World Championship build up - Jason Jones
With the World Championships coming up we at TopJLax decided that it was a good idea to interview a few people who are going to be involved, either at an administrative level or in a playing capacity. For the first interview Coach Dave spoke with Wales LSM Jason Jones. Jason started playing lacrosse at Liverpool University and has since moved to Wilmslow LC.
With the World Championships coming up we at TopJLax decided that it was a good idea to interview a few people who are going to be involved, either at an administrative level or in a playing capacity. For the first interview Coach Dave spoke with Wales LSM Jason Jones. Jason started playing lacrosse at Liverpool University and has since moved to Wilmslow LC.
With the World Championships coming up we at TopJLax decided that it might be a good idea to interview a few people who are going to be involved, either at an administrative level or in a playing capacity. For the first interview, of hopefully many, Coach Dave interviewed Wales LSM Jason Jones. Jason started playing lacrosse at Liverpool University and has since moved to Wilmslow LC.
Coach Dave: How do you feel the preparation for the Worlds is going? Are you doing anything specially to ramp up your training to peak in July? What do you consider/hope Wales' chances will be?
Jason Jones: As far as Wales goes we having been training extremely hard over the last year playing games against tough opposition and really refining our skills and teamwork. Coming second in the British Nationals was a big achievement for us and we still have more to give: I think people can expect big things from us this summer. Personally I have been hampered by a broken metatarsal in the run up to the summer, 13 weeks without running has held me back, but im training even harder now to be as fit as possible for July.
Jason Jones: As far as Wales goes we having been training extremely hard over the last year playing games against tough opposition and really refining our skills and teamwork. Coming second in the British Nationals was a big achievement for us and we still have more to give: I think people can expect big things from us this summer. Personally I have been hampered by a broken metatarsal in the run up to the summer, 13 weeks without running has held me back, but im training even harder now to be as fit as possible for July.
CD: How did you manage the step up between University Lacrosse and North Prem? Was there anything that surprised you about the move from Liverpool to Wilmslow?
JJ: I started playing lacrosse in my first year of university and was lucky enough to live with an ex Stockport Grammar laxer (Andrew 'Faz' Farrington) who made me into the player I am today. Going from university lacrosse to Premiership was a massive step and one i'm still adapting to: there are no easy games, every attacker is a threat and the game is so much quicker. When you play against and alongside great players you can't help up pick your own game up. Two seasons in the North Premiership have made me a better player and really helped my chances in the national squad.
JJ: I started playing lacrosse in my first year of university and was lucky enough to live with an ex Stockport Grammar laxer (Andrew 'Faz' Farrington) who made me into the player I am today. Going from university lacrosse to Premiership was a massive step and one i'm still adapting to: there are no easy games, every attacker is a threat and the game is so much quicker. When you play against and alongside great players you can't help up pick your own game up. Two seasons in the North Premiership have made me a better player and really helped my chances in the national squad.
CD: What kind of work did you have to do to play at the highest level in England? Wallball? Gym work?
JJ: I spend a lot of time in the gym, I try and focus my lifting programme to benefit my lax: a lot of compound and explosive lifts. I also run some tough interval sessions to help my speed and stamina, around 20-25 minutes of sprints and active rest until I can't possibly carry on. As for stick skills I spend a lot of time in my back garden playing wall ball. I throw around and train with people down the park as much as possible: as long as you have a stick in your hands for at least an hour a day you're going to naturally improve.
CD: What do you feel makes a good LSM?
JJ: What makes a good LSM? Hmm. Ground balls, ground balls and more ground balls. Being a hover on the ground is normally the key to being an LSM, but really it's about trying to be an all rounder. Playing LSM means you've got to be able to play on the wing, close defence and be a attacking threat too. I suppose the key is to be fit, fast and intelligent... or as I was told a long time ago, a LSM is simply a middie who can't dodge.
CD: Thanks for taking the time out of his training to speak to me Jason and on behalf of us all at TopJLax good luck to both yourself and Wales for the upcoming World Championships.
JJ: I spend a lot of time in the gym, I try and focus my lifting programme to benefit my lax: a lot of compound and explosive lifts. I also run some tough interval sessions to help my speed and stamina, around 20-25 minutes of sprints and active rest until I can't possibly carry on. As for stick skills I spend a lot of time in my back garden playing wall ball. I throw around and train with people down the park as much as possible: as long as you have a stick in your hands for at least an hour a day you're going to naturally improve.
CD: What do you feel makes a good LSM?
JJ: What makes a good LSM? Hmm. Ground balls, ground balls and more ground balls. Being a hover on the ground is normally the key to being an LSM, but really it's about trying to be an all rounder. Playing LSM means you've got to be able to play on the wing, close defence and be a attacking threat too. I suppose the key is to be fit, fast and intelligent... or as I was told a long time ago, a LSM is simply a middie who can't dodge.
CD: Thanks for taking the time out of his training to speak to me Jason and on behalf of us all at TopJLax good luck to both yourself and Wales for the upcoming World Championships.
