WELCOME!
US Lacrosse
Coaching Education Program
Men’s Level 2 Instructional
Clinic
About the US Lacrosse
Coaching Education Program
• Our mission: Provide you with world-class training
and educational resources to help you be the best
COACH you can be and to equip you to make a
positive impact on your players through the sport
of lacrosse.
Online courses
Clinics
+
Certification
About the US Lacrosse
Coaching Education Program
• Since the launch of the first online course in July
2004, nearly 10,000 coaches have participated in
our US Lacrosse Coaching Education Program.
• Thanks for your commitment to professional and
personal development as a coach!
Components of the US
Lacrosse Coaching Education
Program
• Level 1 and 2 online courses (must be
taken and passed in order)
• Level 1 and 2 instructional clinics (must be
taken in order)
• Level 1 and Level 2 certifications
• Visit www.uslacrosse.org/cep for more
information
Other coaching resources
from US Lacrosse
• Online store with additional
resources (books, DVD’s and
more)
http://www.lacrosse.org/store
Review of key concepts from
Level 1
What did you learn?
What you will learn today:
Our goal for you:
• Leave with tools to maximize
the ability of every player on
your team
The four values of the process . . . .
Player centric
Assessments guides your planning
Teaching players to think in terms of relationship to ball
Teaching players to think has life long implications
What is
“player-centric?”
POISE
CONFIDENCE
SKILLS
How today will unfold:
• Classroom Sessions
• Field Sessions
• See your handouts for specific
schedule for today
• Check-out and pick up
certificate at the end
• Look to be Level 2 Certified
A PROCESS
Lesson 2: Benefits of Planning
Lesson 2: Benefits of Planning
Coaching Philosophy:
• Why have a coaching philosophy?
• What are the benefits?
• Create, document and share your
philosophy prior to season onset
• Live by your words while the season is
underway
• Adopting a player-centric approach has it’s
own unique set of challenges and benefits
Lesson 2: Benefits of Planning
Season planning which
reflects a player-centric
approach:
• What is a player-centric
approach?
• Why should you develop
a season plan?
Lesson 2: Benefits of Planning
Practice Planning
What to do at practice
today:
Lesson 2: Benefits of Planning
OAP’s in Practice Planning
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Session 2: Practice
Planning
Variety and Progression need to be carefully orchestrated
Consistency is important: opening stretch and warm-up should
mirror pre-game
Build from Individual, to Positional to Team concepts through
drills
Intensity: should vary, build to a climax at end of practice(2
minute drill)
Flexibility: have more than you need ready, own failures, be
prepared to change
Duration: shorter is always better, consider attention span =
age in minutes x .66
Weekly Progression: don’t add more than one drill per
practice, recycle old favorites
Conditioning: hide it in drills, make this the players
responsibility, set benchmarks and assess monthly
Post practice plans outside of locker room, include diagrams of
new drills
Inclusion: 3 man-up teams, 3 man-down teams (use them in
lopsided games)
Closing Messages are Essential: 5 minutes is a lot of time,
deliver a message
Practice planning based on
the needs of the players:
• What are the benefits of
practice planning?
• How do you develop your
practice plans?
• What things do you take into
consideration?
Lesson 2: Benefits of Planning
Triangle Line Drills
D
D
D
M
M
M
M
A
A
M
M
M
A
A
M
A
A
M
D
D
D
•Virtually all line drills can be run in triangles, use for passing and ground balls
•Triangle Drills are exhausting if run properly, constant motion, players well
spread out, changing direction regularly
•Triangles should not be run every day, great for variation from standard line
drills (1.5 minutes each way, then switch , then rest)
•To teach, initially use cones to mark triangle, keep distances to 15-20 yards
between points
??
4 Corner Over-the-Shoulder GB’s and Passes
D
D
D
M
M
M
A
A
A
M
M
M
D
D
D
M
M
M
M
M
M
A
A
A
•Mark 4 corners with cones and put at least 3 players in each corner
•Start with one ball and rotate counterclockwise catching over left
shoulder and passing with right hand. Change directions halfway through
drill, add more balls as player skill will support
•Players in line wait for “break” call then are rolled a ground ball while
moving upfield. Progress to passing.
??
Circle Feeds: GB’s or Passes
M
M
A
A
M
D
M
M
M
M
M
D
D
D
A
A
•Arrange players in groups of 8, 4 balls per group, each outside player
has a ball
•Constant motion and talk, switch directions on whistle
•Players change hands on every ball exchange
(black arrows show player motion, red arrows = ball motion)
??
Star Drill: GB’s and Passes
x
x
x
x
x
3
4
x
G
2
x
x x
5
x
xx
1
x
x
x
•5 lines in a star shape, can be around goal, 30 yards apart diagonally,
movement both clockwise and counter clockwise.
•Start with one ground ball then progress to multiple balls and then passing.
•Pass ball to player two lines away from you on the star(#1 pass to #3, #3 pass
to #5, #5 pass to #2, #2 pass to #4).
•Constant motion, multiple balls, lots of communication, know who is giving you
the ball and who you will give it to in advance of getting the ball, focus while in
line.
•4 balls seems to be max for simultaneous motion.
??
•Each line of players should have no less than 2 individuals per line but 3-4 is
better. Use player’s name, offer help.
Meat Loaf Drill: GB’s and Passes
•Meatloaf is a multi ball passing drill similar to the star drill.
•2-3 balls should be used with advanced players
•Drill should be run going in both directions to work both
hands.
•Cross handed catching(over the shoulder) should be used.
•Meatloaf should be done as a ground ball drill first then
??
passes.
Practical Application:
Communication with players
and their families
• Communication to
players/families is key.
• Season and practice schedule
dates and times can be spelled
out for parent planning.
Lesson 3: Player
Assessment
Lesson 3: Player Assessment
Why assessment?
Lesson 3: Player Assessment
How to decipher the data
Use the data to determine areas of strength
Data helps you determine where to position
players in your offense and defense
Lesson 3: Player Assessment
What do you do with the
data?
•Use it to guide your practice planning
•Share the data with players individually
-Give your players benchmarks and
individual goals
-Example of player-coach meeting
Lesson 3: Player Assessment
Lesson 4: Overarching
Principles
• Why is it important to teach players
the overarching principles of the
game?
Lesson 4: Overarching Principles
Overarching Principles
• Help GUIDE players’ thinking &
their reactions to their opponents
on the field
• They are UNIVERSAL and allow
players to be effective in any
offensive or defensive system
• Principles are TRANSFERRABLE
from one level to the next, or team
to team
Overarching Principles for
Offense
• Players should be in
constant motion.
• Move the ball
• Balance the field
• Attack the defense
• Offensive positioning
and responsibilities are
based on player’s
relationship to the
ball.
Lesson 4: Overarching Principles
Overarching Principles for
Defense
•
Players must communicate
•
Defensive positioning and
responsibilities are based on
player’s relationship to the
ball.
•
Play defense with your feet and
head vs. stick and shoulders
•
Play from the ‘inside-out’ (stay
home)/extend and recover
•
Attack bottom hand of the ball
carrier
Lesson 4: Overarching Principles
Lesson 5:
Offensive Process for 1-4-1
Using Player Assessments
• Which players best suited for each
offensive role/position
• Initiate offense with dodges or motion
offense
• Where is the defense weak, where are
they strong
• What can your team do well
• 1v1 matchups
Session 4:
Coaching Defense
The 1-4-1 Offensive Positions
OB (back)
•Quarterback type
•Dodger
•Use both hands
•Good field sense
OR
OR (right)
•Solid right handed
•Good dodger
OC OC
OC (crease)
•Ability to move
in tight area
•Good / quick
shooter in close
OT (top)
•Quarterback type
•Dodger
•Use both hands
•Good field sense
Lesson 5:1-4-1 Offense Positions
OB
OT
•Sub letter is the
position of the ball and
where dodge will start
from on the field
•Locations on the field
based on abilities – OC
may change with OL
OL
OL (left)
•Solid left handed
•Good dodger
Offensive Play Calls in the 1-4-1
OB
OR
OL
OC OC
OT
Where dodge will start offense from next time ball gets to the
triangle point (play called):
Behind – (Bucknell, Blue, Badgers)
Left from wing as facing out from goal (Loyola, Limestone,
Lemon)
Right from wing as facing out from goal (Royal, Red, Rutgers)
Top – (Towson, Teal, Terry)
Lesson 5:1-4-1 Offense Positions
Applying Offense Overarching
Principles to drills in 1-4-1
• Players in constant motion
• Dodge location and rotation in the diamond, picking at
crease (opposite and away from dodge position)
• Move the ball
• Perimeter of diamond prior to dodge, shot, crease look,
backside, cross field
• Balance the field
• Rotation to allow back up of ball (pass or shot) and outlet
pass
• Attack the defense
• Test your defenseman to find the mismatch
• Recognition of defensive slides with ball movement,
reverse ball movement opposite the direction of the
dodge – Attack the backside!
• Positioning and responsibilities in relationship
to the ball
• Pass and shot back up, backside pass, rotation based on
dodge position
1-4-1 Offense –
Behind Dodge
OC
OB
•Opposite and away
•Pick
•Pick and Repick
•Pick and Roll
•Back up pass receiver
•Potential pass from
backside wing
•Start with weak hand,
dodge to strong hand
side
•Shot
•Look to crease
•Cross field
•Roll back and backside
pass behind
•Outlet to top
OB
OR
OL
OR
•Rotate to top
•Safety outlet for pass
•Defensive safety
OL
OC
OT
•Rotate to Wing
•Back up crease pass
•Potential backside pass
for shot
OC
OT
•Rotate behind
•Back up shot
•Backside outlet
Behind Dodge with Crease
Drill Diagram:
OC
OC
OB
Skills Practiced:
Determining dodge direction
Crease opposite and away from ball
Dodge from behind
Pick / Pick and Repick / Pick and Roll
Passing / Shooting / Back Up of Pass
•Run using both sides
•Add another of the diamond points to
give the different options and add until all
points are in place
Top or Behind Dodge Diamond
Rotation
Drill Diagram:
OT
OL
OR
OB
Skills Practiced:
Determining dodge direction and rotation
Shooting
Cross crease pass
Roll back and backside pass
Top Outlet
Backside shot
Back up of shot
1-4-1 Offense –
Top Dodge O
OC
•Opposite and away
•Pick
•Pick and Repick
•Pick and Roll
•Back up pass receiver
•Potential pass from
backside wing
OB
OR
B
•Rotate to wing
•Back up crease
pass
•Cross field pass
receiver
•Potential backside
pass for shot
OL
O C OC
OR
•Rotate behind
•Back up shot
•Backside outlet
OL
OT
•Start with weak hand,
dodge to strong hand side
•Shot
•Look to crease
•Cross field
•Roll back and backside
pass behind
•Outlet to top
•Rotate to top
•Outlet pass
•Defensive safety
OT
Top Dodge with Crease
Drill Diagram:
OT
OC
OC
Skills Practiced:
Determining dodge direction
Crease opposite and away from ball
Dodge from top
Pick / Pick and Repick / Pick and Roll
Passing / Shooting / Back Up of Pass
Top or Behind Dodge Diamond
Rotation
Drill Diagram:
OT
OL
OR
OB
Skills Practiced:
Determining dodge direction and rotation
Shooting
Cross crease pass
Roll back and backside pass
Top Outlet
Backside shot
Back up of shot
1-4-1 Offense –
Left Wing Dodge
OC
•Opposite and away
•Pick
•Pick and Repick
•Pick and Roll
•Back up pass receiver
•Potential pass from
backside wing
OR
O
AB
B
•Shot back up
•Backside outlet
OC O C
OL
OR
•Rotate to top
•Safety outlet for pass
•Defensive safety
OT
•Rotate to Wing
•Back up crease pass
•Potential backside pass
for shot
OL
OT
•Dodge starting right
and come back left
•Shot
•Crease
•Cross field
•Roll back and
backside pass
behind
•Top outlet
Wing Left Dodge with Crease
Drill Diagram:
OL
Skills Practiced:
Determining dodge direction
Crease opposite and away from ball
Dodge from wing
Pick / Pick and Repick / Pick and Roll
Passing / Shooting / Back Up of Pass
OC
OC
Left or Right Wing Dodge
Diamond Rotation
Drill Diagram:
OT
OR
OL
OB
Skills Practiced:
Determining dodge direction and rotation
Shooting
Cross crease pass
Roll back and backside pass
Top Outlet
Backside shot
Back up of shot
OC
1-4-1 Offense –
Right Wing Dodge
•Opposite and away
•Pick
•Pick and Repick
•Pick and Roll
•Back up pass receiver
•Potential pass from
backside wing
O
AB
B
•Shot back up
•Backside outlet
OR
OL
OR
•Dodge starting Left
and come back right
•Shot
•Crease
•Cross field
•Roll back and
backside pass behind
•Top outlet
OL
OC OC
•Rotate to top
•Safety outlet for pass
•Defensive safety
OT
OT
•Rotate to Wing
•Back up crease pass
•Potential backside pass
for shot
Wing Right Dodge with Crease
Drill Diagram:
OC OC
Skills Practiced:
Determining dodge direction
Crease opposite and away from ball
Dodge from wing
Pick / Pick and Repick / Pick and Roll
Passing / Shooting / Back Up of Pass
OR
Left or Right Wing Dodge
Diamond Rotation
Drill Diagram:
OT
OR
OL
OB
Skills Practiced:
Determining dodge direction and rotation
Shooting
Cross crease pass
Roll back and backside pass
Top Outlet
Backside shot
Back up of shot
Lesson 6: Coaching Defense
• 3 Areas to Develop Player
Skills
• Playing the ball carrier
• Off-ball positioning & Sliding
• Defending players on the crease
Session 5:
Coaching Defense
Applying Overarching
Principles to drills
• Playing the ball carrier
• Approach, Footwork, Checks/Holds
• Off Ball positioning
• Help/Sliding, Backside/Crease Coverage,
Push out on next pass
• Defending players on the crease
• Defending picks, cuts, feeds to crease
Session 5:
Coaching Defense
Using Player Assessments
• Which players best suited for each
defensive role/position
• Aggressive/Pressure D or
Passive/Sloughing D
• 1v1 matchups & shutoffs
• Slide packages
• Crease or Adjacent
• When beaten or at predetermined spot
Session 4:
Coaching Defense
Defending the 1-4-1
A
D1 & D6:
•Ability to defend 1v1
•Ability to pressure
feeder
M
D2
D1
D4
A
D2 & D3
•Ability to pressure feeder
•Ability to anticipate slide
& press out on adj help
D5 D3
M
D6
•D1, D2 & D3: Close Def
•D4 & D5: SSM
•D6: LSM
Session 5:
Coaching Defense
Lesson 5: Settled Offense
A
M
D4 & D5
•Communicate
•Defend Picks
•Play/Check cutters
•Anticipate slides
Defending the 1-4-1
A
Crease Slide from X #1
D1
M
D2
D5 D3
D4
A
M
D6
M
Session 5: Coaching
Defense
Lesson 5: Settled Offense
A
Defending the 1-4-1
Crease Slide from X #2
A
M D2
D1
D4
A
D3
D5M
D6
After getting beat D1 can
persist for double, or go
to backside
Session 5: Coaching
Defense
Lesson 5: Settled Offense
M
A
Defending the 1-4-1
A
M
D2
A
D1
D4
D6
M
Crease Slide from Top #1
Session 5:
Coaching Defense
Lesson 4: Settled Defense
M
D5
D3
A
Defending the 1-4-1
A
Crease Slide from
Top #2
M
D2
A
D1
D4
D3
M
D5
M
D6
After getting beat D6 can
persist for double, or go to
backside
Session 5:
Coaching Defense
Lesson 4: Settled Defense
A
Run the Arc
Drill diagram:
D1
x1
Skills practiced:
Defensive positioning vs dodger from X in a 1-4-1 offense
Footwork when playing 1v1 from behind
Execution of the Cross Forearm and Top Hand hold.
Session 5:
Coaching Defense
Drill diagram:
Funnel Drill
x1
D1
D2
X2
Skills practiced:
Defensive positioning vs a dodger from up top in the 1-4-1
Hand and footwork for defensive holds
Taking away the middle of the field, or taking away ball carriers strong hand while funneling
him to the alley/help
Also run this drill with dodger from the wing – defender must stay ‘topside’ and funnel dodger behind
GLE using top hand hold to funnel dodger toward GLE (see X2/D2 in diagram) work both sides of
goal/both hands
Session 4:
Coaching Defense
Extend & Recover
Drill Diagram:
X2
D2
X1 D1
Skills Practiced:
Approaching ball carrier with correct body position and breaking down when covering ball
Correct footwork (drop step, turn to ball) when recovering to hole
Understanding of correct off-ball, or ‘help’ position
Conditioning
Session 5:
Coaching Defense
Defend the Hole
Drill Diagram:
X1
D1
X5
X2
D4
D2
D3
X3
Skills Practiced:
Approach
1v1 defense on ball
Recovering to hole and sliding to help on crease.
Session 5: Coaching
Defense
X4
Out of Dodge
Drill diagram:
C “D1”
x1
D1
x4
D3
D4
D6
x3
x2
D5
G
x4
Skills practiced:
Defensive communication
Sliding
Recovering to off ball
Session 5:
Coaching Defense
D2
x6
Feed the Crease
X1
X4
D2
X6
X3
Skills Practiced:
Defending feeds to the crease
Defending picks on the crease
Session 5:
Coaching Defense
D1
X5
X2
Lesson 7: Rides & Clears
Rides & Clears
• Areas to Develop Player Skills
• Recognition of other teams formation
• Anticipation of ball and opponent
movement
• Advantage of the opponents weakness
• Positioning and responsibilities in
relationship to the ball
Clearing OAP’s
• Get middies out for quick outlet
• Take advantage of the extra
man on defensive end of the
field
• Switch fields and pass back as
needed
• Be aware of the offside player
staying onsides
Settled Clear
D
LSM
M
A
A
A
D
G
G
D
M
M
M
M
G
Ball
D
A
A
A
D
Blue – Clear
M
D
Red - Ride
This is the clear to use when the ball has gone out of bounds. The ball should
be picked up immediately to prevent the other team from subbing their middies.
Defense who receives first pass must make the “over” pass.
That Def. will attack the mid covering the LSM.
Near side Def will stay back if LSM goes over.
Mid will Pick with each other and Attack must rotate
pushing ball through X as transition occurs.
Clear from a Shot
M
LSM
A
M
M
A
M
D
M
A
A
D
G
D
D
A
Blue – Clear
M
Red - Ride
Goalie makes save and yells clear.
Defensive middie whose man shot breaks for midfield/sideline.
LSM goes straight up field to keep his player on the field.
Remaining middie breaks for opposite sideline/midline.
Crease Def stays home for first pass, then breaks toward pass.
Wing def do a C cut away from goal to receive pass.
Attack must rotate as transition occurs pushing ball through
X on slow breaks.
D
G
A
Ball
D
Riding OAP’s
• First line of a great defense
• Riding attack must be best hustlers
and anticipate ball movement
• Prevent the quick transition
• Stop ball advancement, turn the ball
carrier back and work the clock for
the 20 second call
• Force cross field passes by long
poles
Riding after a shot on Goal
A
A
D
D
A
M
D
M
GD M M
A
G
M
D
M
D
A
A
Black – Ride
Red – Clear
After the shot, our middies must get back to at least the restraining box and more
likely the midline. This prevents fast breaks and allows us to keep the
ball in front of us to set up our ride. Middies will lock on their middies.
Sub if possible for LSM.
Defense must lock on and shut off their attackmen in the far end. Do not allow a
“Free” Clear. Let goalie bring the ball up.
The Attack must get up field to the midline and clog up the
midfield as a zone. Do not allow your man to get by with ball.
2-1-3 V Ride: Dead Ball off sideline
D
A
D A
A
G
M M
M M
D
D
G
A
D A
M
M
D
Blue - Clear
Red - Ride
If ball goes out of bounds on sideline set up 2-1-3 above ball
Lock on all middies and attack and play zone against their
defense and goalie with our 3 attack.
Pressure to long pass
Can invert the V to slow clear, run a 1-2-3 instead.
A
2-1-3 V Ride: Dead Ball off Shot
D
MM
A
D
M M
A
A
D
A
G
A
A
M
D
G
D
M
D
Red – Ride
Blue - Clear
If out of bounds on endline, attack ride with 2 attack chase and 1
safety.
Lock on all middies and attack and play zone against their
defense and goalie with our 3 attack.
Can invert the V to slow clear, run a 1-2-3 instead.
Lesson 8: Goalie Play
OAP’s of Goalie Play
•See the ball, Stop the ball
• Limit the amount of movement
• Stay set (Ready Position)
when ball in zone
• Stay hip in hip with shooter
• Never turn your back to the
ball!
Lesson 9: Transition Play
Objectives:
•Understand the overarching
principles of a transition offense
•Understand the overarching
principles of a transition defense
•Understand how to teach players
to play a 4 v 3, 5 v 4, and 6 v. 5
situation on O and D
•Understand how to teach players
to recognize a slow break on
Offense and its importance on
Defense
Transition Play: Offense
•Ball motion is faster than feet
•Draw the man then pass
•Offense stay spread to force longer
slides and buy time
•Keep players and ball above GLE on
fast breaks
•5 on a die is not the best offensive set
in 5 v 4, slide the 5th man out and off
crease to create a local overload on
the side
•Slow break means no clear numbers
advantage
Transition Play: Defense
•Get inside the crease and slide out
(Inside Out Defense)
•Stop the ball
•Recover to the middle when beat or
after passes
•Know your setups on 3 v 2, 4 v 3, 5 v
4, and 6 v 5
•Goal is to slow the break into a settled
6 v 6 or to force a bad play by the
offense
3 v 2 : Full Field Drill
M#4 M M
A A A#3
M#1
A A A#2
G D#1 D#2
M #2
D#6 D#7
G
M#5MM
M #3
A A A#1
M#6 M M
•Middies # 1,2,3, from behind the right end goal attack the left end goal as a 3 v
Session 9: Transition
Play
2.
•The last of these three middies to touch the ball is out and rejoins the lines for
his team behind the far goal where he originated.
•The other two middies drop back to the far right goal & become D#6 and D#7 in
a 3 v 2.
•Three new players break from behind the left goal & attack the far right goal in
a 3 v 2.
•After Playing Def in the 3 v 2 players rejoin the lines behind the goal they just
defended.
•All players play every position in this drill. Longsticks become attackers, attack
play defense etc…
Fast Break Drill from Face-Off
A1
A1
D1
D1
G
A3
D3
M
D3 G
A3
M
c
D2
A2
D2
A2
M c M
M
M
M
M
•Two middies come to FO x with a ball each.
One is used for
FO.
•Winning FO Middie attacks while losing middie is given the 2nd
ball to attack opposite end.
Session 9: Transition
Play
5v4 Full Field Transition Drill
DM#1
.
M1 M2
M M6
A2
D2
A1
D1
A3
A2
D2
D3
D3
D1
A1
A3
M M5
M3 M4
DM#2
•Ball starts at right end line, M1, M3 release from lines and clear the ball.
•Defensive Middie #1 releases from midline and can jump the ball or drop in. If he
jumps, attack 4 v 3 with quick pass to M3, top ball side attack(A1) must drop into
hole and A3 must balance set. If DM drops in, create a 3 v 2 local overload on one
side.(avoid 5 on a die offensive set)
•After play finished, reverse direction and release M5 and M6 from behind left goal
and repeat drill going opposite direction, blue DM#2 releases and chooses.
Session 9: Transition
Play
3 v 2 Sideways Drill
Teaching Local Overloads
A
D A D A
D A D A
A1 D3 A2 D4 A3
A
. . . . . . .
D1
M1
M
M
M
D
D
D
Line of Dome Cones
D2
M3
M2
M
M
M
D
D
D
M
M
M
•Release players from alternating sides in groups of 5, 3 off and 2 def, ground
ball war or def can conced and get in the hole fast.
•Offensive players may not cross the line drawn with cones.
•This drill is excellent for teaching “local overloads” from both a defensive and
offensive point of view. This is the basis for 1-3-2 and 1-4-1 plays.
•Offensive players must move the ball and themselves to create lay ups.
•Score units so that lay ups worth 2 points and outside shots only 1.
3 v 2 : initiate from behind after 2 passes
A
G
D
M
M
A
D
D
D
M
M
M
A M M
A M A
A M M
C
•In this drill the coach rolls the ball out above the box.
•Two offensive players stay above GLE and one attack goes to X.
•X man initiates offense after he gets the ball.
•X man must draw a man so that he creates a 2 v 1.
•This reinforces the concept that X man must play a role.
3 v 2 GB Drill
A
G
A
D
D
C
M
A
M
M
D
M
•Coach rolls ball out for 1v1 GB for players in line.
• Winner stays on and attacks cage(loser can be out or do 5
pushups and then re-join drill).
•If Defensive player (blue) wins then they play offense.
•If offensive player wins then they play offense.
•Great simulation of GB situations
6 v 6(or 5) Scramble Drill
A
A
A
D
D
D
M
M
M
M
M
M
M M M
C
G
M M M
LSM
A
A
A
D
D
D
M
M
M
D
D
D
A
A
A
•Players are set up around the outside of the box.
•Coach rolls ground ball into corner, players release and
attempt to gain possession.
•Defense must clear midfield line to win.
•Offense must score within one minute of possession or hold
the ball for one minute in the box(no shot allowed).
•Extremely competitive, high intensity, short duration drill,
perfect ending to a great practice.
Lesson 10: Winning the
Face-off
• How to assess the skills needed for
the faceoff man and for the wing
players
• The overarching principles for using
long sticks on the wings
• The overarching principles for how
to prevent a fast break
Skills needed for the faceoff
player
•
•
•
•
•
Quick hands
Strength
Anticipation
Balance
Ground ball “monster”
Skills needed for the wing
players
• Fast
• Ground ball “monsters”
• Excellent communication
• Anticipation
• Physical player who can
outmuscle/outrun the opposing
wing players
How to use the long stick
midfielder (LSM) on the
wings:
• Option 1: One LSM on every faceoff
• Option 2: Use two LSM’s if losing
most of the faceoffs
• Option #3: Use three LSM’s under
dire circumstances
Face-Off Positions
Long Stick runs towards center and behind FOM. If we win the
draw the ball will often come his way. This guy must have good
stick skills. He picks up ground ball and looks to hit breaking
mid#2. If we are winning most FO M2 can break upfield and A5
can drop low immediately
Our M2 goes in towards the offensive half of the field.
Once we gain possession, if there is no fast break, then the
LSM will sub out through midfield once possession has been
established.
If we lose face-off, then longstick is in the defensive end
already.
Face-offs with 2 LSM’s
Using 2 LSM’s increases the odds of groundballs being won by our team and
allows us to put more pressure on the ball before it enters the box.
When “denying entry” into the box we will pressure the ball with a pole and shut
off 5 other players. If we get the right matchup on the ball we can often force
turnovers on an advancement count.
Players must be willing to work hard for a short period of time and know when to
concede entry to prevent fast breaks. Attack leave box immediately and hassle
opponents middies until they cross the midline.
Face off Positions When Losing Face-offs
This set will stop opponents fast breaks for situations where you are
unable to win the face-off and are getting hammered with fast
breaks.
You can put a pole down on the face-off. Do not let the face-off
middie get by your pole. You can also use a FO Mid and simply
have him slow down the break.
The LSM will head straight for the top attack
if on that side, or to cut off the ball.
Faceoff Team Practice and
Teaching Progressions
• Start with faceoff man drills and skills
• Teaching wing play concepts
• Teaching implications for close defense when
losing faceoff
A. Might have to have a locked SSM in the hole (slide
patterns
B.Might have to accommodate a LSM “filling in the
box.”
• Teaching implications for attack when winning
faceoffs
A. Might need to change set up to allow for an early
wing middie release
B. Might need to change set-up to allow for early
opponent LSM coming into offensive zone
C. Rotating attackmen during fast break to nontraditional formations interferes with standard
defensive script
Face-off Drills and Activities
A. 3 ground ball face-off practice drill
B. Can be used as a fast break drill by
adding 3 A’s and 3 D’s in both ends and
letting center middies carry ball into ends
3 Ball Ground Ball Drill
M7 LSM10
M1 M2
G
....... Coach
....... Balls
M4 M3
M6 M5
LSM8 M9
G
3 Pressure GB Drills
Face-off Wing GB Drill
“Crease Crunch” Drill
A A AA
A
D
G D
A
D DDD
Coach
Advantage GB Drill
Coach
Balls
AA A
G C DD D
Balls
Balls
M1
M1
M1
M2
M2
M2
• Crease Crunch: Coach rolls ball in for 2v2 GB
with quick shot for winner
• FO Wing GB: GB from wing, fight for ball,
pass back to coach
• Advantage GB: Coach rolls ball to
one side or other creating advantage,
winner shoots and loser mustcut off
shooter and play def. Fun for Poles
Ground Balls in Offensive End
• Double pressure to recover ball
• Attack immediately
• Push ball 2-3 quick passes
• Defense likely to be out of position
and in unfamiliar slide situations
• Good chance for a mismatch,
quick hit play, best chance
to score is always in
unsettled situations
Ground Balls in Defensive End
• Double on all ground balls if possible
• Encourage persistent doubles
• Push for quick turnover
• Pressure delays ball motion
which allows your players time to
recover, reposition,
“number up”
Lesson 11: EMO and MDD
EMO OVERARCHING PRINCIPLES
• Move ball quickly – don’t dodge
• Make the defense rotate
• Resolve defense to a 2 v 1 then 1 v 0 (attack
splitter, high % shots)
• Draw defender before passing
• Create advantages by skip passing
• Spread defense making slides long – opens passing
lanes
• Be quick – don’t hurry
• Back up shots
Slide contains animation – start whistle begins the play
Start on
the
whistle
The first phase of the drill is the end of the play
x3
x4
x1
x2
One-third field
Drill Designers Palette
Slide contains animation – start whistle begins the play
Start
whistle
x3
x4
x1
x2
Slide contains animation – whistle 1 begins the first phase
Start
whistle
1
The last phase of drill –
putting it all together
Continue
whistle
2
Formation changes from 1-4-1
to 1-3-2
x3
X5
X6
x1
x2
x4
EMO OVERARCHING PRINCIPLES
• Move ball quickly – don’t dodge
• Make the defense rotate
• Resolve defense to a 2 v 1 then 1 v 0 (attack
splitter, high % shots)
• Draw defender before passing
• Create advantages by skip passing
• Spread defense making slides long – opens passing
lanes
• Be quick – don’t hurry
• Back up shots
Man Down Defense – Overarching
Principles
• COMMUNICATION is key
• Protect the crease (PTP) – prevent inside
shots < 10 yds – stay tight
• Sticks up and in passing lanes, prevent
skip passes
• Play the ball
• Kill time
• Force easy passes to defend (prevent skip
passes)
“1-4 MDD vs 1-4-1”
x3
SS
x1
D2
X6
D4
X5
D1
x2
D3
x4
“Diamond”
x3
SS
x1
D2
X5
X6
D4
D1
x2
D3
x4
x3
SS
x1
X6
D2
X5
D4
D1
x2
D3 x4
x3
SS
x1
D2 X6
X5
D1 D4
x2
D3 x4
Morphing 1-4-1 to 1-3-2
x3
X5
SS
D4
X6
x1 D
2
x2
x2
D1
D3 x4
x3
X5
SS
D4
X6 D2 D1 x1
x2
D3
x4
X5
X3
D4
SS
x1
X6 D2
D1
D3
x2
x4
X5
X3
SS x1
X6
D2 D1
D4
D3 x4
x2
X5
X3
SS
X6
D3
D2
D1
x2
x1 D4
x4
Reviewing the
“game films”
The Process . . .
Design for your Team’s Goals
Tools . . .
Planning
Assessments
2-2-2
1-3-2
What is Your Team?
1-4-1
Designing Practices to fit your team
Built on the fundamentals
Overarching Principles
POISE
CONFIDENCE
SKILLS
WRAP-UP
• Evaluations
• Q and A
Pearls of the Day
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Assessments and sharing them
OAP’s
Sharing plans w/ players
Explaining the why’s of drills
Communicating w/ parents and players
Players’ skills and ability survey
Using the soft demo ball
Pick teaching techniques – facing and the hands
(DELETE)
Team Emails