What shot speed do you need to play college lacrosse?

Updated October 2026

Quick answer: men’s D1 attackmen typically shoot about 82–97 mph and midfielders 85–100 mph, with D3 starting near 75 mph. Women’s D1 attackers and midfielders typically shoot about 58–70 mph, with D3 starting near 51 mph.

Shot speed is the radar reading of your player’s hardest shot. It’s one of the fastest ways for a coach to judge power, and it’s easy to retest as your player grows.

Men’s shot speed by position

The first number is a typical entry point for the level and the second is the top of the range.

Position	D1	D2	D3	NAIA	JUCO
Attack	82–97 mph	78–92 mph	75–89 mph	78–92 mph	74–90 mph
Midfield	85–100 mph	80–94 mph	77–91 mph	80–94 mph	76–92 mph
Faceoff	75–90 mph	72–86 mph	70–84 mph	72–86 mph	68–84 mph
LSM	78–95 mph	75–90 mph	72–87 mph	75–90 mph	70–87 mph

Midfielders carry the highest targets because they shoot on the run from distance. Defensemen aren’t scored on shot speed.

Women’s shot speed by position

Position	D1	D2	D3	NAIA	JUCO
Attack	58–70 mph	54–65 mph	51–62 mph	54–65 mph	50–61 mph
Midfield	58–70 mph	54–65 mph	51–62 mph	54–65 mph	50–61 mph

Women’s shots are slower, partly because of the shallower pocket rules, so compare women’s numbers only with women’s ranges.

Get your player’s college fit

Enter your player’s numbers and see their best-fit level free, then compare every stat with D1, D2, D3, NAIA and JUCO ranges.

Start the free check

How shot speed is measured

Use a radar gun such as a Pocket Radar or Stalker, held behind the cage in line with the shot. Record whether it was a standing or running shot, overhand or sidearm, the date and the device. Running overhand shots read higher. Showcase and combine readings carry more weight than backyard numbers.

Age matters

These ranges are for high school seniors. A freshman shooting 75 mph can be right on pace for a D1 range by senior year, so underclassmen are judged against their class.

Ways to raise shot speed

Rotational power: med-ball scoop and shot-put throws.
Lower-body and core strength: squats, deadlifts and rows.
Mechanics: hips before shoulders, a long stride and hands away from the body.
A legal, well-strung stick that releases cleanly.
High-intent shooting reps with a radar, a few times a week.

A worked example

A senior men’s attackman shooting 94 mph is near the top of the D1 range. At 86 mph he sits in the D1 entry band and fits D2 well. At 80 mph his shot fits D3, NAIA and JUCO, and the rest of his game decides the level.

Common mistakes

Sharing one best shot with no date or device.
Comparing a freshman with senior ranges.
Chasing radar numbers while accuracy drops.
Comparing women’s numbers with men’s ranges.

Other things coaches weigh

Accuracy, shooting on the run, game production, stick skills, speed, lacrosse IQ, grades and character all count. Shot speed opens the door; the rest of the game keeps it open.

Sharing shot speed with coaches

Lead with a verified reading, list where and when it was taken, and pair it with your 40 and shuttle times.

Common questions

Is 90 mph a good lacrosse shot?

For a high school boy, yes. 90 mph is inside the D1 range for attack and midfield and above the typical D2 and D3 entry points.

What shot speed do D1 lacrosse players have?

Typical D1 ranges are about 82–97 mph for men’s attack, 85–100 mph for men’s midfield and 58–70 mph for women’s attack and midfield.

Does shot speed matter more than accuracy?

No. Coaches want both, and a hard shot that misses the cage doesn’t help. Shot speed is just quicker to measure and compare.

How can my player shoot harder?

Build rotational power and leg strength, clean up hip and shoulder sequencing, and take high-intent shots with a radar so progress is visible.

More recruiting guides

Ranges are LacrosseFuture planning targets built from 2025-26 college rosters, published combine results and recruiting guidelines, checked October 2026. They are typical ranges for high school seniors, not NCAA standards, and a fit score is an estimate, not a coach’s evaluation.