Your Guides on This Journey…
Matt Striebel
"I play lacrosse because I love it—the speed, the intensity, the
teamwork, the sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that comes
when success is achieved over and through adversity. At Trilogy
Lacrosse, we approach the teaching and coaching of lacrosse with
the same passion and commitment to excellence that we bring to
our play. Nowhere else can you find a community of lacrosse
players and coaches so dedicated to the singular values of the
game."
* MLL Rochester Rattlers 2009-Present
* MLL Philadelphia Barrage 2001-2008
* MLL Champion Philadelphia Barrage 2004, 2006 & 2007
* MLL All Pro 2007 & 2008
* Record 9X MLL All-Star
* MVP MLL Championship Game 2007
* 3X Team USA 2010
-- Gold Medalist Team USA 2010
-- Silver Medalist Team USA 2006
-- Gold Medalist Team USA 2002
* NCAA Champion Princeton University 2001
* NCAA 2X All American Princeton University 2000 & 2001
* 3X All Ivy League
* Academic All American
* Assistant Coach Princeton University 2005
* Color Analyst ESPN Lacrosse
2013 MBYLL Coaches’ Clinics: Offense,
Transition, Defense
First Questions, First
1. What level team are you? Youth? Middle School? High
School?
Youth: Youth coaches are the real money earners in the coaching
profession. Your practices need to be the perfect combination of fun and
instructional. The emphasis should be on skills—stickwork, groundball
drills—and small-field games. Lacrosse is lacrosse no matter what size field
you play on. NO LONGSTICKS UNTIL KIDS ARE AT LEAST 13.
Middle School: This is where you begin to have serious lacrosse players.
The conceptual side of the sport becomes more important. Skills have been
mastered, now it’s time to think outside the helmet.
High School: Coaching at the secondary school varsity level should be
approached with the same organizational intensity as college coaching (if
not more). You are preparing with winning games in mind, and you’re
adjusting your plans depending on performance. At the JV level, you are
trying to mirror what is done at the varsity level, while also understanding
skill limitations.
2. Why Plan? Why not just wing it (my players do half the
time anyway)?
You have no other choice: In some ways, practice, is all you have as a
coach. By the time games roll around, it’s too late. Games are won during
the week.
Order in the court, order on the field: Good teams are disciplined teams.
Discipline comes from the coach and the coach’s preparation. A good
practice plan establishes order and organization. Every team’s game-day
performance is a referendum on their practice performance.
With knowledge comes confidence: Preparation breeds confidence. Luck
is where opportunity meets preparation.
Efficiency…breeds efficiency. Don’t waste time in your practices!
Believe it or not: Players want, even crave, organization. Provide it for
them.
3. What are your goals? For the day? For the week? How
about the season?
Building Blocks: A practice plan, like the team it represents, is a fluid,
organic creature. Your last game, win or lose, will dictate your emphasis in
your next practice.
Be Goal Oriented: Identify macro and micro goals for your players (goals
for a season, goals for a week, goals for a specific practice). 65%
EMO/EMD, # Ground-balls per game, goals per game, etc…
Be Progressional: Start small. Think from micro to macro, or if you think
macro, start micro. Small sided, small field, small numbers.
Each practice should generally have a specific goal in mind: All drills will
be tailored towards that end. All drills need not be specifically related to
this, but any time you’re addressing your team directly in a “concept”
based talk, have it be related to your core goal.
4. Scheduling? How does this help/hurt me?
What time does practice start? Is your start time close to the end of the
school day? Is it late at night? Are players driving in? Busing in?
Carpooling? Parents driving them? Recognize and consider your players
“life” realities and plan for them (and how they’re going to effect what you
try to do at practice).
Assume…there’s almost always a fifteen-minute, post-school, post-day,
post-arrival hangover. Recognize that your players are going to be sluggish
at first and figure out how you want to deal with this so it doesn’t make
you completely crazy. My advice: HIT ‘EM HARD EARLY!
5. Pacing…A lacrosse coach’s version of poetry—there is a mix of science,
feel and rhythm to it.
The Wave Concept: managing your action, intensity, instruction and play as
a series of waves with highs and lows.
Things to be aware of… When do you instruct? When do you up the pace?
When do you sense attention waning?
Balance…your high intensity, “fun” drills with your instructional segments.
Make you instructional segments brief and manageable. Small units.
A good way to manage pacing is: THE WAVE CONCEPT
Don’t assume your players have attention spans beyond five minutes (at
best). Make sure that your drills and instruction—and how the two are
dispersed throughout your practice—take into account the fact that kids
get bored, BORED, BORED. Pacing is the key to any
good practice. For you AND your players.
6. How are you going to organize your players? How do you
balance the desire to help beginners with wanting to push
your team to develop.
Strike a balance: You don’t want to hold back your skilled players, nor do
you want to put your weaker players in positions where they are clearly
behind in their skills. At the same time you want to make sure your weaker
players are being pushed and your stronger players are understanding how
“TEAM” means having to provide leadership and guidance to
younger/weaker players.
Use Stations/Groups Where Possible: Anytime you can divide the players
into smaller groups where they’re working with like-skilled players.
Assume the players know where they stand: If you know whether a kid is
strong or weak, chances are they do as well.
Remind these players that the goal is always to
get better. Improvement. Improvement.
7. How much variation do my plans/drills need?
•
You need just enough variation to keep players on their toes
• Some familiarity is good, you want consistency and to be able to move
from drill to drill without too much explanation. Too much familiarity is
bad.
• Always be on the look-out for new stick-work drills (we have
thousands)
• Some methods feel old and routine because they work—there’s just
no way around it!
• Name ALL of your drills… so that your players know what drill is
coming next and can get into it quickly. This will aid in overall efficiency and
will allow your players to feel a greater sense of
personal accountability and involvement.
Some Final Thoughts On Your
Practice Goals and Planning
(The really important things!)
Things you MUST have…
1) BALLS. BALLS. BALLS. BALLS. And more BALLS. Spend whatever money
you have available to your program on balls. Don’t EVER buy
rebounders. Kids can find brick walls. Use that money to buy BALLS. At
the end of practice be an absolute tyrant about your BALL HUNTS.
Every ball is not a ball it is an opportunity to get better.
2) Whistles. Don’t ever come to practice without one. Keep extras in your
car for your idiot coaches who always forget.
3) Cones. Kids are attracted to orange cones. No one knows why, it’s a
mystery of biology and science. Put cones down all over the place.
4) STOP WATCH. I run all of my practices off a stop watch. I time passing
drills, stick drills. A clock counting down creates a sense of urgency
that keeps players focused.
5) Did I mention BALLS?
Last but certainly not least…
The Practice Template…
Today’s Practice: Stickwork,
Stickwork, and More
Stickwork. Oh…and fun.
The Basic Components I have:
•
Dynamic Warm-up, Stick-work
•
Fun Game Segments: Ground-Balls Games, Relay Race
•
Concept Specific Drills (Offensively and Defensively)
•
Small Field Transition Games
•
3v3s, 4v4s
•
Numbers Recognition Drills
•
Full Field Scrimmage/Game
•
6v6 Half Field Drills
I. Building Team Offense &
Team Defense
The Basics:
1. Offense
Offense 101 (what we need to be successful):
1. Balance and spacing: Good offenses starts with (and always has) these two things. Bad offenses don’t. So
what are balance and spacing?
•
Balance: Players are equally distributed across the offensive zone, meaning we do not have five guys on
one side and one on the other. In an effective offense a dodge will occur, players will move (relocate),
but at the end of the dodge, the field should look more or less as it did at the beginning of the play.
•
Spacing: Players maintain the same distance between one another at all times (unless setting picks).
Proper spacing means that no one player is too close to another, or too far. Good spacing puts the
defense on edge and creates longer slides.
2. Width and Depth: This basically means that players maintain distance from the goal horizontally and
vertically. Midfielders don’t shrink the filed from the top down, attackmen don’t shrink the field from X or
the sides. Young players have a tendency to suck-in toward the goal and they lose their balance or shaping
(a.k.a. the blobification of youth lacrosse players). Remind players that offense wants to spread out away
form the goal.
3. Understanding, understanding, understanding: Players must have a general understanding of what the
“macro” goals of an offense are, how dodging and drawing a slide and moving the ball will create goals.
They must also have the ability to “READ” what their teammates are doing (feeding, dodging, shooting).
4. Patience (composure): When the offense has the ball, the other team can’t score. Players must
understand that offenses are run to get the “best” shot and not the “first” shot. Players need to recognize
when are good times to dodge and when aren’t.
Awesome, now how do we get these?
The short answer…you don’t…at least not at this age level. But we can work toward
it. And we can hope.
If the ultimate goal is a 1-3-2 Offense (or something like it), what can I do to take
baby steps in that direction?
The “How To” plan:
1. Know the building blocks: The 1v1, 2v2, 3v3,and 4v4
2. Trust the building blocks
3. Don’t stray from the building blocks
4. Reinvent the building blocks in as many different ways as you can
A Few Final Points and Defining Our Terms:
Rules of thumb:
1. When someone dodges toward you either…
a) Clear or Cut Through (to create space) – START HERE!
b) Set an on ball screen BELOW the dodger
2. Don’t fill green grass until you have the ball in your stick
3. Offenses start when one guy “breaks” another guy down
4. We don’t just “cut” to start an offense
5. When in doubt SPREAD OUT!
2. Defense
General Defensive Principles
Communication: Team defense starts with communication. Most goals are scored because of a breakdown
in this area of the game. Most offenses do not stand still in one formation. Rather, they create movement
to confuse the defense. Teams must therefore, communicate vital information about “slides” and
“defensive packages” their team is in. Communication cuts down on mental errors.
Protect the middle of the field: Defenses must prevent their opponents from getting to the middle of the
field when their above the cage, and they must prevent them from getting “top-side” when they’re below
the cage. PROTECT THE HEART!
STAY TIGHT!!!!!!: A good defense stays compact (inside of 12 yards). Get your players in the habit of getting
to the heart.
On Ball Defense: On ball defense should always start with good body position and stick out in front. The
defenders stick should be up-field at all times.
Off-Ball Defense: Defenders who are “off-ball” should always stay between their man and the goal, unless
that defender is in a “hot” or sliding position, in which case they should be between the man and the ball
about one stick length away and ready to help.
When in doubt slide: It’s better to have six guys go then none!
Slide with the body, to the body: Sticks are easy to move, bodies aren’t.
The Most Dangerous Place on
The Field!%?!#
The Most
Dangerous Place
on the field: “Stay
Top Side, my
friend!”
Preventing Topside Dodges
The Building Blocks: How Do We
Create Good Foundations?
The 2v2 or the 2-man Game
Offensive Roles in the 2 Man Game
1) On ball: I’m either dodging or feeding
2) Off Ball: I’m either setting an “on-ball” screen or going to the crease
and “mirroring” the dodger in hopes that he will draw a slide and I can
get open.
1) That’s it…
On Ball options:
1) Pick & Roll
2) Pick and Pop
3) Slip Pick
Defensive Roles in the 2 Man Game
1) On ball: I’m forcing my man away from the heart
2) Off Ball: I’m keeping a “big eye” on my man, a “little eye” on the ball.
1) COMMUNICATING (It is the job of the off-ball defender to do the
communicating).
2-man Game options:
1) Stay
2) Switch
3) Jump
Attack/Defense Set Up
The Attack 2v2
Set up for “mirror”
option. Key to
remember: Crease
player stays high and
waits for dodger to
draw slide, then finds a
seam to get open.
Set up for Attack 2man game. Key to
remember: Verticality
on the pick (set picks
on a north/south line).
2-Man Game Option: Execution
The 2v2: 2-Man Game
“Mirror” Option: Execution
The 2v2: “Mirror Option”
The Midfield 2v2 or the 2-man Game
Another Vertical Pick
Option is the
“Canadian” 2-Man
Game.
Remember: When a player
is “off ball” he is generally
cutting through to create
space. When setting a pick
we want to create the
illusion that we’re doing
exactly this.
The Midfield 2v2
2-Man Game Option: Execution
The Midfield 2v2
The Midfield “Mirror” Option:
Execution
The Midfield “Mirror” Option
The 3v3: Putting it All Together
Roles in the 3v3
The 3v3 rotation is the basic component of almost any lacrosse offense
around. The basic rules are:
1) On ball: I’m either dodging or feeding
1) Off Ball: I’m either setting an “on-ball” screen, setting an “off-ball”
screen or cutting through (clearing space for the dodger).
Key Things to Remember:
1) Balance, Spacing, Balance, Spacing, Balance, Spacing
2) STAY SPREAD! FIGHT THE “VORTEX”
3) Where are our “Dodging Spots”?
Set Up
The 3v3
There are any number of
ways to set up a 3v3. Here
are four different options.
Name them so your players
know which one you want.
And always use cones!
Execution: Version #1
The 3v3: Option #1
Notice: The player at X has
remained “spread” but he is
also “beneath” or “ahead”
of the ball carrier. If he is
“outside” or “behind” the
ball carrier this forward pass
becomes extremely difficult.
The 3v3: Option #1
Execution: Version #2
The 3v3: Option #2
Execution: Version #3
The 3v3: Option #3
Execution: Version #4
The 3v3 Option #4
Some Drills To Work On This:
1. The 1v1+2 Drill
Attack/Set Up
1v1 + 2 Dodging Drill
Attack/Execution
1v1 + 2 Dodging Drill
Midfield*
*With the midfielders
we can start the dodge
out with a V-cut.
Middie/Set Up
1v1 + 2 Dodging Drill (Midfield)
Middie/Execution
1v1 + 2 Dodging Drill (Midfield)
2. 3v3 Build Up Drill
Set Up
The 3v3
Execution
The 3v3
II. Transition: Moving From One End
to The Other
General Transition Principles
Offense and Defense:
•
Recognition: Communication is key in all transition situations. Players must recognize what the
“situation” is at any given time. By situation we mean, the numerical advantage or disadvantage…4v3,
3v2, 5v4, etc.
•
Communication: Both the offense and the defense must communicate the “situation” to their
teammates and respond accordingly.
•
Get set up in the proper shape: Both the offense and defense must get into the appropriate shape to
maximize their numerical “situations” For example, in a 3v2 the offense is in a triangle, the defense is
in an “I”.
Offense:
•
Stay Spread: Whatever the shape, it’s important—as always—for the offense to maintain balance and
spacing.
•
Move the ball: In a transition scenario the ball should do most of the work.
Defense:
STAY TIGHT!!!: As always, the defense wants to stay tight to shorten slides and force teams to score from
the outside.
Be prepared to rotate: The defensive rotations are key to man-down and transition defense.
The Shapes
The 3v2
THE 3v2
The 4v3
THE 4v3
The 5v4
THE 5v4
Some More Drill to Work On
This:
Combination Concepts:
The 2v1, 1v1 Drill
When deciding who the
“recover” defenseman
will be, you can do one
of two things: 1)
designate a line that will
return each time, or, 2)
have it become a last
touch drill.
The 2v1, 1v1 Drill
Combination Concepts:
The Continuous 2v1, 2v1 Drill
The Putting it All Together 1.0
7. Small Field 3v2 Drill
Explanation:
This is a small field (full-field) up tempo transition drill, sometimes known
as the “West Genny” Drill.
The purpose of this drill is to get players comfortable executing transition
concepts in a small, compact field. This is a continuous drill that—once
started—will provide opportunities for players to play in and out of
position. Defensemen will be handling the ball on offense, and offensive
players will have to learn defensive concepts.
The keys to this drill from a coaching standpoint are 1) making sure the
point man on the break stay “high” forming the point of the offensive
triangle, 2) making sure you clearly identify which two lines will be
recovering each round on defense (use the outer two lines), and 3) making
sure the defense recovers, sets up in an “I” formation and
COMMUNICATES!
Set Up
Small Field 3v2s (West Genny Drill)
Execution
Small Field 3v2s (West Genny Drill)
Transition: Umass 54 Drill
Set Up
Umass 54 Drill : Set Up
Execution
Umass 54 Drill : Set Up
III. Some Nice Ways to 2-Bird It
1. Sideline 2v1 GBs (To Goal)
Explanation:
This is a small field (full-field) 3v3 drill that is designed to get kids playing in
a scrimmage type atmosphere while in smaller numbers.
The 2v1 ground ball will turn into a 3v3 with six players on the field going
to goal. The 3v3—the bedrock of any 6v6 offense—is highlighted in this
drill. For younger players this allows them to create better spacing while at
the same time running up and down the field.
For older more advanced players the triangle concepts begin to come into
play. As always in any offensive scenario the keys are balance and spacing.
This is also a good way to begin to teach players the concept of positions
and jobs. By encouraging players to make sure someone defends the
“heart” or their own goal, you will begin to cut down on the “pack”, “ballfollowing” mentality that is common to young players.
Set Up
Sideline 2v1 GBS (To Goal)
Execution
Sideline 2v1 GBS (To Goal)
2. 4 Corner 4v4 Drill
(aka The 444 Drill)
Explanation:
This is a small field (full-field) up tempo 4v4 game that is designed to get
players moving and competing.
Teams are split into two colors and dispersed around the four corners of
the field.
The coach starts by rolling a ball in from the sideline, then we are live. The
two teams play to a goal or until the coach decides to reset with a new ball.
The key is to get players understanding how to play positional lacrosse.
Each team must have someone protecting “the heart” and each team will
want to send a player up field in transition immediately. The speed of
transitions from goal to offense should be emphasize.
Set Up
The 444 Drill
Execution
The 444 Drill
MS Practices Final Thoughts
•Time to get serious…
The middle school level is where fun and strategic development coincide.
It is imperative to continue developing skills and an appreciation/love of
the game, while simultaneously increasing the functional knowledge of
the middle school lacrosse player.
At this age players begin to play “official” positions. A lot of the drills here
are designed to put players in different situations, but the goal for this is
to develop stick skills and “all around” knowledge from lacrosse players.
Everyone plays D, everyone plays O—regardless of position.
Higher level concepts such as the “two-man” game and general offensive
positioning and slides should also be further explored at this age level.
Additional Information…
The Locker Room: This is a portion of our Trilogy website that is loaded with additional coaching
resources, including a full slate of webinars, man up plays, nutritional information, and other
lacrosse based concepts.
www.trilogylacrosse.com/locker-room
Summer Camps: Trilogy Lacrosse runs the best Overnight Summer Camps by utilizing Curriculum like
this to build out a week full of learning and fun for players in grades 1-11.
www.trilogylacrosse.com/camps2013
Mass Day Camp: July 22-25
Mass Overnight Camp: June 24-28