Summer 2023 - 34

ARMY LACROSSE
Training soldiers as athletes
By Scott Swanson, OTR/L, CSCS, MASC, Director of Strength &
Conditioning, West Point
W
hether on the
lacrosse field or
" in the field, " strength,
speed, and conditioning
are critical for mission
success. The program's
strength and conditioning
goals are to increase
performance and reduce
injuries. Both athletes and
soldiers must always be in a state of readiness.
As athletes continue to want to improve strength,
speed, agility, and mobility to help their game,
I am always receiving messages from soldiers
wanting to be better prepared for their next
mission in the same way. The goal of our program
34 | Tactical Training & Conditioning | Summer 2023
at West Point ensures the cadet-athletes are
ready for every game.
All athletes and soldiers are unique, and
their programming must reflect their individual
needs. As a coach, you must know your athlete's
strengths and weaknesses. With our cadets, we
program around a multitude of factors, including
but not limited to their deficiencies coming in,
pre or existing injuries, or biomechanical issues.
The prescribed training must be conducive to the
athlete's or soldier's goals. In the sport of lacrosse,
we have multiple positions and when I program
for soldiers (Infantry, Field Artillery, Armor,
etc.), I must know what energy systems will be
predominantly used, mission parameters, and the
time the soldier has for training up.
Summer 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Summer 2023
