Youth Fundamentals
Future Ballers
Foundation, confidence, coordination, and early lacrosse habits for younger athletes.
Best for: K-6 fundamentals, confidence, coordination
Grades K–6 · Sundays 1–2 PM · 6 weeks · $149
View Details / RegisterDeveloped Different.Built for What’s Next.
From first catch to advanced development, Forge builds complete players for every stage of the journey.
40
Yrs Playing & Coaching
7
Programs & Counting
ALL AGES
Athletes Welcome
Official Affiliate
New for Grades K–6 · Coming Soon
Play Small. Dream Big.
3v3 · No contact · Team Announcements · $99 Founding Season
Choose Your Training Path
Choose your program.
Swipe to compare. Tap a card for details, schedule, and registration.
See the Full Player Pathway →
Youth Fundamentals
Position Training
Defensive Academy
Footwork, body position, approach angles, communication, and competitive defensive habits.
Best for: grades 7-12 defenders and long poles
Grades 7–12 · Sundays 4–5 PM · 6 weeks · $395
View Details / Register
Position Training
Offensive Academy
Dodging, shooting, decision-making, spacing, stickwork, and game-speed confidence.
Best for: grades 7-12 offensive players
Grades 7–12 · Sundays 3–4 PM · 6 weeks · $395
View Details / Register
Focused Training
Private Training
Personalized attention for athletes who need targeted coaching and a clearer plan.
Best for: targeted correction and a personal plan
All ages · By appointment · From $75
View Details / Register
Coming Soon
Lacrosse League
3v3, no-contact games with team announcements, arena team identity, weekly awards, and a Championship Night.
Best for: grades K-6, first-timers and Future Ballers grads
Grades K–6 · 6-week season · $99 at launch (+ $35 USA Lacrosse membership)
See Details / Join Interest List
Program Path
Future Ballers
Foundation, confidence, coordination, and early lacrosse habits for younger athletes.
DatesFall Oct 4 – Nov 8 · Winter Jan 10 – Feb 14 · Spring Mar 14 – Apr 11 · Summer June 6 – July 11
TimeSundays · 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
LocationEastside YMCA · 1250 Taylors Rd
Next StepRegister through the active program link or ask Forge a question.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Book a Free Player Evaluation
30–40 minutes · Free · Your athlete leaves with a written development plan and a recommended Forge training path.
Choose an Evaluation Time See everything the evaluation includesQuestions first? Send athlete details and a Forge coach will contact you within 24 hours.
Henry H.
2026 | Defense | Riverside HS | Greer, SC
“He breaks the game down to the fundamentals and makes every rep have a purpose.”
Michael and Kellie H.
Parents of Henry H.
“Beyond teaching lacrosse skills, he has instilled confidence, discipline, and sportsmanship.”
Sean M.
2026 | Defense | Riverside HS | Greer, SC
“As an absolute beginner, working with Coach Steele turned out to be the most rewarding and enjoyable experience of my athletic career.”
Led by Doug Steele
Built by a Serious Lacrosse Leader.
NCAAMulti-Year All-American
4-YearCollege Captain
4xDefensive MVP
Parents get structure. Players get standards. Forge gives athletes a clear path instead of random workouts.
Parent Questions
Fast answers before you buy.
What should we do first?
Compare the program cards above, or book a Player Evaluation and Forge will recommend the right path before you commit.
What is the Forge Player Evaluation?
A 30–40 minute, free position-specific session. Your athlete receives coaching and correction during the session, three identified strengths, two development priorities, a recommended Forge training path, and a written Parent Development Summary.
Do you train boys and girls?
Yes. Forge trains boys and girls. Available programs vary by age, position, coaching availability, and season. Contact Forge or book a Player Evaluation, and we will recommend the best current training option for your athlete.
Is this for beginners or serious players?
Both. Youth players can start with Future Ballers, while middle school and high school athletes can move into position-specific or private training.
Can parents compare programs quickly?
Yes. The mobile program rail gives the short version first. Deeper details stay available without forcing everyone to scroll through them.
How do we move forward?
Tap Programs to compare options and register directly, or tap Book Evaluation to send athlete details and schedule a Player Evaluation.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Book a Free Player Evaluation
The Forge Player Evaluation is a 30–40 minute, free position-specific session that ends with a clear development plan for your athlete. See everything the evaluation includes →
Have questions first? Send the athlete's details below and a Forge coach will contact you within 24 hours.
What We Offer
Our Academy Programs
Custom Team Programs Available
Forge can create custom team training programs for clubs, school groups, and position units. Inquire with the Forge coaches to build the right plan for your athletes.
Not sure which program fits your athlete?
Book a Free Evaluation
Youth Development · Ages 5–12 · Build the Athlete First
K-6 Future Ballers
Kindergarten – Grade 6 · Beginners Welcome · No Contact · Sticks & Tennis Balls Provided
Build confident athletes first, then skilled lacrosse players through movement, stickwork, and age-appropriate competition.
The Forge Promise
A premium youth pathway for families who want more than basic clinics. Forge gives young players the foundation to move well, learn faster, and enjoy the game while developing real skill.
Best For
- New and developing players
- Families seeking strong fundamentals
- Athletes ready for confidence-building reps
Training Method
- Movement-first warmups
- High-touch stickwork stations
- Small-sided games that teach IQ
Player Outcomes
- Better coordination and speed
- Stronger two-hand fundamentals
- More confidence with the ball
The K–6 Development Pathway
Stage 1 — Discover
Discover
K–2 · Ages 5–7
Play-based intro. Physical literacy, first stick, games not drills.
Stage 2 — Develop
Develop
Grades 3–4 · Ages 8–9
Learn-to-train. Catch-throw, ground balls, 3v3 / 4v4 small-sided.
Stage 3 — Elevate
Elevate
Grades 5–6 · Ages 10–12
Game-speed skill, position sampling, 5v5 / 7v7, game IQ.
K–6
Grade Range
60 MIN
Weekly Sessions
SMALL
Training Groups
FOUNDATION
Dev Focus
$149
6-week session
60-min weekly sessions
Grades K–6 · Sticks & tennis balls provided · No contact
Grades K–6 · Sticks & tennis balls provided · No contact
K–6 grad credit: $50 off 7–12 academy
Sibling discount: $40 off
Sibling discount: $40 off
Schedule
GradesGrades K–6
DaySunday
Time1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
LocationEastside YMCA
Program Dates
FallOct 4 – Nov 8
WinterJan 10 – Feb 14
SpringMar 14 – Apr 11
SummerJune 6 – July 11
Close Defense & LSM Development
Defensive Academy
Grades 7–12 · All Levels
Train the footwork, leverage, communication, and decision-making required to become a dependable impact defender.
The Forge Promise
Forge turns defenders into field leaders. Athletes learn how to win matchups, protect the middle, communicate early, and play with confidence against stronger competition.
Best For
- Close defense and LSM athletes
- Players who want better footwork
- Defenders ready for a higher standard
Training Method
- Approach and recovery progressions
- On-ball and off-ball concepts
- Live reps with direct correction
Player Outcomes
- Better matchup control
- Sharper slide recognition
- More confident team defense
Why This Works
Players improve faster when instruction is clear, reps are intentional, and feedback is immediate. Forge builds skill, confidence, and decision-making through a structured progression that translates directly to live play.
CLOSE/LSM
Position Tracks
10+
Drill Systems
4
Dev Pillars
GAME IQ
Built In
$395
6-week session
60-min weekly sessions
Grades 7–12 · All Levels
Grades 7–12 · All Levels
Sibling discount: $40 off
Schedule
GradesGrades 7–12
DaySunday
Time4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
LocationEastside YMCA
Program Dates
FallOct 4 – Nov 8
WinterJan 10 – Feb 14
SpringMar 14 – Apr 11
SummerJune 6 – July 11
Attack and Midfield Development
Offensive Academy
Grades 7–12 · All Levels
Develop dangerous offensive players who can dodge, feed, finish, and make confident decisions under pressure.
The Forge Promise
Forge builds complete offensive threats. Athletes learn how to create separation, read pressure, finish with purpose, and become harder to guard in real game situations.
Best For
- Attack and midfield athletes
- Players who need better scoring tools
- Playmakers ready to elevate their IQ
Training Method
- Dodging and shooting progressions
- Off-ball spacing and cutting
- Game-speed decision training
Player Outcomes
- Better separation and finishing
- Stronger field vision
- More confident offensive play
Why This Works
Players improve faster when instruction is clear, reps are intentional, and feedback is immediate. Forge builds skill, confidence, and decision-making through a structured progression that translates directly to live play.
ATT/MID
Position Tracks
5
Core Dodges
7+
Drill Systems
SHOT IQ
Built In
$395
6-week session
60-min weekly sessions
Grades 7–12 · All Levels
Grades 7–12 · All Levels
Sibling discount: $40 off
Schedule
GradesGrades 7–12
DaySunday
Time3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
LocationEastside YMCA
Program Dates
FallOct 4 – Nov 8
WinterJan 10 – Feb 14
SpringMar 14 – Apr 11
SummerJune 6 – July 11
Individualized Player Development
Private Training
All Ages · All Positions · 1-on-1 Training
Get focused, custom coaching designed around the player in front of us — not a generic workout.
The Forge Promise
Private training is the fastest way to identify the real gaps, fix the details, and build a development plan the athlete can actually follow between sessions.
Best For
- Players needing a custom plan
- Tryout and season preparation
- Athletes stuck at a plateau
Training Method
- 1-on-1 training
- Position-specific corrections
- Take-home development priorities
Player Outcomes
- Cleaner mechanics
- More confidence under pressure
- Faster progress with fewer wasted reps
Why This Works
Players improve faster when instruction is clear, reps are intentional, and feedback is immediate. Forge builds skill, confidence, and decision-making through a structured progression that translates directly to live play.
$75
1-on-1 / hr
5/10
Pack Options
$75
1-on-1 / hr
5-pack: $350 ·
10-pack: $650 ·
10-pack: $650 ·
Schedule
GradesAll Ages
DayAvailable by appointment
TimeWeekday and weekend availability
LocationEastside YMCA
Program DatesSubmit your preferred times — Forge confirms your session before payment
Private Training
Request a Private Training Time
Submit your preferred days and times before payment. Forge will confirm the session time and send the payment link.
Faceoff Specialist Development
Faceoff Academy
Grades 6–12 · All Skill Levels · Boys & Girls
The most undercoached position in lacrosse. Forge Faceoff Academy develops complete faceoff midfielders through battle-tested technique, explosive hand speed, and the post-draw IQ that turns won draws into goals. Win the X. Control the game.
The Forge Promise
Every faceoff is a one-on-one battle decided in fractions of a second. Forge teaches athletes to win that battle consistently — through proper stance, explosive hand speed, technique mastery, and the post-draw groundball and wing IQ that separates specialists from complete players. This is a full-position program, not a drill clinic.
Best For
- Current faceoff specialists leveling up
- Midfielders adding faceoff to their game
- Athletes new to the position starting from zero
- Any player who wants to impact possession
Training Method
- Stance, grip, and body positioning fundamentals
- Clamp, rake, and plunger technique progressions
- Counter-move development and opponent reading
- Post-draw groundball and wing play sequences
- Live competitive reps with game-speed pressure
Player Outcomes
- Higher win percentage at the X
- Faster reaction time off the whistle
- Reliable post-draw possession and fast-break creation
Why This Works
Most programs treat faceoffs as an afterthought. Forge treats it as a position demanding the same depth of instruction as attack or defense. Athletes improve faster when technique progressions build on each other, competition is built into every session, and post-draw decision-making is trained alongside the faceoff itself. A complete faceoff midfielder wins the ball — and then does something with it.
Coming Soon — Register Your Interest
Forge Faceoff Academy is in development. Be first to know when enrollment opens.
Elite Goalkeeper Development
Goalie Academy
Grades 5–12 · All Levels · Boys & Girls
The most important position on the field — and the most underdeveloped in youth lacrosse. Forge Goalie Academy gives goalkeepers dedicated position-specific instruction in technique, angle play, clearing, and the mental game required to anchor a defense.
The Forge Promise
Most goalies spend practice as targets — taking shots while the rest of the team runs drills. That’s not development. Forge Goalie Academy flips that model. Every session is purpose-built for the goalkeeper: footwork progressions, angle play, shot-stopping mechanics, outlet clearing, and the mental composure required to reset after a goal and compete at the highest level.
Best For
- Goalies at any level seeking dedicated instruction
- Youth players learning the position for the first time
- Experienced goalies refining mechanics and mental game
- Athletes considering transitioning into goal
Training Method
- Stance, ready position, and footwork fundamentals
- Angle play: cutting off shooting lanes, pipe-to-pipe movement
- Shot-stopping mechanics: high, low, hip, and off-angle saves
- Clearing: outlets, positioning, and decisions under pressure
- Mental game: reset routines, communication, and composure
Player Outcomes
- Improved save percentage and shot-stopping consistency
- Confident communication and defensive command
- Faster, more reliable clearing and transition reads
Why This Works
Goalies who receive dedicated position-specific coaching develop faster than those who simply take shots in practice. At Forge, angle play, footwork, and mental composure are taught as connected systems. When a goalie understands why they’re stepping to the pipe, why their hands are set a certain way, and how to clear under pressure — they stop reacting and start competing. That shift is what Forge Goalie Academy builds.
Coming Soon — Register Your Interest
Forge Goalie Academy is in development. Be first to know when enrollment opens.
Women’s Lacrosse Specialty Development
Forge Fierce Women’s Academy
Grades 5–12 · All Positions · Girls
Forge Fierce Women’s Academy is built exclusively for female lacrosse athletes — a dedicated women’s program covering attack, defense, draw controls, and goalie development under the same Forge standard. Built for the women’s game. Not an adaptation of the men’s program.
The Forge Promise
The women’s game has unique demands — draw controls, 8-meter arc play, shooting space, and positioning rules that differ fundamentally from the men’s game. Forge Fierce Women’s Academy is built around those differences, with curriculum and competitive reps designed specifically for female athletes at every level from youth through high school.
Best For
- Female athletes at any skill level
- Youth players entering the game for the first time
- Experienced players seeking position-specific development
- Athletes preparing for high school or club programs
Training Method
- Draw control technique and possession fundamentals
- 8-meter arc shooting and crease attack development
- Defensive positioning, marking, and slide systems
- Field vision, transition, and decision-making under pressure
- Position tracks: Attack · Defense · Midfield · Goalie
Player Outcomes
- Stronger technical foundation across all positions
- Improved game IQ and situational decision-making
- Increased confidence in competitive game environments
Why This Works
Female athletes develop faster in environments built around their game — not adapted from a men’s template. Forge Fierce Women’s Academy uses a women’s-specific curriculum with coaching that understands the rules, positioning, and strategic differences of the women’s game. The result is a program that meets female athletes where they are and develops them intentionally.
Coming Soon — Register Your Interest
Forge Fierce Women’s Academy launches when the right coaching staff is in place. Register your interest and be first to know when enrollment opens.
Athlete Stories
Athlete Testimonials
Real feedback from athletes building confidence, skill, and performance through Forge Lacrosse Performance.
Athlete
Goalie Development
“Coach Steele is an amazing coach with lots of high-level experience, which allows him to coach each player to their highest potential. He creates a standard with each player that makes every player stronger, faster, and have a higher lax IQ.”
Athlete
Leadership
“Coach Steele has had a tremendous impact on my life both on and off the lacrosse field. He pushed me to work harder, stay disciplined, and become the best version of myself.”
Coach Steele has had a tremendous impact on my life both on and off the lacrosse field. From the moment he started coaching me, he saw potential in me that I didn’t always see in myself. He constantly pushed me to work harder, stay disciplined, and strive to be the best version of myself.
Because of his guidance, encouragement, and belief in me, I have grown tremendously as a lacrosse player. He challenged me to improve my skills, compete at a higher level, and never settle for less than my best effort. More importantly, Coach Steele helped shape me into a better person by teaching me the values of hard work, accountability, leadership, and perseverance.
I am incredibly grateful for everything Coach Steele has done for me. His support and dedication have helped me become the best lacrosse player and person I can be, and I will carry the lessons he taught me for the rest of my life.
Athlete
Player Development
“As an absolute beginner, working with Coach Steele turned out to be the most rewarding and enjoyable experience of my athletic career. He is exceptionally sharp, intensely motivating, and consistently challenges every athlete to realize their full potential.”
Going into my senior year of high school, a few friends convinced me to try out for lacrosse, promising it was the best sport around. Even though picking up a completely new sport as a senior is incredibly late, I decided to go for it. The very first person I met on the field was Coach Steele.
As an absolute beginner, working with Coach Steele turned out to be the most rewarding and enjoyable experience of my athletic career. He cultivated an environment where we worked relentlessly both during and outside of practice, delivering instruction with a serious, high-stakes focus that demanded our best. Coach Steele’s approach to coaching is entirely unique compared to any other coach I’ve ever had, and its effectiveness is undeniable.
He is exceptionally sharp, intensely motivating, and consistently challenges every athlete to realize their full potential.
Looking back at the end of the season—after playing significant, non-stop minutes in our games—I reflected on what it actually took to reach that point. It required a massive amount of hard work and personal determination, but it also required a coach who invested everything he had into transforming me into a dominant player.
Holding my own against seasoned opponents who had played their entire lives—many of whom are moving on to play in college—and successfully shutting them down doesn’t just happen in a single year. It happens because of elite instruction.
Coach Steele immediately identified my natural attributes and strategically built upon them. For example, early in the season, he threw me into a high-pressure, man-down defensive situation that required a completely different tactical approach. He had total confidence that I could handle it, and because of that belief, I executed the assignment perfectly.
Beyond the X's and O's, Coach Steele invested in us as people, seeing every individual as more than just an athlete on a roster. He brought an immense passion to everything he did and genuinely cared about our growth off the field, pushing us to excel in every facet of our lives. That is how I know, without a doubt, that Coach Steele will bring that same dominance to any venture he pursues.
Forge Ecosystem
Built Around the Complete Athlete
Forge is more than a training session. It connects performance training, proprietary training environments, technology, wellness, and player development resources so families see a serious system around their athlete.
Performance Training Partner
Fusion Sports Performance
Forge’s performance programming partner, building the strength, speed, and movement-quality standards behind Forge athlete development. In-person performance training is integrated through D1 Training Greenville.
Exclusive Brain Protection Partner
Q-Collar
Q30’s Q-Collar is an FDA-cleared neck collar for athletes 13+ that applies light compressive force to the jugular veins to help protect the brain from effects associated with repetitive sub-concussive head impacts. It is used as an additional layer with sport-specific protective equipment and is not a guarantee against concussion or serious brain injury.
Forge discount code: FORGE
Visit Q30 →
Exclusive Recovery Partner
Hyperice
Forge’s exclusive recovery partner, supporting modern athlete readiness, recovery habits, and performance consistency between training demands.
Exclusive Hydration Partner
Motive Pure
Forge’s exclusive hydration partner, helping support better athlete hydration, recovery habits, and daily performance readiness beyond the training session.
Visit Partner →
Official Smart Ball Partner
Get Reps
Forge’s official Smart Ball partner, reinforcing intentional practice, skill development, accountability, and continued growth beyond a single session.
Train in the gear. Represent the standard. Shop Forge Gear →
Find Us
Training Facility
📍 Primary Location
Eastside YMCA
1250 Taylors Rd
Taylors, SC 29687
Greenville County · South Carolina
1250 Taylors Rd
Taylors, SC 29687
Greenville County · South Carolina
🕐 Session Schedule
Training Sessions: Fridays 6–8 PM & Sundays 1–5 PM
Private Training: By appointment
Contact us for current availability.
Private Training: By appointment
Contact us for current availability.
📞 Contact Us
Email: train@forgelacrosseperformance.com
Phone: (864) 448-6988
Instagram: @forgelacrosseperformance
We respond within 24 hours.
Phone: (864) 448-6988
Instagram: @forgelacrosseperformance
We respond within 24 hours.
Common Questions
FAQ
Forge supports youth, middle school, and high school lacrosse athletes. The right program depends on the athlete’s age, experience level, position, goals, and current development needs.
Both. Forge is built to meet athletes where they are. Newer players can build fundamentals and confidence, while more advanced athletes can sharpen position-specific skills, game habits, and performance priorities.
The best starting point is a Forge Athlete Evaluation. From there, Forge can recommend the right pathway based on the athlete’s age, skill level, position, goals, and development priorities.
The Forge Player Evaluation is a 30–40 minute, free position-specific session. Every athlete receives coaching and correction during the session, three identified strengths, two development priorities, a recommended Forge training path, and a parent development summary.
Forge provides lacrosse-specific skill development and connects athletes with performance training support through our partner network. Lacrosse-specific training happens through Forge, while performance training support is integrated through D1 Training Greenville.
Forge lacrosse-specific training takes place at our outdoor facility in Taylors, South Carolina. Performance training takes place at D1 Training Greenville.
Yes. Forge trains boys and girls. Available programs vary by age, position, coaching availability, and season. Contact Forge or book a Player Evaluation, and we will recommend the best current training option for your athlete.
Yes. Forge supports recruiting-focused athletes with development priorities, profile guidance, outreach planning, and a clearer understanding of what college programs may evaluate. Recruiting support is paired with continued player development.
Next Step
Ready to Find the Right Forge Path?
Book a Free Player Evaluation — 30–40 minutes — and Forge will identify the best next step based on age, position, experience level, goals, and current development priorities.