Developed by USA Lacrosse, LaxFit® is a science-informed training program designed to reduce lower-body injury risk and improve athletic performance. This comprehensive curriculum targets key areas like core strength, balance, and proper landing mechanics — all critical in preventing ACL tears, ankle sprains, and other common injuries.
“Playing lacrosse has many benefits, but we also know that like many other sports, there’s still a risk of sustaining a physical injury,” said Dr. Jason Vescovi, vice president of high performance at USA Lacrosse. “To help reduce the risk of injury, especially lower body extremity injuries, USA Lacrosse developed the LaxFit exercise program that can be utilized as part of a dynamic team warm-up before practices and games, or used individually by players as part of their personal training sessions.”
The LaxFit program was developed in response to injury data collected over many seasons.
"In boys' lacrosse, half of all injuries are to the lower body, and 13 to 15-percent of those injuries are to the knee specifically," Vescovi said. "On the other hand, in girls' lacrosse, nearly three quarters of all injuries are to the lower body, and 25-percent of them are to the knee specifically. In general, the data show an increasing trend in lower body injuries and specifically, ACL tears in both boys' and girls' lacrosse."
Kylie Ohlmiller, a three-time collegiate All-American and a member of the gold-medal winning 2022 U.S. Women's World Championship team, endured two ACL injuries during her career. The recently retired star endured two-and-a-half years of recovery time from those injuries, during which time she became an advocate for the LaxFit program.
“I wish this program was something that existed 15 years ago for me,” Ohlmiller said. "One of the biggest things I learned is that you not only have to understand how to move with a lacrosse stick, but also how to move as an athlete. I’m so glad younger players have access to this resource.”
USA Lacrosse's Center for Sports Science and Safety is dedicated to helping reduce the risk of all injuries and to keeping all players on the field.
To help bring the LaxFit program to life, USA Lacrosse offers several resources to support effective use of the training program across all levels of the game. A LaxFit eLearning course is available as a member benefit via direct link, offering valuable guidance on the program’s structure, movements, and best practices for implementation. It also includes video demonstrations of the LaxFit exercises.
Current USA Lacrosse coach and official members can access the course directly through their eLearning account, or via the USA Lacrosse Mobile Coach app. A LaxFit Training Kit and Wall Poster with exercise diagrams are also available for purchase.
Whether you're just picking up a stick, or pushing for elite performance, LaxFit gives you the tools to elevate your game and reduce injury risk.
USA Lacrosse's Center for Sports Science and Safety
Created in 2016, USA Lacrosse's Center for Sports Science & Safety is devoted to research, education, collaboration, policy development, and best practice guidelines that benefit the safety and wellness of lacrosse players, with a particular focus on youth players.
The Center embraces an athlete-centered model, which means that all research, education, and support is focused on benefitting the lacrosse athlete and ensuring the promotion of safe environments in which athletes can enjoy lacrosse.
The Center has three foundational pillars -- Health & Safety, Training, and Performance. Ultimately, the aim is to deliver holistic support and resources to the lacrosse community.
