Halloween is only days away — time to get your costume ready and stock up on candy for all of the little trick-or-treaters in your life. And, if you’re a lacrosse coach practicing in the fall, that includes your team.

Conjure Up Halloween Fun — Lax Style

To get the players on my team into the spirit (pun intended), I challenge them with some Halloween-themed lacrosse games and drills. The kids get excited, and it keeps things fresh.

The Piñata Shooting Drill is one of their favorites, and it can also be played in your backyard using a practice goal.This is actually easier than it sounds and even a notorious sloth like me can get this set up in a matter of seconds. All you need are some paper lunch bags, a marker, some tape, and a pile of candy.

First, draw a jack-o-lantern or a ghost on the paper lunch bags. Fill the bags with candy, and then tape them to the upper corners of the lacrosse goal. Now let the kids take turns shooting balls at the piñatas. When the bag breaks, have the kids quietly go pick up the candy — yeah right! More like shrieks or howls of delight!

Actually, I find that setting rules of behavior for the ensuing melee is a good idea. The usual rules you have at practice like: no kicking, no biting, no spitting, etc. are a good start. However, you may want to add a limit to the amount of Starburst they are allowed to put in their mouth at one time, and other appropriate rules of consumption and behavior.The hardest part of this drill is getting one of your players to hit and break open the bags. If it goes on too long, I usually let one of my younger coaches take a few shots (no need to embarrass myself).

Another, even easier way to scare up a little fun at a Halloween practice is to simply rename any competitive drill. Try “The Vampires vs. Werewolves Drill” or “The Zombies vs. Ghosts Drill.” They’ll love it. As for my costume, I will be masquerading as a lacrosse coach this Halloween.