Billerica Youth Lacrosse
Coaches Handbook 2012
Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
Table of Contents
BILLERICA PRACTICE ................................................................................................................................................................ 6
BILLERICA TEAM RULES ........................................................................................................................................................... 8
BILLERICA CODE OF CONDUCT ................................................................................................................................................ 9
BILLERICA PREPARATIONS FOR A GAME ............................................................................................................................... 10
BILLERICA DEFENSE ............................................................................................................................................................... 11
Billerica Lacrosse Defense ................................................................................................................................................. 12
Defensive philosophy ........................................................................................................................................................ 12
Defense On The Ball .......................................................................................................................................................... 12
Defense Off The Ball.......................................................................................................................................................... 12
Defense Vs. the Fast Break ............................................................................................................................................... 13
Steps to Playing Billerica Defense ..................................................................................................................................... 13
Individual Defensive Skills ................................................................................................................................................. 19
Basic Team Defense .......................................................................................................................................................... 21
Special Notes for Defense ................................................................................................................................................. 22
SLIDES AGAINST 1-4-1 OFFENSE ....................................................................................................................................... 24
SLIDES AGAINST 2-2-2 OFFENSE ....................................................................................................................................... 25
27 Tips For Defensemen ................................................................................................................................................... 27
Three Rules of Defense ..................................................................................................................................................... 28
BILLERICA OFFENSE ............................................................................................................................................................... 31
Billerica Lacrosse Offense ................................................................................................................................................. 32
Offensive philosophy ........................................................................................................................................................ 32
Individual ........................................................................................................................................................................... 32
Steps to Playing Billerica Offense...................................................................................................................................... 32
1-3-2 TRIANGLE - 13 T ....................................................................................................................................................... 38
34 Tips For Attackmen ...................................................................................................................................................... 41
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
BILLERICA CLEARING ............................................................................................................................................................. 42
Steps to Billerica’s Clears .................................................................................................................................................. 42
Clearing Patterns ............................................................................................................................................................... 42
Step 3 – Clearing with the ball on the sideline (Sideline Clear). ....................................................................................... 48
BILLERICA RIDING .................................................................................................................................................................. 50
Steps to Billerica’s Riding .................................................................................................................................................. 50
BILLERICA FAST BREAK/TRANSITION.................................................................................................................................... 54
Steps to Billerica Fast Break .............................................................................................................................................. 54
BILLERICA PRACTICE PLANS .................................................................................................................................................. 57
5-8th Grade Practice Plan................................................................................................................................................... 58
1-2nd Grade Practice Plan .................................................................................................................................................. 62
ARTICLES ............................................................................................................................................................................... 67
Finding Space ........................................................................................................................................................................ 68
Teaching Youth Players the Secret of the Game........................................................................................................... 68
Progression One: Three-on-Two Drill ........................................................................................................................... 69
Progression Two: Good Guys, Bad Guys: Three on Two Groundballs .......................................................................... 70
UNSETTLED SITUATIONS ................................................................................................................................................... 72
Scrimmage Drills ............................................................................................................................................................... 73
Active Passing Drills........................................................................................................................................................... 75
2. Star Drill (Chemotti) ...................................................................................................................................................... 76
3. Triangle Drill (Tambroni) ............................................................................................................................................... 78
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
4.
Hoosier Drill (Chemotti) .................................................................................................................................................... 79
4. Hoosier Drill (Chemotti) ................................................................................................................................................ 80
5. Upfield Passing .............................................................................................................................................................. 80
6. 3 Man Weave ................................................................................................................................................................ 80
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
7. 4 Corner Perimeter Drill – Long Passes ......................................................................................................................... 81
Right
LeftShooting and Dodging ........................................................................................................................... 82
Shooting and Dodging ....................................................................................................................................................... 83
Scrimmage Drills ............................................................................................................................................................... 88
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
BILLERICA PRACTICE
1.
2.
3.
4.
Each head coach is responsible for preparing practice agenda’s prior to each practice. Examples attached
Attendance needs to be taken and tracked at each practice and game.
Practice outlines should include conditioning, skills and scrimmages.
Make the practices fun. Your attendance will sore.
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
BILLERICA TEAM RULES
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You are responsible for your own equipment: All players must provide their own gloves, arm pads, shoulder
pads, helmets, rib pads, cleats, athletic supporter and cup, and a stick. All players will be issued uniforms (shirt
and shorts) and a mouthpiece by the BYL.
If you forget to bring your equipment to a game /practice, your will not be allowed to play. All BYL assigned
uniforms and equipment will be collected on the day of the last game. If you fail to return your complete
uniform, you will be charged $50 (or $25 for each missing piece). If y9ou do not pay these charges, you will not
be allowed to register for the next season until the charges are paid in full or uniform/equipment is returned in
good condition.
Players are to arrive at practice and games on time. Players are also to be picked up on time. Coaches typically
have their hands full so do not expect them to provide transportation for your player. Make necessary
arrangements with other team parents. On days of inclement weather, we may have shortened practice so a
parent must make arrangements to either be present or have their player picked up.
Conduct on the field shall be sportsmanlike at all times. Foul language, intentional cheap checks, the heckling
of opposing teams or a display of disrespect to any member of the coaching staff or game referees will not be
tolerated. Players or parents whose conduct is determined to be inappropriate will be asked to leave the field. In
extreme cases, a player may be dropped from the team entirely.
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
BILLERICA CODE OF CONDUCT
GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP/ CODES OF CONDUCT
Coaches’ code:
- Enthusiastically supports and practices "Everyone plays" and extends positive coaching philosophies of the MBYLL
- Be reasonable in your demands on the young players' time, energy, enthusiasm and their performance on the field
- Impress on your players that they must abide by the rules of the game at all times
- Develop team respect for the ability of opponents, and for the judgment of referees and opposing coaches
-Ensure that your players' experience is one fun and enjoyment (winning is only part of it). Players should never be yelled at or
ridiculed for making mistakes or losing a game.
- Set a good example and be generous with your praise when it is deserved. Children need a coach that they can respect.
- Keep informed about sound principles of coaching, growth and development principles relating to children.
-Enlist the support of your team's parents in your efforts to develop the proper attitudes and values in the players.
Parents Code:
- Do not force an unwilling child to participate in sports.
- Remember that children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment, not yours.
- Teach your child that hard work and an honest effort are often more important than a victory.
- Help your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game. Your child will then be a winner, even
in defeat.
- Do not ridicule your child for making a mistake or losing a game.
- Set a good example. Children learn best by good examples.
- Applaud good plays by your team and by members of the opposing team.
- Do not publicly question referee judgment.
- Recognize the value and importance of volunteer coaches, referees, and officials and give them their due respect. Without
them, there would not be the MBYLL.
- Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sporting activities.
Player's Code:
- Play for the fun of it, not just to please your parents or coach.
- Play by the rules.
- Never argue with or complain about the referee calls or decisions.
- Control your temper and most of all; resist the temptation to retaliate when you feel you have been wronged.
- Concentrate on playing lacrosse and on affecting the outcome of the game with your best effort.
- Be a good sport by cheering all good plays, whether it is your teams or your opponent's.
- Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve skills and feel good. Don't be a "showoff".
- Cooperate with your coaches, teammates, opponents and referees.
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
BILLERICA PREPARATIONS FOR A GAME
Step 1
GB
Technique
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Run to space
Body position
Man/ball
Dodges
Catch and pass
On the run
Over the
shoulder
1 slide
2 slide
Formation
Beating the
double team
Holding a stick
Shooting
Body position
and grip
On the run
Off a feed, quick
stick
Off picks
Defense
Stance and stick
Offense
V-cut to get
open
Stance and
position in
arc
Off of a save
Body position, 1
on 1
Dodge and dump
1 on 1 by field
position
Off ball cuts
Team, off of the
ball
Pick off the ball
Step to ball, no
stick, tennis
ball
34 clear
With stick, step to
the ball
Drills
Sideline clear
Transition
Dead ball
Double ball
Techniques
Clears
Rides
Off of a save
Goalie Ride
Step 6
Head up/make
the pass
1,2 hand cradle
Stick Skills
Goalie
Step 5
FB/Transition
2 on 1
Unsettled
Double ball,
middies man
to man
3 on 2
Face offs
Set up
Stance
4 on 3
Offense get ball
to X
Defense get in the
hole
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BILLERICA DEFENSE
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
Billerica Lacrosse Defense
The Goal: Minimize opponents offensive opportunities
The Means: Attitude, Intensity, Pride, and Communication
Defensive philosophy
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No One scores on Billerica easily!
Communication between all ten men is essential!
Always anticipate!
Never let the ball carrier get a breather!
Play with controlled aggression: Pester, Poke, Bother, But Maintain balance and footwork!
See the whole picture!
Never let your man know you are tired!
Drop Back to the hole to protect the net, and settle from the hole in chaotic situations!
Consistently make the offense uncomfortable!
Compel offense to take a low percentage shot!
Generate offense!
Defense On The Ball
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Maintain a square stance with feet below armpits, quarter squat, back straight and head erect
Shuffle whenever possible to maintain your best position to both check and change direction
Run hip to hip to maintain position as your opponent accelerates, use drop step if needed
Position is the key: Defenders with great footwork deliver great stick checks
Never carry stick at your side, always keep stick up to block a feed or pass (“wave the flag”)
Stick-pressure on your opponent’s hands whenever he is in a feeding or shooting position
Defense Off The Ball
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Always be in help position
Always Talk
Anticipate and want to slide
Open up your stance, see the man, see the ball
Weak side, come to the pipes
Be ready to be the back up and call it out
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual

Stay with cutters
Defense Vs. the Fast Break
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When covering men while ball is on the other end, always be ready for the loose ball
Communicate in advance about whose got the point
Be ready to drop into a tight triangle
Point man must stop the ball, slide hard, but under control
Slides are determined by ball movement, move the second the ball leaves the stick
Drop back with sticks to the inside (sticks up and in passing lanes)
Steps to Playing Billerica Defense
Step 1 – Body position without a stick
Instructions:
Maintain a square stance with feet below armpits, quarter squat with back straight and head erect
Check points:
 Buttock is low.
 Bent at your knees and waist, not at your back.
 On the balls of your feet.
 Head is erect.
Formation for instruction:
Have players line up, arm width a part on a line.
This will help them to maintain a square stance.
Final goal:
Players are to shuffle sideways, maintaining a good stance.
Higher level would like to see players perform a drop step, which is an essential component of defense.
Step 2 – Body position with a stick
Instructions:
Same body position now stress to player to have stick out in front and never down by his side.
Formation for instruction:
Have players line up arm width a part on a line.
This will help them to maintain a square stance.
Final goal:
Players are to shuffle sideways, maintaining a good stance.
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
Higher level would like to see players perform a poke check with a drop step. (A big mistake players will make is to
lunge into a check; this will allow the player with the ball to easily run by you.
Step 3 - Body position when playing the ball.
Instructions:
Your body position will vary, depending on where the ball is on the field.
We will start to teach this from 4 different positions. (2 on each side)
Player yells “BALL”, when he is covering the man with the ball.
Formation for Instruction:
To learn body position while covering the ball, you need to do this on the field.
Again we will start to teach this concept in 4 different positions.
1. The ball is top left. 2. The ball is top right.
Defenders bottom foot splits the offensive player in half and defenders body is parallel to the sideline.
Players should be no more than a stick length away from man with the ball carrier.
Check Points:
Player’s bottom foot is splitting the man with the ball.
Player is parallel to the sideline.
Player is stick length away.
3. The ball is bottom left. 4. The ball is bottom right.
When the ball carrier is at (GLE) goal line extended (imaginary line from the goal post to the sideline), we want to
“close the gait”.
The defender will turn his body (like a gait) and now be parallel to the end line.
The defender wants to have his stick vertical and force the player to roll to the inside.
We do not want defender to throw any checks at goal line extended.
Body position is the key.
Check points:
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
Player is parallel to the end line.
Stick is vertical, not looking to throw a check.
Final goal:
We would like players to understand the concept of forcing all offensive players to the sideline.
We NEVER allow a man with the ball to dodge to the middle of the field.
We DICTATE where the offensive player will go.
This concept will create less shooting area for our goalie to cover.
This will also allow our 1 slide to be confident in where he has to slide. (step 7)
O
D
D
O
D
O
D
O
Step 4 – One on One defense without a stick.
Instructions:
Perform one on one from the 4 positions on the field we practiced in step 3.
The defender is not allowed to use his stick.
We want to stress stance and body position.
The offensive player should only be going at about 50% speed and allow the defender to dictate where he goes.
As the offensive player dodges to shooting range, the goalie calls “PIPE”:
This indicates to our middies to get on the players hips and force him to the sideline, never allowing player to roll
back to the middle.
Common mistake for middies is to get over aggressive and allow player to roll to the inside, where he know has the
entire net to shoot at.
This indicates to our defenseman to close the gait and to never allow the player to go to the middle of the field,
again where he has the entire net to shoot at.
Check Points:
Are the same as in step 3, but now the offensive player is moving.
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
The defender must maintain the same check points.
Player reacts to the “pipe” call, forcing man to the sideline or back to x (at GLE).
Formation for Instruction:
This is the same as in step 3
Final goal:
All players able to maintain check points.
Do not allow any offensive players to go to the middle of the field.
Be physical; dictate where the man can go.
Step 5 – One on One defense with a stick.
Instructions:
Same as in step 4, now with a stick.
Again to allow defenders to learn this concept, offensive players are not trying to beat the defender (we are not
looking for heroes), this is a teaching period.
Check Points:
The same as in step 4.
Now when the player goes to shoot, we want the defender to lift on the shooter’s bottom hand to force a bad shot.
Formation for Instruction:
This is the same as in step 4.
Final goal:
All players able to maintain check points.
Do not allow any offensive players to go to the middle of the field.
Be physical; dictate where the man can go.
Lift shooter’s bottom hand on every shot.
Note: When you do one on one’s in practice give the offense points for beating the defender to the middle, make a
game out of it.
Step 6 - Playing defense off of the ball.
Instructions:
You can set up cones as offensive players in a 1-3-2 formation.
Line up six defenders with each cone.
Coach will call out where on the field the ball is; i.e. “top left”.
Have each player point the ball and the player, create a V.
Check Points:
If the ball is in the outside 1/3 of the field, no defender should be in the opposite 1/3 of the field.
When the ball is up top, no defenders should be behind the cage.
When the ball is at X, all no defenders should be up high covering there player.
Every player must see the ball and their man at all times.
If player is unable to see both the ball and their man, they must sag until they can see both.
Final goal:
Always be in help position.
Always Talk.
Crease defender anticipates and wants to slide.
Open up your stance, see your man and see the ball. (“ball, you, man”)
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
All players thinking help defense.
Ball DM
c c
DM
Ball
DM
DM (1)
c
D
DM
D
c
DM (1)
c
D
D
D
D
c c
c
c
c
c
c
c c
DM
c
DM
DM
DM
c
c
DM (1)
c
D
D
Ball c
DM (1)
D
D
c
D
c
D
Ball
Step 7- Teaching the one slide
Instructions:
Again we can have offensive players dodge from the same 4 positions.
Our crease defender needs to be one of the smartest players on the field, and needs to be very physical.
Check Points
The crease defenders will always play between the man he is covering and the ball.
He should be stick length away from man he is covering.
It is imperative that his head is on a swivel. (In a game the player will not be standing stationary)
Crease defender yells “I AM THE ONE”, than yell “FIRE”, when he slides.
When the ball is up top:
Our one slide will “fire” when the offensive player takes any positive step toward the cage, not if he is running to the
sideline and being defended well.
The direction of the slide should be from the inside out, to not allow man to go to the middle.
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
Slide = check through the body to the stick.
When the ball is at GLE:
We slide when we can see the back of the attackman’s head.
The attackman’s defender forces his man to roll inside.
By the time the attackman finishes his roll, we should be there with our slide.
Formation for Instruction:
Now we want to add a defender on the crease.
One of the coaches can play the offensive player on the crease.
Our one slide will always come from the crease.
Again this is a teaching drill; the offensive player is to allow the defender to dictate the f direction that he goes.
Using shields or pads that are used in football are helpful for the man who is sliding.
Final goal:
All players understand why we dictate offensive players to the sideline.
This allows our one slide to know exactly where he will be sliding.
All players understand that our one slide will always come from the closest crease defender.
All players to understand that this is a physical sport and we slide with a PURPOSE, however always legally and never
taunt a player after you hit him.
O
D
D
O
Crease defender
coach
D
O
D
O
Step 8- Teaching the two slide (look at sliding package)
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
Individual Defensive Skills
1. Stance and Footwork
a. Use a fast shuffle-step of the feet with the agility to enable you to sprint and
pick-up quickly. Head and shoulders should remain still on changes of direction.
b. Shuffle – whenever possible to maintain your best position to both check and
change direction.
c. Run – hip to hip to maintain position as your opponent accelerates.
d. Drop step – used when necessary to regain proper position after opponent changes direction.
e. Defenders with great foot work deliver great stick checks—position is the key.
2. Stick Position
a. Never carry your stick at your side. Always keep your stick up in a position to block a feed or a
pass.
b. On changes of direction do not drop or drag your stick, draw the top hand in and pass the stick
across your face, “Wave the Flag.”
c. Keep your stick on same side as opponent—not behind him/
3. Stick Checks
a. Learn to use various stick checks effectively. When checking does not lunge at your opponent,
control your feet and use the stick and your arms.
 Poke – Learn to poke check on both the on and off sides. Use your poke check to set up other checks and to
reduce penalties.
 Chop – Is most successful when the ball carrier anticipates an over-head check. Keep your eyes on the ball
carrier’s mask to ensure you do not foul.
 Slap – Quickness rather than power is the key to this check; with proper stick position the stick should never
move more than 12-18 inches.
 Wrap – Learn to use a half-wrap (be prepared to take a quick drop step) as well as a more risky wrap check.
b. Be sure and keep stick pressure on your opponent’s hand whenever he is in a
feeding or shooting
position. “Get a lift”
c. Proper technique and speed are much more important than power.
d. As your opponent steps back to feed, anticipate the ball’s path over your stick and block the feet
with the throat of your stick.
e. Use your body when defending. Learn to pressure you opponent with your
forearm and butt end. A stick-length defense is a good rule. The use of your hands, arms or
body is essential – the ability to use these tools and to recover quickly is difficult and takes a
great deal of practice.
f. Body check – When blocking your opponent on a loose ball, use a well balanced shoulderforearm check with the stick kept close to your body. Being precise if more important than
being vicious (however we like precise and vicious), keep your head and eyes up. When body
checking an opponent in possession of the ball, on a back-up or a fast break slide, check through
his body to his stick. Be certain you move under control. The check must be on front of
the
player, above his knees and not above the shoulders.
Two Man Defensive Situations – (Playing the Pick)
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
1. In playing two man situations, talk is essential. The man playing the pick takes the
responsibility of directing his teammate.
2. Terminology
a. “Pick right, pick right!” – First alert your teammate to the pick so that he will
switch or pass by the pick.
b. Then –
1) “Switch!” – Step up and alter the path of your opponent.
2) “Under!” – Step back and let your teammate slice between you and the
Pick.
3) “Over!” – The man playing the ball sides between the pick man and the
ball.
Defense Against a Single Creaseman
1. Body Position.
a. Play stick length away, between the man and the ball. (Listen to goalie)
b. Be in position to beat your opponent to the ball on a midfield feed.
c. Anticipate slide, and slide with a PURPOSE!
2. Stick Position.
a. Hold your stick close to the man your covering, this helps to feel where he is.
b. Be ready at all times to check your opponent’s stick on your goalies call.
stick relationship).
be prepared to
(Maintain a stick-on-
3. General Rules for Crease Defense.
a. On a shot from out front, eliminate the crease attackman and avoid screening your goalie.
b. On loose balls, eliminate the crease attackman by checking through his body to
his stick.
c. Listen to your goalie at all times – his check call is critical. Work on checking down on the
offensive player’s stick.
d. Play ball side. Don’t allow yourself to be pushed around. Maintain equal pressure.
Playing Against the Double Crease Situation
1. The body and stick position are the same as the single crease situation.
2. Terminology:
a. “Under!”
b. “Over!”
c. “Switch!”
3. Constant communication is essential. Both defenders take the responsibility for talking
calling switches.
4. The closest crease defender to the ball is our one slide, the other crease defender is the
two slide.
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
Basic Team Defense
1. Strategy of Playing On the Ball.
a. A man playing on the ball assumes a defense position dictated by the position of the ball on the
field.
b. Terminology for playing the ball is, “I’VE GOT BALL, WHO’S BACKING?”
c. Goal; to force the ball to the sideline and to behind the cage
d. Goalie calls “PIPE” to indicate the ball carrier is in shooting range.
e. “PIPE” – above the cage, defender using body check and forces ball carrier to the sideline and
lifts the ball carriers bottom hand on an attempted shot.
- behind the cage, we want to “Close the gait”; turn your body, facing the end line. The
goal is to force the ball carrier to roll inside to for our one slide.
2. Strategy of Playing Off the Ball.
a. Drop off your man the distance which enables you to return to him the same time as the ball.
b. Use split vision. Keep your eye on your man and one eye on the ball. (Head on a swivel!)
Create a “V” between the ball and your man.
Terminology, “ball-you-man”
c. Play with your side to the ball and use peripheral vision, shoulder pointed to the man and ball.
d. The two players adjacent to the ball must talk.
Terminology, “I’ve got your back right!”
e. If opponent takes you out of back up position you must tell your teammates.
Terminology, “I’m leaving. Who’s backing up?”
g. If opponent cuts through the crease, call “Cutter!” Never trail behind a cutter!
h. With ball behind, defensive middies should be aware of the crease
attackman’s position and get below or even with the player.
3. Backup Slide
a. On a successful dodge or drive by the man with the ball, the crease defender must slide and
check
through the body to the stick. The entire defense must be prepared to slide in
anticipation
of a pass to an adjacent offensive player.
b. Rule: The man, who had been dodged, chases the ball when possible, drops in the hole and
picks up an open man, looking for most dangerous man.
c. Terminology, “I’m the one! Who is my two? Fire!
d. Our one slide is always the closest crease defender to the ball.
e. The key to team defense is good communication. By talking as a team we will not only make effective
backups and slides but also we will discourage our opponents.
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Special Notes for Defense
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GLE: goal line extended
Hole: large area in front of the cage
Crease: Line which encircles the cage
X: spot behind the cage
RL: Restraining Line
1. Observations for defenders playing a man without the ball
1. You must always know where two things are: the ball and your man.
2. Keep turning your head if you must to see both. (Your head is on a swivel)
3. Create a triangle with the ball, your man and yourself. “Ball, you, man”
4. Your stick should always be up in the passing lane.
5. If you lose sight of your man, go directly to the hole and work your way out.
6. Listen to your goalie, he will tell you where the ball is.
7. Talk continually with your teammates. (“I’ve got ball, I’m, the 1, etc”)
8. Ask yourself, “where does my man want to go?” Usually he wants to cut to the hole.
9. When being picked, go around the ball side of the pick.
2.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Observations for defenders playing a man with the ball
Don’t play man tight beyond the RL, with a good pursuit angle and square him up at RL.
Inside the RL play between your man and the cage, do not allow him to go to the middle.
Stay low, bent at the knees and waist, on the balls of your feet, weight back.
Look through his bottom hand to his belly (his bottom hand will tell you if he is passing, or driving, his belly
button tells you where he is going)
5. If your man is receiving a pass inside the RL try to arrive at a spot 2 yards in front of him as he catches the ball,
slap check his hand as he catches it. (Do not lunge, be ready to drop step.)
6. Yell “Ball” as your man catches the ball; let him know that you are happy that he has it because you are going to
eat him up, have PRIDE in these 1 on 1 confrontation.
7. Again ask yourself, “where does my man want to go?” Be aware of you position on the field relative to the cage.
8. A good player’s first step will usually be away from the cage or away from his intended drive, don’t bite hard on
this first move, instead drop step and poke.
9. When your man is close enough to shoot the goalie will yell “pipe”, at this time you must start to apply equal
pressure to stop his advance, middies should force man to the sideline, defenseman want to “close the gait” and
force attackman to roll inside.
10. Try to fight through picks, if you can’t than yell “switch”, while your teammate picks up your man, you quickly
pick up the man that set the pick.
11. If your man passes the ball off, always step back toward the hole immediately, leading with your stick, this is
called opening to the ball.
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
SLIDES AGAINST 1-3-2 OFFENSE
Goalie Calls:
“Ball top right!”
“Pipe, Pipe!
“Ball top left”
A
A
Do play behind the
cage when the ball is
above the cage.
“I’m the 2, who is
my 3?”
In great position to
cover crease man on
a fire call.
D
A
A
D
A
M
DM
1
D2
M
DM
1
DM 3
DM 3
“I’ve got ball!
We determine where the ball
carrier can go.
Force man down the sideline.
Never allow man to the middle.
M
A
D
“I’m the 3.
Sag to the
middle, always
open to the ball.
Drop toward the
cage, not where
the man is.
D2
“I’m the 1, who is
my 2?”
Stick length away
and ready to slide
with a purpose.
: FIRE!”
D
M
DM
M
DM
M
A
“Ball bottom
right”When D, forces man
to roll inside, slide
must be there before
attackman is able to
complete roll.
Hard and clean hit!
“Ball at X”
A
D
Must get out in front of
attack man, close the
gait and force him to
roll inside!
D
A
D
A
D
D2
A
A
DM 1
D2
M
DM 1
“I’ve got ball, who is
my 1?”
Close the gait and
force the attackman
behind the cage.
Never allow man
over the top!
M
DM 3
DM
DM 3
DM
M
M
Middies must sag to
crease level, when ball is
behind.
In position to recover if
ball is passed to their man
by the time the ball
arrives.
M
M
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
SLIDES AGAINST 1-4-1 OFFENSE
A
A
D
D
A
A A
D (3)
3 slide is determined
when the ball carrier
is forced to the right
or the left.
M
D3
D3
M
DM 2
DM 2
Crease defenders must
communicate and
expect to be picked.
We always need our 1
slide ready to go!
M
DM 1
A
D
M
DM 1
DM
Force man to his
weak hand.
This helps us to
predetermine our
slides.
Do not play man
straight on.
DM
M
M
A
Force defender to his
weak hand.
Get out in front of
him and close the
gait.
A
D
D
A
D3
D (3)
DM 1
M
DM 2
A A
A
D
DM 1
M
D3
DM 2
M
M
DM
DM
M
M
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
SLIDES AGAINST 2-2-2 OFFENSE
A
D
AA
A
D
D
D
D1
A
D1
A
DM 2
M
DM 2
M
DM
DM 3
DM 3
DM
Communication with crease
defenders is essential.
Middies up top, must sag low and
see both the ball and there man.
M
M
A
D
M
M
AA
A
D
D
A
D
A
D2
D2
M
DM 1
M
DM 1
DM 3
DM 3
M
DM
MM
DM
M
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
Dog
A
Warrior
A
D
D
A
D
A
D2
A
D
D A
M
M
DM
DM 1
Shut off adjacent passes.
We can call this at any time.
Shut off everyone.
M
M
Gold
DM
DM
M
DM
DM
M
A
D D
A D
A
DM
G
M
Double the ball at X and force a turnover.
Goalie plays crease man.
Shut off everywhere.
DM
M
DM
M
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
27 Tips For Defensemen
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
Don't rush an attack man after he has caught the ball. If he is receiving a rather long pass and you are sure you can reach
him before the ball, go after him, checking his stick and hitting him with your body.
As a pass is made to the man you are playing, move out to cover him as the ball is moving to him, so that you are in position
as he catches it. Don't wait until he has caught the ball, and then move out on him.
Never take a step into a man while playing him on defense.
Once the attack man has the ball, worry him plenty by poke checking, etc., don't give much chance to look over his field,
make him worry about you. Don't force or rush him however. There is a big difference between worrying a man and forcing
or rushing him. Make the attack make the first move.
When not poking at the man with ball, keep your stick a little above the height of your attack man's shoulder. Don't ever
carry it at your side, KEEP IT UP!
When your man hasn't got the ball, always play slightly to the ball side of him, so that you gain a step as he cuts toward the
ball. If he cuts away from the ball, the pass must go over your head which leaves you in good position to intercept or check.
When your man hasn't got the ball, stand sideways to the man and ball. You must use split vision watching both man and
ball.
There must be plenty of talk on defense, this is important. The following are the most important examples: a) The man on
each side of the ball must let the man on the ball know if he is-backed up. b) If a man leaves to back up he must let the
defense know he is leaving, so that they may shift. c) The man playing the ball must holler, "I've got-the ball". d) If a man
cuts, the defense man playing him should holler "man cutting" so that he alerts the rest of the defense for a possible switch.
e) If a switch is necessary, both men call "SWITCH".
If a man leaves to back up on a dodge, the whole defense slides a man, leaving the man farthest from the ball open.
Only in extreme cases, should the defense man on the crease leave to back up. Example: To stop a play that would end up
in a score.
Never cross your feet while playing an attack man unless you are forced to run to keep up with him.
Never throw a ball just to get rid of it.
Always scoop a loose ball. Never draw it. If there is a crowd, go through and either kick it or scoop it up.
When you check, make your check short and hard, making your check across the man's forearm and following through with
your body. Never raise your stick high to check.
If a man dodges you, keep after him. You should catch him as your backer comes in from the front.
Never pass a ball across in front of your goal.
If you are after a loose ball, but your attack man is ahead of you, press him hard if you cannot come up with the ball, but
don't give him the opportunity to go around you.
After the man you are playing throws a ball, step back two steps quickly and be ready for a cut. Also always look in the
direction of the ball as you drop off. Don't turn your back on the ball.
As the man you are playing starts a pass, check across his arms, but don't step in.
A. If the ball is out front, and your man is behind the goal, play on the pipe of the cage on the side of the goal your man is
on. B. If the ball is behind the goal and your man is behind also although without the ball, go behind with him.
If you ever switch, STAY WITH THAT MAN until your team gets the ball or you have to switch again.
Whey clearing the ball, as you catch the ball, circle away from your stick side if you are moving in to receive the pass.
Never let an attack man clamp your stick. If you are on the crease on a screen shot, stop it or catch it, if you can't do either
then move so that your goalie can see it.
Once the other team has cleared the ball, all defense men must drop in fast, RUN HARD --THIS IS ONE TIME YOU CANNOT
LOAF.
On clears, make all passes sharp, away from the (attack man) and, as a general rule, to the nearest open man.
On a clear, when making a pass to a man who is coming in to meet the ball throw at his face, so that he catches the ball in
front of him, making it hard for a (attack man) to check him.
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
27. If the ball is rolling toward the midfield line, NEVER ALLOW your attack man to beat you to the ball. Be alert, use your stick
to goose the ball to teammate. Don't let the attack man clamp your stick or lift up so ball goes under and through.
Remember, if the ball is 5 yards away or less you can use your body for position. Don't hit from the rear and don't go
offside.
Three Rules of Defense
First Rule of Defense: Always stay between your man and the goal.
This is the basic tenet of defense whenever the other team has the ball. So many times our players play adjacent to,
or in front of the man they are covering. Other times they are just plain our of position. The most basic
fundamental of defense is that they should be positioned between the man they are covering and their own
goal. Drill this into their head! I know it seems simple and obvious, but new players don’t always know, and even
if they do many have not developed a “field sense” yet and lose track of where they are on the field.
If we can get them to remember the First Rule of Defense, it will help them know where they need to be on the
field. I think this rule is especially helpful in riding situations (so it is important that attackmen know it, too). How
many times do you see a player positioned in front of his man on the ride, and while he is watching the ball, the
opposing player he is “covering” quietly moves farther behind him into open space, takes a pass, and starts a
fastbreak. If our players stay between their man and their goal, this will not happen.
Second Rule of Defense: Feet first, stick second.
Those guys just can’t wait to swing that stick at the other player. But that only leads to bad defense and costly
penalties. Defense is played effectively by moving your feet. We must teach young players to play defense with
their feet, and prevent them from relying on their stick. Do this in practice by doing one-on-one dodges to the
goal—but take the defenders’ sticks away from them. Emphasize the ready position (knees bent, on your toes,
squared up to your opponent, good balance, low center of gravity—just the same way you would defend the
dribbler in basketball) and the drop step (take one step back as you move left or right mirroring the offensive
player, allowing you to keep your body between your man and the goal and preventing him from blowing by
you; the defender gradually gives up ground, but always stays between his man and the goal, again similar to
guarding a driving player in basketball).
A nice bonus of this drill is that it gives young offensive players a chance to practice their dodging and carrying
techniques more successfully when the defenders don’t have a stick in their face. Emphasize to the offensive
players keeping the stick tucked away and protected as they dodge, and having their hands positioned on the
stick so that they can pass or shoot quickly. Once you are satisfied with your players’ ability to defend by moving
their feet, then you can give them their stick back (they really want to get those sticks back, so this is a good
motivator in getting them to work hard at using their feet!)
When we give the sticks back, we must instruct the players how to use them wisely as defensive tools. A lacrosse
stick is not a baseball bat and should not be used as one! A slash is defined as “swinging a crosse at an
opponent’s crosse or body with viciousness or reckless abandon... or striking an opponent in an attempt to
dislodge the ball from his crosse, unless the player uses some part of his body...to ward off the thrust of the
defensive player’s crosse.” Any time a player hits another with his stick and it was not legitimately directed at
the stick, it should be whistled by the referee as a slash. My own opinion is that referees at all levels—from
youth and high school right up to Division I NCAA—allow defenders to get away with far too many reckless stick
checks these days. I voice my opinion whenever possible, but in the meantime I instruct my players to play the
games as the rules state.
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
Our first priority is to remind players to play with their feet first, stick second. It’s amazing the memory loss that
occurs sometimes when they get that stick back in their hand. If this happens, take the stick away from them
until they regain their good defensive footwork. Next, the stick should be out in front of the defender’s body,
pointed towards the offensive player. Too many times the defender holds the stick close to his body with the
head pointing towards the side. The only thing he can do with the stick in this position is earn a cross check
penalty. Make sure they keep those sticks out front.
The proper hand positioning on the stick is important, too. If the offensive player is driving to his right (the
defender’s left), the right hand should be higher on the stick closer to the head. If the offensive player is driving
to his left (the defender’s right), the left hand should be higher on the stick. By positioning the hands this way
you can drop step to stay between the man and the goal and still keep your stick in front on his hands. This also
creates a V-hold (it is called a V-hold because the defenders forearm and the stick form a V angle in front of the
offensive player) which gives the defender the optimum leverage to push the offensive player out. Ideally the
defender will switch hands as the dodger switches directions, but this is difficult moving at full speed. It takes
practice!
Finally, we teach our players to focus on their opponents’ hands. If they can harass their opponents by poke
checking their hands, or lifting the hands and arms with their stick, the offensive player will be stymied. They
cannot catch, pass, or shoot if a defender is keeping pressure on their hands. And by poking and lifting, we avoid
the potential slashing penalties that could put us in a man-down situation. Don’t forget FEET FIRST, STICK
SECOND. It is easy for a player to get so focused on poking and lifting that he gets off balance and lets the man
get past him. Then we’re in trouble!
Third Rule of Defense: Always protect the hole.
The hole is the area on the field inside the restraining box roughly within an 8-10 yard radius in front of the goal.
Probably over 80 percent of scoring in youth and high school games occur in that area. Players must understand
this, and defend the hole intensely. In an unsettled situation, defenders must get back inside the restraining box,
defend the hole, and play defense from inside out. In other words, get back into the hole as quickly as possible
first, then “mark up” on defense by finding an uncovered opponent, calling out his number so your teammates
know you have him covered, and employ Rules #1 and #2!
My philosophy is that once the ball crosses the midline, I want my midfielders to sprint back inside the restraining
box to the hole. They will want to contest the ball, or cover their man out there in the middle of the field, but my
feeling is that it’s better teaching them to get back and play solid fundamental defense rather than potentially
having a fastbreak goal scored against us because our middies are caught out there behind the play. If the ball is
down on the ground and my player is near it, certainly that player should go for the ball. But if the ball is down
on the far side of the field, the player is better off getting to the hole and being ready to defend.
I don’t even really want my midfielders to throw a check out there, because most times the check is unsuccessful
and the opponent is past my defender. I have seen so many goals scored this way while coaching at the high
school level that I believe getting to the hole first and foremost is the best strategy.
It is worthwhile to practice this. Start out in a mock clear or face-off and roll the ball out in the midfield area. Call out
loudly “To the hole!” (It’s good to have your goalie learn to recognize and call this, too.) Make sure your
midfielders hightail it as fast as they can back inside the box to the hole, and then turn and mark up on the
offensive players as they come down field entering the offensive zone.
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
Again, if a middie is near the ground ball he should go after it, but the others should sprint—not jog—back into the
box. I also call out “to the hole” any time I have the players run sprints in practice. I want them to associate that
sprint with getting back on defense, instead of just getting to the goal to try to score.
If your team has a fastbreak goal scored against them, you can use it as an opportunity to really illustrate the
importance of Rule #3. Ask your defenders to think about where they were on the field when the goal was
scored. If they were covering their man way outside of the box or away from the hole, it should be clear to them
how they took themselves out of the play by being too far away. They need to follow Rule #1 and be between
their man and the goal, but they also need to be in a position where they can help out if the hole area is
assaulted.
I constantly ask my players “What’s the First Rule of Defense?!” “What’s the Third Rule of Defense?!” My
expectation is that every player answer loudly in unison. I ask them over and over, five or six times over the
course of practice, before games, during time outs. Sometimes even in one-on-one conversations about how
their parents are, or how school is going, I’ll interject “What’s the Second Rule?!” They all roll their eyes and
answer—sounding annoyed like only teenagers can! If they don’t say it loud enough, or they don’t all answer, I
ask again until I get a 100 percent response. Making them say it out loud constantly really helps it to sink in. No
matter how many games we win or lose this season, or how many goals our team scores, I know these guys will
come away at the end of the season with perhaps the most valuable lesson of all ingrained in them—how to
play sound, fundamental defense.
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
BILLERICA OFFENSE
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
Billerica Lacrosse Offense
The Goal: Maximize offensive opportunities
The Means: Attitude, Intensity, Pride, and Communication
Offensive philosophy







Our intent will be to move the ball and people while keeping opponent out of back up positions!
Maintain field balance in order to backup shots and/or feeds along with preventing fast break!
Keeping each defender occupied, but avoiding congestion in the play area!
The offense can be executed from any position on the perimeter!
Move with a purpose, by reading the flow of the action, and move someplace new!
Have continuity in the offense and maintain possession!
All cuts must be timed so the feeder is able to feed!
Individual
Always keep moving, cut, fake cuts, circle, shake & bake, v-cut
You must force defenseman to keep turning his head
When cutting your first step must always be in the opposite direction
Always keep your stick up (in the box), everyone is an offensive threat
If your man takes his eyes off you, go to the cage
Look past your man to the ball; anticipate the motion of the ball
Catch & move, don’t catch and look, you can look after you move
Upon catching the ball if your man is playing you tight, take one more step toward the ball
Open field, always look up field and pass to an open man
Shooting inside 12 yards come over the top and shoot low and away
Shooting outside 12 yards bounce shot 2-3 yards in front of cage
Adjacent man has 4 options
1. Clear through
3. Set a pick away from ball
2. Set a pick on the crease
4. V-cut for ball
Crease man
1. High (away from the goal) with the ball behind, Must keep defender turning his head
2. Low (and screening) with ball out front
3. Call bingo if your man slides and create a passing lane
Feeders always moving and step away from the defender when feeding
Feeders look through your defender to view entire offense. This will prevent deflections, interceptions, telegraphed
passes, and the overlooking of open cutters
Steps to Playing Billerica Offense
Step 1 – V-cut to get open
Instructions:
It is each player’s responsibility to get open when he is being covered.
The player must cut hard toward the cage (middle of the field), and than pop out and angle toward the man who is
passing the ball. (Creating a “V”)
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
When the player pops out, he must have the stick in his outside hand away from his defender. (Also stress to the
player making the pass to pass the ball to the outside)
Check points:
A player makes a hard v-cut to get open.
Player pops out with stick in his outside hand and uses his body to protect his stick.
Formation for instruction:
Perform this drill on different areas of the field, so players understand this concept.
Set players up in two lines, one line makes the pass and one lane catches the pass.
Use 2 cones to help players understand where to make the V.
Final goal:
All players understand what a v-cut is and that is there responsibility to get open.
All players understand to pass the ball to the outside away from the defense.
All players keep their stick in their outside hand when they pop out and make the pass.
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
Step 2 – Dodge and dump
Instructions:
 Player with the ball wants to dodge hard to the cage, when another defender slides to double team you, pass
the ball to the open man.
 When you dodge and double team comes, pop out wide away from double team to create an easier pass. We
call this “dodger-feeder.” “Run away from double”.
 Offensive player who’s man slides to double the ball, yells “bingo” and follows the defender who slid to an open
area looking for the pass.
 Bingo man must call this loud and have his stick up ready for the pass and shot.
Formation for instruction:
 Again want to perform this drill from different areas on the offensive end of the field.
 Start with the dodger up top at the restraining line.
 Have a defender play passive defense on the ball.
 A second offensive player is lined up around the crease area.
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
 The coach can cover this player and be the defender who slides to the ball.
 Man with the ball dodges and dumps to the open man on the bingo call for the shot.
 Have players rotate lines.
Final goal:
 All players must be a threat to dodge to the cage.
 All players understand that when they get doubled to pass the ball to where the double came from to the open
man.
 All players understand that if their defender leaves them to double the ball, to call bingo and cut to the open
area for a shot.
Bingo
O
OOOOOO
Run from X also.
O
D
“Bingo!”
This is called when
your man slides off you
to inform your
teammate with the ball.
When your man slides,
you follow behind him
to open area.
Dodge LOW to the crease
to draw the slide, now you
want to “stretch the
double”.
It is important to now pop
out and pull that 1 slide
farther out and allow
easier feed (“run away”).
This also makes the 2
slide a farther distance.
O
OOOOOOO
Step 3 – Cutting without the ball
Instructions:
 Pass the ball around to all teammates.
 Everyone must v-cut when receive each pass.
 All sticks in the outside hand.
 Do not allow player making the pass to stand still.
 When the coach calls out your number (or name), you cut hard to the ball for a shot.
 Whenever you make a cut to the ball, always fake hard in the opposite direction first.
Formation for Instruction:
 Have six players spread out in a circle around the cage. (See diagram)
 Progression: To have defenders playing passive defense on each player.
Check Points:
 All players are v-cutting to get open.
 Sticks are to the outside when passing and receiving a pass.
 Player cutting to the ball fakes hard opposite first.
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
 Player cuts to the ball with his stick up in position to catch and shoot immediately.
Final goal:
 All players are v-cutting to get open with sticks to the outside.
 All players make a pass with stick to the outside and feet moving.
 All players understand the more active they are without the ball, the more shooting opportunities that they will
have.
 Everyone is always a threat, stick up at all times.
4
3
5
2
1
6
Step 4 – Picks off the ball
Instructions:
 Player who makes the pass will always pick away from where he made the pass.
 When you set a pick, set the pick where the defender is, not where your teammate is.
 Player receiving the pass must v-cut to get open.
 Player who is cutting of the pick, must fake hard away first and ran shoulder to shoulder off teammate who is
setting the pick.
 Player who sets the pick will always follow and cutter off of the pick.
 Pass the ball to cutter off of the pick and pick man who follows back.
Formation for Instruction:
Three lines are up top at the restraining line.
Check Points:
 Player sets the pick opposite where he passes the ball.
 Player, who receives the pass v-cuts to get open.
 Player, who is cutting off of the pick, rubs shoulders with teammates.
 Player, who sets the pick, follows the cutter.
Final goal:
 All players understand that when you set a stick you need to be stationary.
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual



If you move at all when setting a pick, you will be called for an illegal screen.
Players cutting off picks, set there defender up and rub shoulders with teammates.
Man who sets the pick always follows behind for back up and/or a shot.
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
Step 5 - Formation
 Instructions:
 Have players set up in a 1-4-1.
 We can dodge from any of the perimeter positions.
 We want to dodge and force the opponent to slide.
 Everyone is a threat with the ball, “dodger-feeder”.
 The two players on the crease must be active and picking each other’s defender and have their stick up ready to
receive a pass at all times.
Formation for Instruction:
1-4-1
Check Points:
1 man up top, 1 man at x, 1 man on each wing and 2 men on the crease.
Final goal:
 All players understand this is the set formation; we want to be balanced in a 1-4-1.
 Also to understand that we don’t want to have set positions, we want everyone moving, cutting, and picking.
 All players understand they are a threat, look to dodge first than become a feeder.
 If you get double teamed your first look is for the bingo man.
 If bingo man is covered, we look to Bingo X/redirect. (More advanced, step 6)
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
A
A
M M
A
M
Step 6 – Beating the double team
Instructions:
 When we dodge and force a double team, our first look is to the bingo man.
 If he is not open we want to move the ball quickly.
 First option is to Bingo X, move the ball to the pipe, to X, and than to the weak side pipe.
 If we can not pass the ball to the pipe, we will than re-direct the ball.
Formation for Instruction:
 See below. (Same positions players will be in our 1-4-1 formation)
Check Points:
 Players are set in the correct formation, with substitutes ready to rotate in.
 We dodge hard and low to the cage to force the coach to slide.
 After you dodge you “run away” and become a feeder.
 We move the ball quickly, until we have a shot for the “pop man” on the weak side.
Final goal:
 All players understand the importance of moving the ball when double teamed.
 If we move the ball to the weak side after a double team we create 2 on 1 opportunity and open lay ups.
 All players to understand the concept of Bingo X/redirect and “pipe-X-pipe”
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
Bingo X
A
Bingo re-direct
A
2
4
3
3
“Bingo!”
A (“Pop man”)
A A
M
Be in
shooting
position!
2
A
“Pop man”
M
Coach
Force a double team;
stretch the double,
crease middie creates a
long 2 slide.
“Follow guy”
We always want to
follow our “dodger”.
Receive the pass and
quickly move the
ball to the attack.
1
Pass the ball
“pipe,X,pipe” to the
pop man for a shot.
Stress this every day.
Dodge low, draw the
double and than stretch
the double.
M
M
“Dodger, Feeder”
MMMMMM
M
1
Dodge low, stretch
the double, however
attack is not open.
Now roll back and
pass to “follow guy”
MMM
1-3-2 TRIANGLE - 13 T
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
A
Cut to X to
back up all
shots
A
Clear through,
be a threat.
Eyes on the ball
M
A
Cut toward the cage for
a shot opportunity, than
pop out as an outlet
Clear
through,
be a threat.
Eyes on
the ball
A
A
A
Play high on crease,
with the ball at X.
Be active!
Start low on the crease
when the ball is high.
Be active!
Call “follow”, so man
with ball knows you are
there.
Dodge hard to the
cage, if no shot
than pass to
Attackman that is
rotating from X
Cut to X to
back up all
shots
M
Cut to
the cage
look for
feed for
a shot.
Cut
through,
be a threat.
Clear through,
however be a
threat!
M
M
M
A
A
A
A
A
A
M
M
M
M
M
M
M
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
Circle
A
Green
A
AA
A
A
M M
Isolation, man with ball
takes defender high.
We are looking for picks
and good timing with
cutters.
If no cutter is open pass to
X and look for cutters
weak side
M
M
Green
M
M
A
A
Isolation, dodge and look for
cutters. If no cutters are
open, than rollback and pass
to X and look weak side.
MA
MM
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
34 Tips For Attackmen
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
Make your defense man play you and you alone every second you are in the game. Keep moving all the time so that he
must center his attention on you an not be in position to help out his fellow defense men.
In moving the ball around the circle, make all passes sharp, short, and to the outside, away from the defense man.
Make feed passes hard.
When you have the ball, never stand still - keep moving all the time - if necessary run backwards and forwards - but keep
moving. When you are ready to make a pass, take one step back quickly and move.
All feed passes must be thrown directly overhand or directly underhand - not sidearm.
Always move to meet every pass, and circle away from your defense man.
When you have the ball, be constantly faking passes - keep your defense man's stick moving.
When in possession of ball, make the defense man play your stick - watch his stick - the position of it will determine the
direction of your feed and the type of dodge you might try.
Take pains to make every pass good.
Never make a pass to a man who is covered just to get rid of the ball.
If an attack man is being ridden hard and can't dodge or get away - the nearest man on each side goes to help him.
On all long shots, a man must be on the crease.
On every screen shot the crease man should check-up on the defense man's stick, and immediately face the goalie, so that
he is ready to bat in a rebound.
After receiving a pass, as the ball moves around the outside, look first at the man who threw you the ball to see what he is
doing, then at the crease.
If you receive a pass after cutting and haven't got a good shot, hold onto the ball.
Place all shots, usually for a far corner, and shoot hard. When within five yards of the goal, the shot should be for a top
corner.
After picking up a loose ball, turn and face the crease immediately. If nobody is open, move in fast until you are picked up.
Don't dodge if there is an open man. Don't hold the ball long unless you are planning a dodge. Keep it moving with quick,
short passes.
Always be in position to back up shots and feeds. When a cut is made, or a shot is taken, the whole attack must play a part,
moving to be in a position to backup a pass or a shot. Control the ball!
Never try to dodge when men are in position to back up.
Never try to force in, with the ball or by a pass, if the defense is drawn in. Pull them out first.
Never stand so close together that one man can cover two attack men.
When there is a loose ball on the ground, go after it fast and hard, you must have the ball!
Always keep your field balanced in order that you stay in better position to back up, and give your teammates space to
work in.
Shoot plenty, but only if you feel you have a good shot.
Always have one, preferably two, men behind the goal to back up shots.
Time your cuts, don't cut if the man with the ball is not watching or not in position to pass.
Make full cuts - go through and out - don't cut at half speed or hang around the crease after your cut.
Zig your cuts, fake left - go right, fake right - go left. Don't always run at the same speed, change of pace is a very effective
method of getting open.
After the ball has been cleared, if you have a wide open opportunity to dodge, do it, or if you are sure a man is open, pass
to him, otherwise settle the ball down and let your attack get set up. Remember, after a clear the wimpy midfielders will
need time to catch their breath. Middies rest on offense, not defense, Control The Ball!
Every man on the attack should try at least two dodges every game. Learn at least three different types of dodges.
When you lose the ball, ride it. The close attack must ride and ride hard until the ball is past midfield.
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
33. Don't rush at a man when riding - particularly behind the goal. Force him to pass - force him in the direction where there is
help. Talk all the time and run hard. The success of an attack depends on their riding ability and their desire to have the ball.
BILLERICA CLEARING
Steps to Billerica’s Clears
Step 1 – Clearing off of a save.
Instructions:
Check points:
 One lone pole defenseman bananas to each side line, looking over their inside shoulder.
 One long pole breaks to midfield (to substitution box sideline always)
 Two middies break, looking over their outside shoulder. One middie up the middle
Formation for instruction:
 Start with all players inside the defensive zone, simulating playing defense.
 The coach passes the ball to the goalie, goalie yells “BREAK”
Final goal:
All players understand the importance of reacting to a save and the importance of passing the ball up the field to the
open player.
Clearing Patterns
A. Introduction
1. Clearing is a vital part of a team's defense because easy and demoralizing goals can be scored on the team which has difficulty
clearing the ball.
2. Speed is an essential for the defense, as one of the best clears can result when a fast defenseman carries the ball up field to the
offense.
3. Good stick work is a must, and good peripheral vision can facilitate the clear.
4. Team talk makes the clear a lot easier.
5. The goalie is the backbone of the defense and is the person primarily responsible for directing the clear. Most clears will start with
his handling the ball. Once he makes the save, he calls "Break" to alert the defense to spread out.
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
M
M
M
D
D
G
D
B. Clearing vs Inbounds, Man to Man Ride 1. Phase I a. Goalie
1) Look up field immediately after gaining possession of ball, first to onside middie, then offside. Make this pass if middie is open.
2) If middie is not open for quick pass, look to defensemen breaking out.
3) Goalie's stick should be to the side of the goal when making pass so a blocked pass by the crease attackman will not result in a
cheap goal.
4) If middie and defenseman are not open, look for opening to run ball out to front of goal. Pass off as soon as a man becomes open. Try
to draw a 2 on 1 situation to create the opening for a pass.
5) If the goalie is fast, his first move might be a quick glance to a breaking middie; but if none is open, then he might try to run the ball out to
the front of the goal.
b. Wing Defensemen
1) Make quick break toward sideline and slightly up field.
2) Look over shoulder for backhand catch.
3) Call to goalie if open.
c. Crease Defenseman
1) Stay in crease area, about 2 to 3 yards, than break toward box.
2) Check to see if crease attackman plays goalie.
3) Check to see if middie moves in to play him.
d. Midfielders
1) Wing middies - break either up field at 45 degree angle.
2) Center middie - break straight up field for quick pass.
3) Keep your eyes on goalie as you break out.
4) Call to goalie, if open.
5) Check you defensive middie to see if he is dropping off you to go into a press ride.
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
2. Phase
a. Goalie
1) Run ball out to rear of goal. (Be ready to go behind goal on one side and come out on other side.)
2) Pass off to either wing defenseman or to crease defenseman.
b. Wing Defensemen
1) Break back to comer of field and look for pass from goalie.
2) If ball is thrown to you, turn properly to keep your body between your stick and the riding attackman.
c. Crease Defenseman
1) Ease out about 3 to 4 yards from the crease, keeping eye on goalie to see if he needs help.
2) Break back to goalie if he is being ridden hard and cannot pass to wing defensemen.
3) Check to see if middle moves in to play you, establishing a press ride. If so, call out to all your teammates to the press ride.
d. Midfielders
1) Continue path up field but keep alert to position of your riding midfielder.
2) If middle is not going with you, be ready to break back for the ball. Call for the ball.
3. Phase a.
Goalie
1) With pass to wing defenseman, be ready to re-break up field for a return pass; return to the goal; or remain even with the defenseman to
get a "safety-valve" pass.
b. Wing Defensemen
1) The on-side defenseman - catch ball and move up field, looking for pass to either crease defenseman or on-side middle.
2) Be ready to re-break for a return pass. Throw ball at head or slightly to stick side of receiver. Tell him to 'Turn in!" or "Turn out!”
depending on the rider's position.
3) Off-side defenseman - keep even with the ball as it is advanced up field and keep wide enough from the goal to safely receive cross-field
pass.
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
c. Crease Defenseman
1) Break towards midfield, box side of the field.
2) Be ready to break back toward ball or else toward the sidelines for pass from wing defenseman.
3) If ball is thrown to onside middie, who is breaking back for ball, then break up field on a 45 degree angle into area vacated by
middie and look for pass.
4) Any defenseman going over center line should call "Going over!" and the middie remaining onsides should call "Go ahead, I'm back!"
d. Midfielders
1) If your riding middies are playing close or behind you, take them with you past the centerline to create a 4 clearing vs. 3 riding
situation.
2) Offside middie - always responsible for staying onside. Stay wide and be ready to call for cross field pass.
3) Center middie - break to onside of field to open area, e. Close Attack
1) In all clearing situations, we want our attack to be close to the goal line extended when they are being played man for man.
However, if defenseman is not alert or plays behind you, break up field for ball.
2) If your defenseman tries to slide and break up clear, break back to open area toward ball and call for it.
Step 2 – Clearing in a dead ball situation.
Instructions:
In dead ball situations we use a 34 clear. (Also 34 T, 34 Press, and an M clear)
You must establish one long pole defenseman to line up at the substitution box at midfield.
We want one long pole defenseman on each sideline at GLE.
The three middies are at the midfield line, spread out across the field.
If the ball is dead directly behind the cage, the goalie will inbound the ball.
Explain to the players that these are the same positions that we break off of a save made by the goalie.
Check points:
One long pole defenseman is on each side of the cage, near the sideline.
One long pole defenseman is at midfield to our sideline.
All three middies are evenly spread out on the midfield line.
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
Formation for instruction:
Have all six players start inside the defensive zone as if they are playing defense.
Than throw a ball either behind the cage or to the either sideline at GLE, out of bounds, and have all players react
and go to their position.
It is important to practice with the players reacting to the ball going out of bounds, to simulate a game situation.
Final goal:
 All players know all positions in a 34 clear situation.
 On the whistle we want the middies cutting to the ball in their lanes.
 Players must understand the ball moves faster when we pass, if a man is open up the field we want to pass the
ball and not run with it.
 Players understand that if a long pole defenseman carries the ball to the offensive side of the field, a middie
must raise his stick high and yell “I’m staying back”.
Note:
If the long pole defensemen have a difficult time clearing the ball, you can bring one middie back to carry the ball.
This is our 43 clear. Everyone else is in the same position.
CLEARS
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
34
G
34 T
D1
G
D2 D1
D2
Goalie’s calls:
Over = D1 passes ball to D2
Re-direct = D1 or D2 pass ball
back to the goalie
Boston = Pass ball to D3 at the
box
Far and away = pass ball to M3
M
Set pick for
middie that is
opposite the ball.
D3
A
M
M
A
M3 D3
A
A
A
M
M
A
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
34 Press
G
D1
(D3)
34 Orange
G
D2 D1
M
M
D2
M
We sneak attackman over to help
clear.
Far side middie need to step on
the offensive side of the field.
Goalie should call press
automatically if himself and
both close defenseman are
being defended.
We can press defenseman or
leave him up high.
D3
A
D3
A
A
A
M
M
A
M
A
Step 3 – Clearing with the ball on the sideline (Sideline Clear).
Instructions: (See page )
 We use sideline clear when the ball goes out of bounds between restraining lines.
 We want one long pole defenseman on each sideline at GLE, just like the 34 clear.
 Now the designated long pole defenseman that positions at the box in our 34 clear must line up at midfield
opposite the ball.
 The goalie wants to come out of the cage, for a redirected pass from the middie if needed.
 Now a middie takes the ball out of bounds.
 One middie will line up at the midfield X, and one middie positioned on the offensive restraining line.
 One the whistle the two middies cut to the ball, this is our first option.
 If the middies are not open that we pass the ball back into the defensive box, and we now go into our 34 clear.
Check points:
 One long pole defenseman is on each side of the cage, near the sideline.
 One long pole defenseman is at midfield opposite the ball.
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
 Middies in the correct position.
Formation for instruction:
 Have all six players start inside the defensive zone as if they are playing defense.
 Than throw a ball to the either sideline, out of bounds, and have all players react and go to their position.
 It is important to practice with the players reacting to the ball going out of bounds, to simulate a game situation.
Final goal:
 All players know all positions in a sideline clear
 All players understand when we use a sideline clear.
 On the whistle we want the middies cutting to the ball.
 Players must understand the ball moves faster when we pass, if a man is open up the field we want to pass the
ball and not run with it.
 Players understand that if a long pole defenseman carries the ball to the offensive side of the field, a middie
must raise his stick high and yell “I’m staying back”.
Note:
If the middie passes the ball back to the defenseman or the goalie we call this “redirect”. The goalie or the coach
can call a redirect. When we redirect the ball, the players now position in a 34 Clear. The middie on the
offensive restraining line needs to run to midfield. Ideally when we redirect the ball, we now want to push the
ball up the opposite sideline. We do this because all of the opponents now have to react and run to that
sideline.
Step 4– Clearing in an unsettled situation.
Instruction:
 If we pick up a ground ball, we want all players to react and break up field.
 We want to PASS the ball to the OPEN player up field.
 This is the start of our offense, we want a fast break.
 If we pick up a ground ball in the crease area, pass the ball to the goalie and now everyone can break into their
positions.
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
SIDELINE SPECIAL
D
G
D
First option is to pass to defenseman
cutting over midfield.
Far side middie must stay on side.
M
M
D
M
A
A
A
BILLERICA RIDING
Steps to Billerica’s Riding
Step 1 – Riding off of a save.
Instructions: Goalie ride
All attackman defend the defenseman that was covering them.
All middies defend the middie that was covering them.
No one covers the goalie off of a save.
Check points:
All players are defended except for the goalie.
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
Players yell out the number of the man that they are covering.
Formation for instruction:
Start in a 6 on 6 situation, where the offense has the ball.
Pass the ball to the goalie, have the defense break into their clear.
All offensive players now must ride and cover their man.
We want to shut off all players; this will place a great deal of pressure on the goalie.
Final goal:
All players understand their responsibility in our goalie ride.
We want to force turnovers and get easy goal opportunities.
We need all six players to hustle, hustle and hustle more.
All players will understand the importance of riding.
Players take pride in riding their opponent.
GOALIE RIDE
D1
A
D2
A
G
Do not cover the
goalie. Everyone
else is shut off.
A
D3
D
A
DM
M
DM
M
D
A
DM
M
D
A
Step 2 – Riding in an unsettled situation.
Instructions: Black Ride
We want two attackman to double the man with the ball.
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
The third attackman will defend the closest long pole (or the goalie) to the ball and shut him off.
All middies defend the man who was covering them.
Check points:
Two attackman are defending the man with the ball.
One attackman is shutting off the next closest long pole.
All middies are being defended.
Formation for instruction:
Start in a 6 on 6 situation.
The coach throws the ball to create a ground ball, let the defense pick up the ground ball.
The players must react; we want the man with the ball, doubled immediately.
Final goal:
All players understand their responsibilities in an unsettled situation.
Again we want to create a turnover, create a ground ball and establish a scoring opportunity.
BLACK RIDE (Unsettled)
Third attackman
shuts off the next
closest long pole
defenseman.
D
AA
G
A D
M DM
DM
D
DM
M
M
Two attackman
double the long pole
defenseman with the
ball.
D
A
D
A
D
A
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
Step 3 – Riding when there is a dead ball.
Instructions: Black Ride
The defense lines up in a 34 clear.
We are in a black ride.
Two attackman double the long pole with the ball.
Check points:
The long pole in bounding the ball has two attackman covering him.
The third attackman is shutting off the closest long pole defenseman or the goalie.
All middies are being shut off.
Formation for instruction:
Again start in a 6 on 6 situation.
The coach than throws the ball out of bounds.
Final goal:
All players react to the dead ball situation.
All players must hustle to be in position by time the referee blows the whistle.
We want turnovers for easy goal opportunities.
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
BLACK RIDE (Unsettled)
Third attackman
shuts off the next
closest long pole
defenseman.
D
AA
G
A D
M DM
DM
D
DM
M
M
Two attackman
double the long pole
defenseman with the
ball.
D
A
D
A
D
A
BILLERICA FAST BREAK/TRANSITION
Steps to Billerica Fast Break
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
Positioning and responsibilities of Offensive and Defensive Players
M
A1
D1
D2
A3
D3
A2
A. Fast Break Offense
1. Two things must happen for our fast break to work:
a. We must hustle to position! Don’t be a spectator!
b. The first pass must be on target.
2. The point attackman (A1) sets up 2 to 3 yards inside Restraining line and about 4 yards from the center of the
field. (He should have a strong right hand)
3. The attackman to the goalies right (A2) sets up low and about 5 yards from the center of the field.
4. The attackman to the goalies left (A3) sets up low and about 5 yard from the center of the field. (He must
have a strong left hand).
B. Fast Break Rotation Defense
1. Three defensemen must hustle all the way into the hole:
a. Point defenseman (D1) positions 12 yards out.
b. Wing defensemen (D2 and D3) position not more than 2 yards from the crease
and one step outside of the pipes.
2. The point defenseman plays good defensive position with stick up. On the pass to point
Attackman, he turns to the ball; gets stick up and returns 3 yards off the crease.
3. Wing defenseman cover sticks slide to bodies and are ready to reverse direction.
Billerica High School Lacrosse
Transition to secondary break (If we do not have a fast break)
As we bring the ball up field on a clear or gain possession in a ground ball situation between the restraining lines, our
goal must be to immediately push the ball up to our attack and move it to the “X” directly behind the goal.
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
M3
M2
M1
1
A1
A3
2
or 3
A2
Responsibilities
1. Defense and Goalie
a. Push the ball up the field with every opportunity.
b. Pass the ball up whenever possible rather than run it up.
c. If we hold the ball on the sideline we risk being trapped and also allow a defender to play two men away from
the ball.
2. Middies
a. Push the ball up the field and read the attackman’s cut. In the figure above, M1 cuts to the opposite crease.
b. M1 than looks to set back picks for trailing middies.
3. Attack
a. A1 must v-cut to get open; he can not allow his defender to shut him off.
b. An attackman must get to “X” with every transition opportunity!
c. Either carry the ball to the weak side or pass is (to A3).
d. Look for open cutters, if not open than we set up our offense.
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
BILLERICA PRACTICE PLANS
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
5-8th Grade Practice Plan
Practice Details
Coach:
Date:
Quote of the week:
Time
5:45-5:55
5:55
6:00 – 6:10
6:10 – 6:22
6:23 - 6:38
6:38 - 6:53
Water Break
7:00 – 7:10
7:11 - 7:20
7:21 – 7:30
7:31 – 7:45
7:46 – 8:00
Activity
Early Work
(Goalies/Face-off/Quick Stick/Defense Footwork)
Review previous week (including game play), Q and A
Dynamic warm up (different coach each day, enthusiasm/variation get kids excited). Relay with pass, with
cradle etc. Make it fun!
High Knees
Etc…
12 Minute Drill
Skill Work – Stations
1.) G.B. (progressions)
2.) stick protection/transfer of hands/footwork
3.) Four corner catch, three man catch
Individual Period (varies by grade level and coaches)

Attack- Rapid Fire, Dodge-Power, Roll, Rocker

Middies-Dodge-Stutter, Split, Roll. Shoot on Run

Defense-Footwork, Checks, Body Position

Goalies
Even (1 v 1, 2 v 2, 3 v 3, 4 v 4) 3v2, 4v3, 5v4, (1-2wide-2, 2-1-2 all above cage)
Fast Break, Uneven 3v2, 4v3, 5v4, (1-2 wide-2, 2-1-2 all above cage) 6 v 5
Skeleton Clears (shot, 34, 34 press, 43, 43 press, sideline)
Half field team
 Skeleton
 Scrimmage
Concept of the Day
(Ride/Clear, EMO/Man down, Zone, Face off, 10 sec play, keep it in box, shut off play, diamond fast break
etc)
Practice Worksheet
Offense
Defense
Man-Up
Man - Down
Rides
Clears
Situation
______________________________________________________________________________
Skill Work:
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
Attack
Middies
“Kiss your inside shoulder” Pokes
Get the ball in and out of stick
Lifts
V-cut
OTN shooting
Defense/Goalie
Body position
Footwork
Practice Details
Dynamic Warm Up Overview
The dynamic warm up is designed to warm up the players and provide a good overall stretch and muscle preparation
for practice.
Step 1: 25-30 Yard Cross Field:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Hi Knee
Walk the Line
Butt Kick
Lunge Walk
Dynamic Warm-up
1. Quick skip with arm circles
2. Bounding: up leg toes up and knee high, stance leg push off with toes, Arms and trunk: opposite arm and leg
pattern (temple to hip)
3. Twister skip: Arms and trunk twist towards the same side as the up leg,
4. Butt Kicks: Running form, shoulder lean (temple to hip)
5. Side shuffle turn - quick turn on the whistle, butt low, feet forward
6. Carioca: change directions halfway on whistle
7. 45’s Backward – on whistle
8. 45’s Forward (Split dodge) – on whistle
9. Backward to a forward run – turn on whistle
10. Forward to backward – turn on whistle
11. Forward to 360 to forward
12. Backward to 360 backward
Dynamic stretches - No stick for these
1. Back lunge: perform a butt kick and reach back into a lunge
2. High knee grab (pull knee to chest)
3. Walking quad stretch (stretch with hand)
4. Straight leg march (hands out in front)
5. Lunge with Hamstring stretch
6. Spiderman – 10 yards
7. Fire Hydrant 12 each
8. L-overs
12 Minute Drill
1. 1 hand right
2. 1 hand left
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
3. 2 hand right with 1 cradle
4. 2 hand left with 1 cradle
5. Split dodge (catch right/throw left and catch left/throw right)
6. Over the shoulder (1 minute each shoulder)
7. GB (same person for 1 minute)
8. Long Pass – (1 minute strong and 1 minute weak)
6 v 6 Situations
1. Turn over end line – 43 clear at X
2. Lose ball push on the offense – defense ball
3. Ball out sideline parallel to cage 43 clear
4. Shot – end line, offense possession – GOLD
5. Save – shot from attack
6. flamingo on LP – offense has possession = Brave
7. Throw out a GB behind the cage
8. Turnover end line near corner – 43 clear
9. Lose ball push on offense – defense ball
10. Save – shot from middie
11. Shot – maintain possession offense run 15 – defense Warrior
12. Throw out GB in the hole
13. Save – interference on goalie – Play on (goalie throw for fast break – ball at midfield)
14. Lose ball push on defense – offense ball
15. Shot, offense possession at X - Gold
Concepts
5th grade
1) concepts of shapes and numbers
2) Sprint to create offensive advantage with transition, break out on a save
3) Field terminology (GLE, alley etc)
6th grade
1) Dodge to create opportunities
2) Inside out defense (playing angles)
3) Team defense - 1 slide
7th grade
1) Transition offense, push the ball to X. Recognize time off possession is importatn
2) Creating offense from X
3) Man down defense (box and 1)
8th grade
1) "whistle ready" reacting to whistles to create an advantage
2) Dodging progressions
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1-2nd Grade Practice Plan
In House Program (1/2) Practice Plan
Please print page 1 of the plan and bring for each practice. Enter the week number, date and the number of players,
number of coaches and name of HS Players in attendance. Practice sheets should be turned into the U11 Director at the
next BLA meeting.
Practice Details
Week Number:
Date:
Number of coaches:
Number of Players:
HS Player Names:
Theme of the week:
Time
Activity
5:55
Review previous week (including game play), Q and A
6:00
Dynamic warm up (different coach each day, enthusiasm/variation get kids excited). Relay with pass,
with cradle etc. Make it fun!
6:10 - 6:20
High Knees
Etc…
Station 1 (1 minute explanation – 8 minutes perform – 1 minute review)
6:22 - 6:32
Station 2 (1 minute explanation – 8 minutes perform – 1 minute review)
6:34 - 6:44
Station 3 (1 minute explanation – 8 minutes perform – 1 minute review)
6:46 - 6:56
Station 4 (1 minute explanation – 8 minutes perform – 1 minute review)
Water Break
7:00-7:10
Concept of the week
Week 1
Stick protection: six inch string, listen to whisper
Week 2
Ball moves faster than players, pass the ball to open teammate
Week 3
Defense is like a fist, offense like a hand
Week 4
Defense get back to the hole
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Week 5
Make the medium pass, finding open teammate
Week 6
Finding open space on the field
Weeks 7-10
TBD (Coaches decision)
7:10 – 7:25
Pick one game:
7:25
Cover the cones
Passketball (3 v 3 whistle drill)
GB challenge, fireball, Sharks and Minnows
Review what learned today
7:35
Spot Light - Character theme of the week
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Practice Details
Dynamic Warm Up Overview
The dynamic warm up is designed to warm up the players and provide a good overall stretch and muscle preparation for
practice.
Step 1: 25-30 Yard Cross Field:
5. Hi Knee
6. Walk the Line
7. Butt Kick
8. Lunge Walk
Dynamic Warm-up
13. Quick skip with arm circles
14. Bounding: up leg toes up and knee high, stance leg push off with toes, Arms and trunk: opposite arm and leg
pattern (temple to hip)
15. Twister skip: Arms and trunk twist towards the same side as the up leg,
16. Butt Kicks: Running form, shoulder lean (temple to hip)
17. Side shuffle turn - quick turn on the whistle, butt low, feet forward
18. Carioca: change directions halfway on whistle
19. 45’s Backward – on whistle
20. 45’s Forward (Split dodge) – on whistle
21. Backward to a forward run – turn on whistle
22. Forward to backward – turn on whistle
23. Forward to 360 to forward
24. Backward to 360 backward
Dynamic stretches - No stick for these
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
Back lunge: perform a butt kick and reach back into a lunge
High knee grab (pull knee to chest)
Walking quad stretch (stretch with hand)
Straight leg march (hands out in front)
Lunge with Hamstring stretch
Spiderman – 10 yards
Fire Hydrant 12 each
L-overs
Stations
Overview: The In House Program utilizes a stations format to maximize learning of crucial lacrosse skills.
Preparation: To prepare for the stations, coaches should do the following in advance (perhaps during dynamic warm
up’s, additionally coaches should leverage the HS players to prepare each station:
Choose locations on practice fields for each station (4+)
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Ensure all stations have appropriate equipment including balls, cones, goals, etc…
Be prepared to execute drills for each station with appropriate key talking points, drills, skills
Ensure HS players are prepared to execute skills and model behaviors
Weeks 1-3 New Player Focus: During weeks 1-3 (duration TBD), coaches may choose to segregate NEW players from
experienced players, or grades 1-2 from grade 3-4 during stations. This will allow for additional focus on the early
fundamentals for those players who may not have picked up a stick in the past.
Stations and Progressions:
The tables below represent the suggested weekly progressions for each stations. The skills represent the logical and
physical order for learning the core skill and advancing that skills to be used in game play.
GB’s/Face off work
Cradling - Dodging – Shot
Week 1
Stationary scoop
Week 1
2 hand cradling (both)
Week 2
Scoop and curl
Week 2
1 hand cradling
Week 3
Face off stance and clamp
Week 3
Face dodge
Week 4
2 whistle GB
Week 4
Split dodge
Week 5
Scoop and pass
Week 5
V cut catch and shoot
Week 6
1 v 1 (hip to hip)
Week 6
Shooting (1 step)
Week 7
2 v 1 Man/Ball
Week 7
Shooting on the run
Week 8
Face off – clamp
Week 8
Off ball cut and shoot
Week 9
All
Week 9
All
Defense
Partner Catch
Week 1
Stance and stick position
Week 1
Strong hand only
Week 2
Stance – shuffle/cones
Week 2
Strong/weak hand
Week 3
Punching hips
Week 3
Exchange
Week 4
Funnel
Week 4
Quick Stick
Week 5
Poke check
Week 5
Cont.
Week 6
1v1
Week 6
Cont.
Week 7
Drill get back on defense
Week 7
Cont.
Week 8
Review
Week 8
Cont.
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Week 9
Cont.
Week 9
Cont.
High School Player Practice Participation
The Billerica High School Lacrosse team will be providing volunteers to assist with the in house program practices and
games. Coaches should huddle with HS players before practice to discuss roles and goals for the practice.
Roles in practice include:
Pre-Practice Field Setup (Goals, Balls, Equipment, etc..)
Pre-practice equipment checks for players (protective cup, helmet, mouthpiece)
Pre-practice player help (equipment use and wear, chin straps, etc…)
Dynamic warm up examples and participation
Stations preparation, setup and skills coordination (through role modeling)
Assist in CONCEPT OF THE WEEK overview
Participate with coaches and players in practice wrap up games (Have Fun!)
Post practice huddle with coaches, coaches feedback!
Coaches Note: Provide positive feedback as well as opportunities for improvement to the HS players, it will help them
grow and prepare. Their role as volunteers is a valuable commodity to BLA, please provide every opportunity to partner
with them for the good of the players, Billerica Lacrosse and the volunteers.
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ARTICLES
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Finding Space
Teaching Youth Players the Secret of the Game
You have now succeeded in teaching your youth players the fundamentals and basic skills of lacrosse. You can only
marvel at your players’ ability to switch hands, roll dodge and pass and catch with both hands with proficiency. Thanks
to Gary Gait, some of your players can now pass behind their backs, and with Casey Powell as inspiration, some of your
players can toss a stick in the air and catch it without losing the ball.
Now, it is time to scrimmage. Much to your dismay, as the game progresses you continually witness seven to eight
players struggling to pick up a ball in what looks more like a rugby scrum than the game you dreamed that these
advanced stick skills might enable your players to enjoy. Even more sadly, when your player finally gets the ball on
offense, his most difficult obstacle in getting to the goal may fact that his own players cut off his route to the goal or
stand and watch as he tries to beat his defender. Tragically, when you insist that your players move the ball on, you may
be permanently damaging their chances of scoring as there seems to be no one to pass to or worse yet, the only pass
they can make is the one that moves your team further from the goal.
In this nightmarish apparition of the game you love, your frustration leads you to yell out coaching clichés that are
contained in your own lacrosse memory bank. These stored memories are the words that you remember your own
frustrated coaches screaming in desperate situations. Frantically, you exhort your kids to move without the ball, find a
lane, or cut to the goal. These commands do not remedy the mess that the game has become The players not only do
not understand what you want them to do, but they have not been trained to do any of these very sophisticated
techniques.
The problem is that you are speaking a language your players do not understand. You may as well be speaking Greek.
The sophisticated individual stick and dodging skills that the players possess are not really able to be unleashed as their
understanding of the larger team game trails far behind these advanced individual skills.
This article is an attempt to remedy that situation. You cannot expect your players to develop an understanding that you
have not taught. Even more powerfully stated, you cannot expect your players to execute concepts that you have not
instilled by drilling. Drilling so many times until they can be executed without thinking. The skill that you have not
instilled is a skill that is referred to as finding space. Without this skill, it is not only difficult to run an offense; it is almost
impossible to play the game. However with this skill any size player, can destroy an opponent.
B.J. Prager may have been one of the smallest players on the field for Princeton, but his ability to find space often made
him the most dangerous player on the field. If you translate that to a team, the ability to find space may enable a team
that is smaller and less talented physically to completely dismantle a physically superior team. This holds true for
lacrosse at any level.
Teaching Players to Find Space
Coaches, begin to use the term “find space”. Understand that unless you drill it to the point that it is instinctive the
words will mean nothing. Once the understanding is in place, players will know exactly what you mean and move in
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ways that will always increase your team’s effectiveness. If players can find space, your offense will work. If they can’t
find space, the best pattern or plays in the world will not help you.
The way that you must teach youth players, and for that matter all players, is in a progression. The progression must;
1.
teach the skill in isolation without pressure
2.
move to a situation with pressure that approaches game like intensity
3.
and finally, the skill must be practiced with full intensity in a drill that totally simulates the game situation.
The progression that you use to teach finding space must be practiced at every practice with the same effort that you practice
individual skills with the ball. The good news for you is that this progression is often more fun and engages more players than your
traditional one-on-one ball drills.
Progression One: Three-on-Two Drill
This first drill is the pivotal part of the progression that will teach your players to find space. Begin by lining three players
up on three of four cones arranged in a square. The players are lined up in an “L”, three of the four cones or corners of
the square, and must keep aligned in the “L”. They must always be adjacent. As player 1 passes to player 2, player 3
must run to keep the L and be adjacent to the ball. The game begins without defense and players learning to move
adjacent and keep the L.
In youth lacrosse, you must always be covering multiple concepts. As you are teaching players to move adjacent to the
ball, you are also reviewing the basic fundamentals of throwing and catching. Insist that the younger players catch with a
tight stick (top hand on the plastic, bottom hand in the middle of the stick—lacrosse’s equivalent of choking up on a
bat). When they throw, insist that they point their fist at the player they are throwing to and that they hold the stick
with their top hand above their ear and that they pull on the bottom hand as they throw. They must understand that the
stick is a lever and their top hand is the fulcrum.
Quickly add two players on defense. One player on the ball starts the drill by screaming “BALL” or “I GOT BALL”. The
second player who is stacked behind the first player must call “BACK” or “I GOT BACK” before the pass is made. Once
the pass is made the back player screams “BALL” and he moves to pass, as the ball player moves to the back position
and screams “BACK”. In this drill, you are teaching players to move to the right offensive places in a rote way, but at the
same time, you are teaching the basic defensive rotation, or slides, that will drive your player’s entire careers.
Players will not love this drill. It is too staged for them. However, just as you must master the alphabet before you can
enjoy reading, you must master these movements and defensive reactions before you can enjoy the game. As soon as
they master the drill with cones, remove the cones. Now they must make the adjustment to finding space without a
cone to guide them. You can guide them by yelling “FIND SPACE” and exhorting them to “STRETCH THE DEFENSE”. You
can guide your players even more by bringing a super soaker to practice and soaking them a little if they do not find
enough space. They will like this drill better as they master the concept and they will love it if they get soaked!
The great part of this drill is that as your season progresses you can toss a ball to five players and tell them to find space
in a corner of the field. If you have 25 players toss a ball to the other four groups of five tell them to find space. In a
matter of minutes, the field is taken up with your entire team moving in a way that instills passing and catching on the
run, defensive reaction and talk and finding space. We were given only two minutes to warm up before a tournament
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game and rather than a line drill we tossed out three or four balls and said the words, “three on two drill”. Players came
in after those two or three minutes, warm, sweating and, most of all, ready to play the game.
Progression Two: Good Guys, Bad Guys: Three on Two Groundballs
Although the first progression drill will not be loved, most players will love this drill as they master the concepts driving
it. Players love the competition that drives this drill and never want to leave the drill. The drill begins with five players
lined up for a traditional groundball drill. Never balance the lines but insist the players do this for themselves. Simply say
the words, “five lines”. Do not begin the drill, until the lines are balanced. Balancing their own lines allows leaders to
emerge and fosters the understanding that the players are a team and responsible for each other. They must all be on
the same page. Players one, three and five raise their stick and are identified as the good guys. The players two and four
are identified as the bad guys.
For some reason, players love the concept of good guys and bad guys as much as they love playing cops and robbers. To
pump them up, simply ask them who is going to win, good guys or bad guys? Ask them a second time and hold your
ears. The only rule is that if the good guys get the ball, to win the game, they must successfully pass the ball to each of
their good guy teammates. Bad guys have an advantage in that they need only pass it to their one other bad guy
teammate. What you must now bring to life is the three-on-two drill you taught in the first progression. Insist that the
drill does just that, or stop the drill and demonstrate to players that they must find space and play ball-back defense just
as they did a few minutes ago with the cones. Stress the offensive and defensive talk. It takes no athletic ability to say
“here’s your help” or “I got ball”. It does take understanding of what is going to happen next! To have some fun, and to
avoid the cheating or ball jumping that often seeps into the drill, try having the players lay on their back or bellies to
start. They will love this craziness in ways that will make them really enjoy the drill.
When the drill first begins you will probably find all five players chasing the ball. Be patient. Don’t lose your super
soaker, as you may have to sprinkle a few players to keep them from ball chasing. The most amazing part is when the
lagging good guys realize that they would be better off finding space than they would creating a rugby scrum on the ball.
This understanding is the lacrosse equivalent of seeing two moves ahead in chess. When your players can see the next
pass before it happens, they have learned the secret of the game. In order for the drill to work, players must find space.
Even fourth grade teams can master this concept quickly if you do these drills every practice. We all have watched
lacrosse at much higher levels where players do not have these skills.
Progression Three: The Box Drill: Three-on-Two Fast break Drill
You are now ready to bring the skill to the game level. Probably the best drill for this concept is the Box Drill, because we
want goalies and players to be conditioned to pass to the substitution box when they hear the word, box. This may be
the best and most authentic fast break drill in the game. It is simple to teach, but a real test of endurance for players to
execute.
First of all, in order to not confuse youth players, set up only two attackmen and two defensemen at each end of the
field. Use two attackmen rather than three so that you build on the three-on-two drills that you have just conditioned in
the first two stages of the progression. (As the kids get a bit more practiced at this, or for older players, you can do the
four-on-three break.) At the midfield, line up three midfielders of a team on one side of the line and three midfielders of
the other team on the other side of the line in opposite color pennies.
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The drill (see diagram below) begins with a midfielder
breaking back to the goalie yelling, “BOX”. Insist that the
player yell loud enough for the goalie to hear. The goalie
throws the outlet and the midfielder is off on a break to the
other end of the field employing the same three on two
fastbreak concepts you have conditioned when you began
with the cones drill. As soon as that break concludes,
whether it be with a save, a goal or a turnover, the next
midfielder in the other color going to the other end breaks
onto the field and yells, “BOX”. The goalie throws the outlet
to this midfielder and he is off to the races for another a
three on two break at the other end. A variation of this drill
that makes it game-authentic, messy and a real conditioner
is having the first midfielder who started the drill chase back
on defense. Each subsequent midfielder who joins the drill
stays in the drill throughout the entire drill and must
continue to chase back to the defense as the drill
progresses. Stop the drill when you have 6 vs. 6 and start
over. The midfielder who started the drill has run the field
six times. Make sure to rotate the midfielders so that they
share the drill and conditioning this drill provides. What
happens is that your players learn to run the field, look up
as they run, find space in the three-on-two at each end, not to mention stop the break and play in messy unsettled
situations.
Just so that players on the attack and defense do not miss out on the fun, be sure to run the drill with positions
switched. Attackmen will now learn firsthand what it means to a midfielder when they throw a thoughtless or hurried
pass that requires the midfielders to run back on defense. As a coach, you will never need to run sprints at the end of a
practice if your players run this drill with heart. More importantly, the skill of finding space will now become an integral
part of how your team plays the game.
To condition these instincts for younger players will take the whole year. Don’t worry about teaching elaborate patterns
or plays on offense, let them find space on their own. You can further condition them by having them run basketball
weaves sideline-to-sideline instead of line drills. These drills too will teach space and discipline. However, if you have
older players you will need to integrate these same concepts to your formal offense. There is no better tool for
accomplishing that than the motion offense, the concepts of which will be presented in a follow-up piece.
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UNSETTLED SITUATIONS
2 v. 1 Situations
Offensively: A1 has the ball and
therefore must be a scoring threat
first. If the defender never plays
him, A1 should run in an shoot
the ball. At some point the
defender has to either slide to the
ball or keep backing up allowing
A1 an easy shot. If the defender
slides to A1 early, he must read it
and give the ball to A2. A2 must
stay in a passing lane where A1
can deliver the ball to him.
D
A1
Defensively, D is trying to
buy as much time as
possible without backing
up too much. At some
point, probably 7 yards or
so he must commit to
stopping the ball.
A2
3 v. 2 Situations
Offensively: A1 takes the ball hard to
the cage drawing D1. As D1 slides to
A1 he passes to either A2 or A3,
usually it will be A3 because most
kids are RH. A3 must go upfield a
little bit as well as turn to face the
cage. When A3 gets the pass from A1
he must be ready to either shoot or
pass (to A2).
A1
A2 must find the passing lane, either
upfield or on the crease so that A3 can
find him and get him the ball. He
doesn’t want to get too close so that
D2 can play him.
D2
D1
A2
A3
Defensively: D1 wants to wait as long
as possible to slide. He doesn’t want
to slide up field, rather hold his
ground; this will make his slide back
to the middle shorter. The tighter they
play, the more likely the offense will
take an outside shot. Ideally A1 takes
an outside shot, which is the easiest
save for the goalie.
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A3
A4
D1
D3
D2
A2
A1
4 v. 4 Unsettled Situations
A1
D4
Offensively: In this unsettled
situation where, D4 is chasing or
running with A1, the defense is not
set up and there are opportunities to
go to the cage. A1 should try to
beat his man and draw a slide. All
the other offensive players should
stay spread out and look for a pass if
their defender slides.
Any time there is an unsettled
situation where there are even
numbers the player with the ball
should go hard to the cage and try to
force the slide. If that player can
force that slide, there is usually
never a 2nd slide. If the player with
the ball jogs to the cage, it gives the
defense time to settle in and figure
out who is going to slide and who is
second slide.
A2
D3
D1
D2
A3
A4
Scrimmage Drills
7’s or 9’s: 4 v 3 or 5 v 4 from any point on the field….Start across the midfield line in 7 or 9 lines, 4 or 5
offense and 3 or 4 defense. Coach rolls out ground ball for offense. Gain possession make the first pass up
field or to the opposite side of the field. (STRETCH THE FIELD) Don't do this drill from just one point on field,
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throw loose ball out to many different points. Emphasize draw a man and dump (Be like a magnet, attract a
player) and then move ball quickly. Don't bunch up, Look for "ONE MORE" pass all the time. We should
usually score a "LAY UP" goal. Do not dodge your man...you are a man up! Always try and get ball down the
side through "X" if you can, which makes the defense turn their heads...MOVE THE BALL, and make the easy
passes.
Circle the net: 3 v 2 or 4 v 3…have kids run around crease…coach rolls ball out in any direction... kids play
uneven until a goal. After we pick up a ground ball move the ball to the opposite side of the field!!
Keep Away: 3 v 3 in the alleys, 3 v 3 in the soccer circle, 5 v 5 in the restraining box. Do this in two of these
places during the 15 minutes. Have kids "show and go" ……."Show" or cut for the ball and then…. "Go" clear
through for the next player. Draw and dump, Defense should try to take ball away, don't let them just cove
their man, they must go to the ball and take it away...double team.
Keep away with fast breaks: 3 v 3 in the soccer circle….You can use two ends of the field. After three
total (not consecutive until U-11's) passes (2 passes if a young group), the player who receives the final pass
goes in on a fast break towards 3 defense, and 3 attack who are ready for the play. The remaining players are
passed a ball by the coach and go down to opposite goal on a 3 v 2.
Virginia Breaks: Two teams. 3 v 2 ground ball on one side at midfield line. Team who picks up GB goes
down to the offensive end on a fast or slow break. Emphasize getting the ball down the side through X on a
slow break. Make sure we have cutters on the back side toward ball at X (time the cut). Perform the same drill
with a 2 V 1 on the opposite side...same rules apply. This helps recognition of fast / slow breaks, GB's and
pushing the ball.
Back side drill: 4 offense, 4 defense. Lined up in a square…each def player is playing an offense player.
Coach rolls ball towards an offensive player (he should have a CLEAR advantage…TWO adjacent def players
must go to ball and cannot get back into hole until off player passes ball....other players now play a 3 v 2...get
the ball to the opposite side ASAP!!!!!
5 Line 1 v 1’s: Set up in 5 spots (1-3-2 set up). Emphasize the player keeps his Eyes up, Coach hold up
fingers just as dodge starts (make them say the number of fingers you have help up as they dodge..they need
to keep their head up!!!). From the top. One move and GO. "Split and Go". From the side and behind start
one direction, change direction QUICKLY and sprint to net (HEAD UP)... From "X" you need to get to the 6 V 6
or the Island. Progression Talk....
2 v 2’s: Set up with offensive / defensive players at top of the box. Start with one offensive player and one
defensemen on crease. Top offensive player dodges toward goal. As he splits down one side or the other and
"beats" his man…the defenseman on the crease must slide EARLY. Offensive Player on crease curls to the
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opposite side and finds a passing lane / Alley. Progression....dodger either question marks (?) or feeds crease
for a shot.
Active Passing Drills
1. 4 man 2 Ball (Stagnitta)
 Right Hand

Left Hand

Over shoulder

Off-Hand catch, How to catch balls thrown to your “Off-side”

Catch Left / switch / Throw Right

Catch Right / switch / Throw Left
Player 1





Player 4
Player 2


Active pass
Move your feet
Move back and forth
Roll right and left
Jab right and left etc etc.
Catches while
moving to the ball
Passes directly back
to end player
Player 3



Catch
Active feet
Pass
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2. Star Drill (Chemotti)
Benefits
 Hitting moving target
 Moving without ball
 Move to open space
Concentrations
 Focus on hitting the stick
 Drop head of stick behind ready to pass right away
 Show 100% of head
 Lead receiver
 Talk “Here’s your help”
 Right hand then Left Hand
Variations







Multiple balls
One cradle
Zero cradle
Choke up
Behind the back
Free style
Fastball
Need Even number of players
- Pass to player that is two spots over and who is already moving and calling for the ball
- Move to the spot you passed to
1
2
6
3
5
4
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3. Triangle Drill (Tambroni)
Adds V cut to Star Drill
 Progression 1 – Right and Left
 Progression 2 – Catch and roll opposite
 Progression 3 – Add Defense
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Line 1
Line 2
Line 3
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4. Hoosier Drill (Chemotti)
Benefits




Throwing back across body
Torso Turn
Catch and pass on the move
Both direction right and left
1
Pass
2
3
4
5
Pass
Line
After entire line has gone through positions move down one spot
5. Upfield Passing
Benefits



Progression from stationary stick drills
Pass and catch on move
Hit the stick
Concentrations



Correct passing technique
Hit the stick
Catch to your ear and move the ball back
6. 3 Man Weave
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Benefits



Head man pass
Pass and catch on the run
Upfield pass progression
Variation

Catch – drop ball – scoop – pass
7. 4 Corner Perimeter Drill – Long Passes
Benefits






Create Passing Lane
Step towards target
Keep stick to outside away from defense
Catch left rotate and pass right
Catch right rotate and pass left
Pass and then cut opposite
Variation


Add next player up as loose defense
Multiple balls
Catch
Roll
Pass
Left
Right
D
D
Pass
Right
Roll
Catch
Line
Line
Left
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
Catch
Left
Line
D
Line
Pass
D
Roll
Right
Roll
Pass
Catch
Right
Left
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
Shooting and Dodging
1. Skeleton Dodge and Shoot (Stagnitta)
Outside “Mid” Lines rocker step and shoot inside – Middle line split and shoot
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Shoulders point to target
Hands back
Follow through with shoulders finishing facing end line
Right hand and left hand
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
Outside “Mid” Lines rocker step and shoot inside – Middle line split and shoot
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Shoulders point to target
Hands back
Follow through with shoulders finishing facing end line
Right hand and left hand
2 “Attack” Lines Dodge – Rocker Step - Shoot
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
2. Cone Drill (Chemotti)
Benefits
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Hitting moving target
Shoot on the run
Catch and shoot quickly
Concentrations
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Keep stick in shooting position
Quick and short shots
Quick wrist fakes and then shoot
Quick sticks
Shoot low
Turn bad pass into a goal
Right and Left
 Pass first then dodge out to receive pass from other
line
 Front shoulder points towards goal
 Finish towards goal with shoulders parallel to end
line
 Catch with stick in shooting position
Right shot
Left shot
Line 1
Line 2
With balls
With balls
- Left Pass
- Right Pass
3. Box Drill (Chemotti)
Progression from cone drill – add defense
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
Benefits
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Hitting moving target
Space and Time
Take a check
Catch, split, and shoot
Concentrations
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Keep stick in shooting position
Quick and short shots
Quick dodge and then shoot
 Shooter has shoulder pointed towards goal
 Jab step / Freezer
 Split
 Change hands
Quick sticks
Shoot low
Right and Left
Defense passes then goes out to play defense
Offense Line
Offense Line
- Catch Right hand
- Catch Left hand
- Split Left Hand shoot
- Split Right Hand Shoot
Shoulder
Towards
Goal
Defense Line
- Pass then defend
Defense Line
- Right hand pass
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
- Left hand pass
- Second player in line makes
- First player moves out and plays dummy
defense – or use cone
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
4. Shot Location Drill (Chemotti)
Benefits
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Seeing instead of staring
Placement of shot
Shooting Line
Passing Line
Coach behind net
Points where to shoot
Scrimmage Drills
4 v 4 Disadvantage Dodging
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
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Work on defensive slide principles
o Communicate who is “COLD”
o Who has “TWO”
o Yell “FIRE” when slide happens
O4
O3
D4
“I got 2”
D3
O2
“I’m COLD”
D2
“FIRE”
D1
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O1
O1 starts with ball
D1 starts at disadvantaged position (shoulder to shoulder)
O1 dodges
D1 works to recover
D2 slides
O1 passes to O2 for shot unless D3 slides then ball moves to O3
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Billerica Youth Lacrosse Coaches Manual
3 v 2 regroup with goalie
Offense
Defense
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Offense
Coach
Offense
Goalie
Defense
Coach shoots on goalie
Offense starts outside of box and moves 10-15yds in after shot
Goalie clears to defense
Defense passes to offense inside of box then moves into play
Offense moves outside of box and then turns back into zone
3 v 2 on goal
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