Lacrosse players looking to achieve the most out of their summer were at the third Pinnacle Lacrosse Camp, hosted by Clarkston lacrosse coach Brian Kaminskas and his staff, as well as Clarkston players.
The camp, split into two sessions for third-eighth graders and the following week for ninth-12th graders, was at Clarkston High School Stadium the last two weeks of June. More than 70 players enrolled in the camp, which was for the truly adventurous on the heat-soaked field.
‘The system we run is all based on the man with the ball distributing the ball or shooting and we’re trying to teach that at all levels,? Kaminskas said.
The coach’s favorite part of the camp is when the players engage in shooting competitions.
‘Shooting is such a vital part of the game and the kids like it,? Kaminskas said.
‘They go for shot speed, they challenge each other and see how fast they can get it going.?
Clarkston player Rob Julian made his third visit to the Pinnacle camp, but his first as a mentor.
Julian likes to mentor the program’s younger players, and like Kaminskas, teaching others to shoot.
‘Shooting on the run is an art in itself’there’s a lot of mechanics you have to get right before you can master the skill. I’m offensive-minded and shooting is just fun for me,? Julian said.
Julian encourages the younger players to keep looking for the extra pass when they have the ball and to work as hard as they can without possession.
‘When you get into higher levels, having off-the-ball movement is crucial,? Julian said.
The camp also serves as an initiation for future Wolves, Julian said.
‘A lot of the Clarkston kids come and you get to see the freshman and JV talent. You get to help them get better because you don’t get to see them much during the season,? he said.
‘We go through a lot of the practice stuff in camp. We get to get the younger guys into a routine and we get a connection with the younger (players).?
‘This is like cheating, you get to see what’s coming up, assuming they develop (as expected), you can plan your future,? Kaminskas said.
‘That can put you ahead three or four weeks when the season starts because you’re not looking to fill spots.
‘We’re really working (on) our talent base.?