sport Athletes

If you’re considering lacrosse as a secondary sport, here’s how to do it right:

• Middle School: Encourage exploration and skill development across sports.
• High School: Prioritize recovery and communication between coaches.
• College Prep: Use lacrosse to build complementary skills without sacrificing volleyball goals.
• Scheduling Tips: Plan off-season training cycles to avoid overlap and burnout.

Final Verdict: Is Lacrosse Good for Volleyball Players?

Lacrosse can be a powerful complement to volleyball—enhancing athleticism, building resilience, and offering a fresh competitive outlet. While it’s not for everyone, the crossover potential is real. For athletes seeking growth, variety, and challenge, lacrosse might just be the edge they need.