Mason Lacrosse Coaches Development “Coming Together is a Beginning. Keeping Together is Progress....

Mason LacrosseMason Lacrosse

Coaches DevelopmentCoaches Development

““Coming Together is a Beginning.Coming Together is a Beginning.

Keeping Together is Progress.Keeping Together is Progress.

Working Together is Success.”Working Together is Success.”

Henry FordHenry Ford

History of LacrosseHistory of Lacrosse Lacrosse or variations played by Indians, Lacrosse or variations played by Indians,

especially tribes throughout Upstate NY, especially tribes throughout Upstate NY, Great Lakes, CanadaGreat Lakes, Canada

One of the oldest Team Sports in North One of the oldest Team Sports in North AmericaAmerica

Game could last days, involve 1000’s of Game could last days, involve 1000’s of participants, goals could be 500 yards to participants, goals could be 500 yards to miles apartmiles apart

Basic Field Layout and Dimensions

A1

A3 A2

M3 M2

M1

D4

D2

D1

D3

D5 D6

G

X

Point

GLE

Ally

Basics of the GameBasics of the Game Offense uses movement, passing, shooting, dodging to Offense uses movement, passing, shooting, dodging to

score goalsscore goals Game is played in each half of the field as a 6 on 6 + a Game is played in each half of the field as a 6 on 6 + a

goalie (half field set – 3 Middies, 3 Attack vs 3 Middies, goalie (half field set – 3 Middies, 3 Attack vs 3 Middies, 3 Defense, 1 Goalie)3 Defense, 1 Goalie)

Can only have 6 players on the offensive side of field at Can only have 6 players on the offensive side of field at a timea time

Play is usually run by 4 quarters or 2 halfsPlay is usually run by 4 quarters or 2 halfs Play begins with a face off at the center and resumes Play begins with a face off at the center and resumes

with a face off after each score (technically one team with a face off after each score (technically one team may possess the ball the entire game)may possess the ball the entire game)

Players can move behind the goal (usually a great Players can move behind the goal (usually a great place to attack the goal from) – known as the Xplace to attack the goal from) – known as the X

Objectives and ConceptsObjectives and Concepts Lacrosse uses motion and off-ball movement to Lacrosse uses motion and off-ball movement to

create good shot opportunities (motion is similar to create good shot opportunities (motion is similar to that of basketball)that of basketball)

Fastest game on two feet – can’t be fast if standing Fastest game on two feet – can’t be fast if standing still!still!

Cuts and dodges create space for passing, Cuts and dodges create space for passing, receiving, or to free hand space for a shotreceiving, or to free hand space for a shot

Transition offense or defense is important in Transition offense or defense is important in lacrosse (fast breaks)lacrosse (fast breaks)

Team that wins the most ground balls, and face offs Team that wins the most ground balls, and face offs – usually will win the game– usually will win the game

Cutting, pick and rolls, give and go, and dodges on Cutting, pick and rolls, give and go, and dodges on and away from ball create confusion for the defense and away from ball create confusion for the defense and allow the offense to attack.and allow the offense to attack.

Defense uses man to man or zone defensesDefense uses man to man or zone defenses

PlayersPlayersGoalieGoalie – Field General of D, Defends the – Field General of D, Defends the

goal, Makes Saves, Starts offense, goal, Makes Saves, Starts offense, Directs and communicates to defenseDirects and communicates to defense

Most important position on the fieldMost important position on the field Find your BEST athletes – quick feet, great hand-Find your BEST athletes – quick feet, great hand-

eye coordination, great reaction and fast handseye coordination, great reaction and fast hands Physically and Mentally Tough (Great attitudes)Physically and Mentally Tough (Great attitudes) Strong Leaders, Communicators (talkers), loud voiceStrong Leaders, Communicators (talkers), loud voice Ability to accept physical painAbility to accept physical pain Short Term Memory – Gets over mistakes quicklyShort Term Memory – Gets over mistakes quickly Most Coachable Kid on the fieldMost Coachable Kid on the field

PlayersPlayersGoalieGoalie–Fundamentals / Skill Development –Fundamentals / Skill Development 22ndnd-4-4thth Grade Grade Teach them to see the ball firstTeach them to see the ball first Proper starting position and movement towards ball (Stay in Proper starting position and movement towards ball (Stay in

front of player with ball)front of player with ball) Use tennis balls in practice shooting drillsUse tennis balls in practice shooting drills Developing a warm-up routine (catch tennis balls, catch Developing a warm-up routine (catch tennis balls, catch

lacrosse balls (hand only), hand-eye coordinationlacrosse balls (hand only), hand-eye coordination Protection and proper equipmentProtection and proper equipment Positive communication and coaching (always) – build Positive communication and coaching (always) – build

confidence, kids that want to play the positionconfidence, kids that want to play the position Begin teaching mental aspect of letting goals go – find Begin teaching mental aspect of letting goals go – find

something they did right on each goalsomething they did right on each goal

PlayersPlayersGoalieGoalie–Fundamentals / Skill Development –Fundamentals / Skill Development 55thth-6th Grade-6th Grade Teach Top Hand to the BallTeach Top Hand to the Ball Begin working to walk the arcBegin working to walk the arc Use tennis balls for high speed shooting (get comfortable Use tennis balls for high speed shooting (get comfortable

getting hit in the body)getting hit in the body) Developing a warm-up routine (same as earlier – add Developing a warm-up routine (same as earlier – add

footwork drills, reaction time on wall, stick skills), clearing footwork drills, reaction time on wall, stick skills), clearing passespasses

Begin talking more to defenders – call out ball location Begin talking more to defenders – call out ball location Positive coaching with some correction (always precede Positive coaching with some correction (always precede

critiques with something positive first)critiques with something positive first) Keep developing mental aspectKeep developing mental aspect

PlayersPlayersGoalieGoalie–Fundamentals / Skill Development –Fundamentals / Skill Development 77thth-8-8thth Grade Grade Teach athletic movements, pick up the ball first (eyes)Teach athletic movements, pick up the ball first (eyes) Begin working to walk the arcBegin working to walk the arc Use tennis balls and lacrosse balls in shooting drills Use tennis balls and lacrosse balls in shooting drills Developing a warm-up routine (same as earlier – add Developing a warm-up routine (same as earlier – add

making saves with small stick, tapping ball with shaft, making saves with small stick, tapping ball with shaft, footwork ladders)footwork ladders)

Begin talking more to defenders – call out ball location, call Begin talking more to defenders – call out ball location, call for basic slides, stick checks, cuttersfor basic slides, stick checks, cutters

Positive coaching with some correction (always precede Positive coaching with some correction (always precede critiques with something positive first)critiques with something positive first)

Keep developing mental aspectKeep developing mental aspect

PlayersPlayers

Long Pole DefendersLong Pole Defenders – Play primarily – Play primarily in defensive end of field, Protect in defensive end of field, Protect Goal, transition offense, clearingGoal, transition offense, clearing

Excellent Stick Skills – Long Pole defenders Excellent Stick Skills – Long Pole defenders should have some of the best stick skills on should have some of the best stick skills on team (excellent stick skills before use long pole)team (excellent stick skills before use long pole)

Great Athletes with good open field speedGreat Athletes with good open field speed Physically and Mentally toughPhysically and Mentally tough Aggressive – willing to stick nose into a pile and Aggressive – willing to stick nose into a pile and

not afraid of physical contact – tenacious with not afraid of physical contact – tenacious with never give up attitudesnever give up attitudes

PlayersPlayers

Long Pole DefendersLong Pole Defenders – – Fundamentals/Skill Devlpmt (2Fundamentals/Skill Devlpmt (2ndnd-4-4thth) )

Play with short sticks – teach break down Play with short sticks – teach break down position, footwork – keep man in front of you (stay position, footwork – keep man in front of you (stay with Man – not chasing the ball)with Man – not chasing the ball)

Develop passing, catching, cradling, ground ball Develop passing, catching, cradling, ground ball scoopingscooping

Develop awareness to get ball to outside (don’t Develop awareness to get ball to outside (don’t throw passes to the middle)throw passes to the middle)

Teach passing the ball ahead vs running ball Teach passing the ball ahead vs running ball aheadahead

Warm up – Wall Ball Drills, longer pass / catchWarm up – Wall Ball Drills, longer pass / catch Discourage Double Teaming at this ageDiscourage Double Teaming at this age

PlayersPlayersLong Pole DefendersLong Pole Defenders – –

Fundamentals/Skill Devlpmt (5Fundamentals/Skill Devlpmt (5 thth-6th) -6th) Play with short sticks – for most all defenders at Play with short sticks – for most all defenders at

this level – stay focused on playing D with feetthis level – stay focused on playing D with feet For high skill (6For high skill (6thth) – can use long stick (no greater ) – can use long stick (no greater

than height of player)than height of player) Develop passing, catching, cradling, ground ball Develop passing, catching, cradling, ground ball

scoopingscooping Develop awareness to get ball to outside (don’t Develop awareness to get ball to outside (don’t

throw passes to the middle)throw passes to the middle) Teach passing the ball ahead vs running ball Teach passing the ball ahead vs running ball

aheadahead Warm up – Wall Ball Drills, longer pass / catchWarm up – Wall Ball Drills, longer pass / catch Introduce Team Defense Concepts – Man-DownIntroduce Team Defense Concepts – Man-Down Teach proper stick checks (no one handed)Teach proper stick checks (no one handed)

PlayersPlayersLong Pole DefendersLong Pole Defenders – Fundamentals/Skill – Fundamentals/Skill

Devlpmt (7Devlpmt (7thth-8th) -8th) Move up to long sticks – continue to coach playing defense Move up to long sticks – continue to coach playing defense

with feet, body position with feet, body position Develop Long Toss Passing / catching Develop Long Toss Passing / catching Develop awareness and vision to transition (D to O), Develop awareness and vision to transition (D to O),

involved in fast breaksinvolved in fast breaks Develop abilities as team defense to execute 2 slides Develop abilities as team defense to execute 2 slides

consistently when neededconsistently when needed Introduce some zone defense concepts (do not mix man Introduce some zone defense concepts (do not mix man

and zone with more complex defenses) and zone with more complex defenses) Introduce Team Defense Concepts – Man-DownIntroduce Team Defense Concepts – Man-Down Teach proper body checking (safety, defenseless players, Teach proper body checking (safety, defenseless players,

what is a foul)what is a foul) Practice play with short tube sticks (no heads)Practice play with short tube sticks (no heads)

PlayersPlayers

MidfieldMidfield – Also known as Middie, Plays – Also known as Middie, Plays offense and defense (transition)offense and defense (transition)

Athletes with Good Open Field Speed, Change Athletes with Good Open Field Speed, Change of Direction quicknessof Direction quickness

Great Endurance – must run length of field for Great Endurance – must run length of field for entire shiftentire shift

Good field visionGood field vision Great passers, shooters (especially on the run)Great passers, shooters (especially on the run) Decision Making, Vision, Passing, Catching, Decision Making, Vision, Passing, Catching,

Stick Protection Skills are more important then Stick Protection Skills are more important then size, speedsize, speed

PlayersPlayersMidfieldMidfield – Fundamentals/Skill Devpt 2 – Fundamentals/Skill Devpt 2ndnd--

44thth Passing / catching – in box / triangle formations – Passing / catching – in box / triangle formations –

both hands (3 players, 4 players)both hands (3 players, 4 players) Play small group games – 2v1, 3v2, 4v3Play small group games – 2v1, 3v2, 4v3 Use progression to build skills (GB’s, GB’s to Use progression to build skills (GB’s, GB’s to

dodge, GB’s to dodge, passdodge, GB’s to dodge, pass Teach Give and GoTeach Give and Go Teach proper mechanics of shooting, passing Teach proper mechanics of shooting, passing

catchingcatching Use tennis balls to teach catchingUse tennis balls to teach catching Endurance runs (sprint, jog, sprint, jog – transition)Endurance runs (sprint, jog, sprint, jog – transition) Basics of face off play (importance of wing Basics of face off play (importance of wing

positions)positions)

PlayersPlayersMidfieldMidfield – Fundamentals/Skill Devpt – Fundamentals/Skill Devpt

55thth/6th /6th Passing / catching – on the runPassing / catching – on the run Shooting on the runShooting on the run Both hands (Right/Left) – transfer cradle/stick protBoth hands (Right/Left) – transfer cradle/stick prot Shooting drills (Sitting, Knees, Standing, Running)Shooting drills (Sitting, Knees, Standing, Running) Quick Stick shooting on the islandQuick Stick shooting on the island Defense skills – transition game (back to the hole-Defense skills – transition game (back to the hole-

mark up), Man-You-Ball (head on a swivel)mark up), Man-You-Ball (head on a swivel) Talking – calling help from defenseTalking – calling help from defense Skeleton circle offense passing (20-30 sec – all the Skeleton circle offense passing (20-30 sec – all the

way in both directions – no dropsway in both directions – no drops Fast Break fundamentals for Middies (drive the Fast Break fundamentals for Middies (drive the

cage)cage)

PlayersPlayersMidfieldMidfield – Fundamentals/Skill Devpt 7 – Fundamentals/Skill Devpt 7thth/8th /8th Skeleton offense (Circle, 1-3-2) – passing, catching Skeleton offense (Circle, 1-3-2) – passing, catching

(off ball movement, cut to a post, opposite (reverse (off ball movement, cut to a post, opposite (reverse field) (Spin ball – both dir/10-15 sec/no drops)field) (Spin ball – both dir/10-15 sec/no drops)

Small ball games (Setting Picks, Pick and Roll (look Small ball games (Setting Picks, Pick and Roll (look behind), Dodge and Dump, Feeding cutters (2v1, behind), Dodge and Dump, Feeding cutters (2v1, 3v2 from set offense)3v2 from set offense)

All fundamental skills at full speed on run (Mid All fundamental skills at full speed on run (Mid Dodges-Split/Face/Bull)Dodges-Split/Face/Bull)

Proper stick position for receiving ball (call for the Proper stick position for receiving ball (call for the ball-Help) / Protection of stick/ball, transfer cradlesball-Help) / Protection of stick/ball, transfer cradles

Teach full arsenal of checks (proper body checks)Teach full arsenal of checks (proper body checks) Defense footwork – using short tube sticksDefense footwork – using short tube sticks Working Defense w/ long poles / wing play face offWorking Defense w/ long poles / wing play face off

PlayersPlayers

AttackAttack – Play in offensive end of field, – Play in offensive end of field, Attack the goal, scoring, feeding, Attack the goal, scoring, feeding, Defensive Transition (Riding)Defensive Transition (Riding)

Excellent Stick Skills – developing fakes, hiding Excellent Stick Skills – developing fakes, hiding ballball

Must play in tight situations surrounding by Must play in tight situations surrounding by defenders – strong stick protection skillsdefenders – strong stick protection skills

Not Fastest but quick first step – strong dodgers Not Fastest but quick first step – strong dodgers with change of directionwith change of direction

Accurate Passers, Shooters (not necessarily the Accurate Passers, Shooters (not necessarily the fastest shots)fastest shots)

Soft HandsSoft Hands

PlayersPlayersAttackAttack – Fundamentals/Skill Dvpt 2 – Fundamentals/Skill Dvpt 2ndnd-4th-4th Stick protection, cradling, ball controlStick protection, cradling, ball control Passing, Catching, Shooting, Ground BallsPassing, Catching, Shooting, Ground Balls Play 2v1, 3v2 gamesPlay 2v1, 3v2 games Passing formations from trianglePassing formations from triangle Cutting to goal (cut through and clear out)Cutting to goal (cut through and clear out) Wall Ball drillsWall Ball drills Use Tennis Balls for teaching catchingUse Tennis Balls for teaching catching Teach soft hands, quick feet (loose grips on stick-Teach soft hands, quick feet (loose grips on stick-

when not engaged – tighten grip inside)when not engaged – tighten grip inside) Give and Go conceptsGive and Go concepts Find open space on the island (what is island)Find open space on the island (what is island) Shooting close – away from goalie’s stick (bounce)Shooting close – away from goalie’s stick (bounce)

PlayersPlayersAttackAttack – Fundamentals/Skill Dvpt 5 – Fundamentals/Skill Dvpt 5thth-6th-6th Dodge and Dump, Setting a pick/ rolling awayDodge and Dump, Setting a pick/ rolling away Stick protection skills – hand transfersStick protection skills – hand transfers Roll DodgesRoll Dodges Attacking from XAttacking from X Fast Break (setting the point, look to shoot, Fast Break (setting the point, look to shoot,

diagonals / slow break (get the ball to X) – point diagonals / slow break (get the ball to X) – point calls the breakcalls the break

Skeleton formations (rotation to cut when middies Skeleton formations (rotation to cut when middies have ball)have ball)

Cuts to the island (cut and clear through)Cuts to the island (cut and clear through) Basics of ridingBasics of riding

PlayersPlayersAttackAttack – Fundamentals/Skill Dvpt 7 – Fundamentals/Skill Dvpt 7thth-8th-8th Small ball games – Give and Go, Pick and Roll, Small ball games – Give and Go, Pick and Roll,

Dodge and Dump, Feeding middie cuttersDodge and Dump, Feeding middie cutters Reversing field – getting through X (attacking Reversing field – getting through X (attacking

opposite)opposite) Roll Dodge, Rocker Dodge (one handed cradles-Roll Dodge, Rocker Dodge (one handed cradles-

stick protection on attack dodges), inside rollsstick protection on attack dodges), inside rolls Stick transfers on attack dodgesStick transfers on attack dodges Skeleton Offense (Circle, 1-3-2) – spin/bump the ball Skeleton Offense (Circle, 1-3-2) – spin/bump the ball

(same as middies)(same as middies) Fast Break transitions – setting the point, Slow Fast Break transitions – setting the point, Slow

Breaks (get through X and immediately attack the Breaks (get through X and immediately attack the opposite side)opposite side)

More advanced riding (using sideline as double Def)More advanced riding (using sideline as double Def)

PlayersPlayers Specialists – At higher levels, Long Stick Specialists – At higher levels, Long Stick

Middie (LSM) – plays as an extra long stick on Middie (LSM) – plays as an extra long stick on defensive end of field, breaks out and begins defensive end of field, breaks out and begins transition, comes off field in offensive half field transition, comes off field in offensive half field sets for an offensive skilled middiesets for an offensive skilled middie

Face-Off – sometimes called a FOGO (Face off Face-Off – sometimes called a FOGO (Face off – Get off) – used as specialist to win face offs – Get off) – used as specialist to win face offs and possess the ball or start immediate fast and possess the ball or start immediate fast breaksbreaks

Man Up or Man Down Teams – groups of Man Up or Man Down Teams – groups of players who specialize in Man Up situations to players who specialize in Man Up situations to score or Man Down situations to kill off penaltyscore or Man Down situations to kill off penalty

Goals of Mason LacrosseGoals of Mason Lacrosse Teach the game of lacrosse to youth through high-school Teach the game of lacrosse to youth through high-school

with a cradle to grave approach (we want to develop with a cradle to grave approach (we want to develop them for the Mason Teams).them for the Mason Teams).

Have Fun!Have Fun! Build respect, knowledge for the game, develop athletes, Build respect, knowledge for the game, develop athletes,

graduate players that are developed to play at the graduate players that are developed to play at the college level.college level.

Compete at high school level consistently as one of top Compete at high school level consistently as one of top programs in Southwest OH.programs in Southwest OH.

Compete consistently in state tournament and be Compete consistently in state tournament and be considered one of top 5 programs in the state of OH.considered one of top 5 programs in the state of OH.

Be able to compete in All-Star or off-season tourneys Be able to compete in All-Star or off-season tourneys with our own teams from Mason.with our own teams from Mason.

Goals of Mason LacrosseGoals of Mason Lacrosse Team Philosophies at Youth LevelsTeam Philosophies at Youth Levels

2,3,4 Fundamentals, Skill Development, FUN 2,3,4 Fundamentals, Skill Development, FUN Exchange, Cradling, Stick and Ball protection, passing Exchange, Cradling, Stick and Ball protection, passing

and catching (stationary and with a little movement), and catching (stationary and with a little movement), shooting (stationary and with a little movement), shooting (stationary and with a little movement), ground balls and scooping, running through ball, stick ground balls and scooping, running through ball, stick checks (focus on poke check – not swinging sticks), checks (focus on poke check – not swinging sticks), defense – break down positiondefense – break down position

Face-offs – basic stance – teach clamp moveFace-offs – basic stance – teach clamp move Have funHave fun – every practice should end with something – every practice should end with something

fun, every game should learn from mistakes but fun, every game should learn from mistakes but coaches must have patience that the result (win or coaches must have patience that the result (win or lose) is not what we are after at this age. Did they lose) is not what we are after at this age. Did they learn something and have fun.learn something and have fun.


5,6 – Have Fun!5,6 – Have Fun! Fundamental skill development – same skills as earlier years but Fundamental skill development – same skills as earlier years but

being able to perform them on the run (consistently at 70-80% being able to perform them on the run (consistently at 70-80% speed), occasionally at full speed.speed), occasionally at full speed.

Begin introducing more advanced concepts (offensive sets, Begin introducing more advanced concepts (offensive sets, defensive slides – if we can execute one slide consistently, and a defensive slides – if we can execute one slide consistently, and a 22ndnd slide occasionally – we will be a very good defense) slide occasionally – we will be a very good defense)

Keys at this level are to get MORE (LOTS) of movement away Keys at this level are to get MORE (LOTS) of movement away from the ballfrom the ball

Cutting to get open (V-Cuts, C-Cuts away from ball)Cutting to get open (V-Cuts, C-Cuts away from ball) Non-Dominant Hand passing and catching, shootingNon-Dominant Hand passing and catching, shooting Face –Off – begin teaching moves (tops, clamp and rake, Face –Off – begin teaching moves (tops, clamp and rake,

punches)punches) No Long Poles – Defense – teach to play defense with feet, body No Long Poles – Defense – teach to play defense with feet, body

position (not with stick)position (not with stick) Passing to create motion – dodging to create space for shotsPassing to create motion – dodging to create space for shots Fast Break / Unsettled Transition gameFast Break / Unsettled Transition game


7,8 – Have Fun!7,8 – Have Fun! Fundamental skill development – same skills as earlier years Fundamental skill development – same skills as earlier years

but being able to perform them on the run consistently at full but being able to perform them on the run consistently at full speedspeed

Non-Dominant hand skills – getting comfortable with having Non-Dominant hand skills – getting comfortable with having stick in the correct hand and the correct timestick in the correct hand and the correct time

Playing with your eyes – see the field, see the cuts and Playing with your eyes – see the field, see the cuts and movement away from ball happening at game speedmovement away from ball happening at game speed

Dodging to create motion (Attack and Middie Dodge Dodging to create motion (Attack and Middie Dodge packages)packages)

Offensive and Defensive sets, packages (1-4, 2-2, 1-3, Man Offensive and Defensive sets, packages (1-4, 2-2, 1-3, Man up formations, transition from one O-Set to another on the flyup formations, transition from one O-Set to another on the fly

Shooting on the run, shooting in tight space (quick sticks)Shooting on the run, shooting in tight space (quick sticks) Unsettled and transition situations in half field or full field Unsettled and transition situations in half field or full field

situationssituations

Communication is a MUST!Communication is a MUST! Ball (I’ve got Ball) – lets teammates know that you Ball (I’ve got Ball) – lets teammates know that you

are taking the ground ballare taking the ground ball Ball Down – lets teammates know that ball is on Ball Down – lets teammates know that ball is on

groundground Release – lets teammates know that you have the Release – lets teammates know that you have the

ballball Help (Here’s your help) – lets teammates know Help (Here’s your help) – lets teammates know

you are openyou are open Double – Lets teammate know a double is coming Double – Lets teammate know a double is coming

Communication is a MUST!Communication is a MUST! Cutter – Lets teammates know that a an Cutter – Lets teammates know that a an

opponent is cutting through to goalopponent is cutting through to goal Hot – Lets designated defenders know to Hot – Lets designated defenders know to

slide to a dodging player with the ball that is slide to a dodging player with the ball that is immediate threat to the goal – Player nearest immediate threat to the goal – Player nearest ball slides with bodyball slides with body

Goalie Calls – Call outs for location of Ball Goalie Calls – Call outs for location of Ball (Top Right, Top Center, Top Left, Bottom (Top Right, Top Center, Top Left, Bottom Right, Behind (X), Bottom LeftRight, Behind (X), Bottom Left

Motion Offense-Motion Offense-ObjectivesObjectives

Keep Field Balanced in OffenseKeep Field Balanced in Offense Create Confusion for DefenseCreate Confusion for Defense Creates Multiple Options for Pass, Shoot, Creates Multiple Options for Pass, Shoot,

DodgeDodge Give Flexibility to OffenseGive Flexibility to Offense Create Mismatch OpportunitiesCreate Mismatch Opportunities

Motion Offense-SetsMotion Offense-Sets Other TermsOther Terms

X – Man behind the goal at position XX – Man behind the goal at position X Crease Man – Player in motion in front of goal Crease Man – Player in motion in front of goal

or creaseor crease The Island – Area directly in front of The Island – Area directly in front of

goal/crease – refers to area extending about 6-goal/crease – refers to area extending about 6-8 yards from pipes, right to left. This is area 8 yards from pipes, right to left. This is area where crease players will operatewhere crease players will operate

GLE – Goal Line Extended – refers to line GLE – Goal Line Extended – refers to line extending out from the pipe of goal to sideline extending out from the pipe of goal to sideline – wing attacks should be in front of goal line – wing attacks should be in front of goal line extended about 5-6 yards and off island extended about 5-6 yards and off island


Bump it or Spin it – refers to rapid movement of Bump it or Spin it – refers to rapid movement of the ball around the perimeter (outside) of the the ball around the perimeter (outside) of the offensive setoffensive set

Dodge – movement with ball to create space or Dodge – movement with ball to create space or separation from opponent designed to open up separation from opponent designed to open up shot or pass, or force defense to slide creating shot or pass, or force defense to slide creating opportunity to pressure the defenseopportunity to pressure the defense

V-Cut – off ball movement to move towards a V-Cut – off ball movement to move towards a defender and rapidly away (in shape of V) to defender and rapidly away (in shape of V) to create separation and opportunity to receive create separation and opportunity to receive passpass


C Cut – cut around a pick or around defender C Cut – cut around a pick or around defender to create space. Cut is made in shape of a C to create space. Cut is made in shape of a C for quick open up looksfor quick open up looks

Roll Back – a reverse direction of ball carrier if Roll Back – a reverse direction of ball carrier if pass or dodge is blocked. Used to create pass or dodge is blocked. Used to create separation from defender to reverse the ball separation from defender to reverse the ball direction quickly to the other side of the field.direction quickly to the other side of the field.

Ball side – referring to the side of the field ball Ball side – referring to the side of the field ball is currently locatedis currently located

High Side or Low Side (wing) – from the goal- High Side or Low Side (wing) – from the goal- high top of box, low side – low wing of boxhigh top of box, low side – low wing of box

Motion Offense-SetsMotion Offense-Sets

13 (1-3-2)13 (1-3-2) Our sets are always counted starting behind Our sets are always counted starting behind

the goal at Xthe goal at X 1 attack at X, 2 attack and 1 middie make up 1 attack at X, 2 attack and 1 middie make up

middle row, 2 middies make up top rowmiddle row, 2 middies make up top row To keep field balanced (2 middies always To keep field balanced (2 middies always

rotating to keep top row balanced and rotating to keep top row balanced and protect against transitionprotect against transition

Motion Offense-SetsMotion Offense-Sets 13 (1-3-2) – What you will hear from 13 (1-3-2) – What you will hear from

coachescoaches Set Call – 13Set Call – 13 Balance up (if we see open spots – we will Balance up (if we see open spots – we will

call to balance up)call to balance up) Find Space (keep motion running, off ball Find Space (keep motion running, off ball

movement to create and find open space movement to create and find open space which allows for passes, shots, dodges)which allows for passes, shots, dodges)

Play with your eyes – see the field, get your Play with your eyes – see the field, get your head up and see the whole field, see the head up and see the whole field, see the back side back side

A1

A3 A2

M3 M2

M1

A1

A3 A2

M3 M2

M1

The Island

Motion Offense-SetsMotion Offense-Sets 13 – Other Concepts and Rules13 – Other Concepts and Rules

Set Up – This offensive set creates 2 offensive Set Up – This offensive set creates 2 offensive triangles that work together to create motion triangles that work together to create motion and confuse the defenseand confuse the defense

Ball movement in 13 – Move ball around Ball movement in 13 – Move ball around perimeterperimeter

Use V-Cuts to support the ball carrier and give Use V-Cuts to support the ball carrier and give open looks to passopen looks to pass

Crease man DOES NOT stand still – he must Crease man DOES NOT stand still – he must work the island by mirroring the ball to give the work the island by mirroring the ball to give the ball carrier space to dodge and find open ball carrier space to dodge and find open opportunities on island for quick cuts and shotsopportunities on island for quick cuts and shots


Rule 1 – ALWAYS maintain Field BalanceRule 1 – ALWAYS maintain Field Balance Imagine a string connecting all the players in the Imagine a string connecting all the players in the

triangletriangle When one member of the triangle cuts through, the When one member of the triangle cuts through, the

other players in that triangle MUST rotate and follow other players in that triangle MUST rotate and follow to maintain Field Balanceto maintain Field Balance

Rule 2 – Rotate when the ball is passed from Rule 2 – Rotate when the ball is passed from one triangle to the otherone triangle to the other

Rule 3 – When one player dodges – BOTH Rule 3 – When one player dodges – BOTH triangles rotate (creates rapid motion and triangles rotate (creates rapid motion and confusion forcing defense decisions to slide)confusion forcing defense decisions to slide)


Rule 4 – Dodge – Pass – Pass – Dodge – If a Rule 4 – Dodge – Pass – Pass – Dodge – If a player dodges, a good defense will slide to pick player dodges, a good defense will slide to pick up the player – this is a good opportunity for up the player – this is a good opportunity for two passes which will reverse the field and two passes which will reverse the field and give the second receiver an opportunity to give the second receiver an opportunity to dodge and shoot. This is general rule but if the dodge and shoot. This is general rule but if the first dodge produces separation from defender first dodge produces separation from defender and defense chooses NOT to slide – then shot and defense chooses NOT to slide – then shot may be open without additional passesmay be open without additional passes

Motion Offense-SetsMotion Offense-Sets 14 (1-4-1) – sometimes called a Diamond14 (1-4-1) – sometimes called a Diamond

Our sets are always counted starting behind Our sets are always counted starting behind the goal at Xthe goal at X

1 attack at X, 2 attack and 2 middies make 1 attack at X, 2 attack and 2 middies make up middle row, 1 middie up topup middle row, 1 middie up top

To keep field balanced (1 middie MUST To keep field balanced (1 middie MUST always rotating to keep top balanced and always rotating to keep top balanced and protect against transitionprotect against transition

In this set – if ball is lost – Attack MUST ride In this set – if ball is lost – Attack MUST ride hard and aggressive all the way to midfield hard and aggressive all the way to midfield line to give other middies time to recover line to give other middies time to recover and shut down fast breakand shut down fast break





Play with your eyes – see the field, get your Play with your eyes – see the field, get your head up and see the whole field, don’t forget head up and see the whole field, don’t forget to see the back side as wellto see the back side as well

A1

A3 A2 M3 M2

M1

A1

A3 A2 M3 M2

M1

The Island


Set Up – This offensive set creates a diamond perimeter Set Up – This offensive set creates a diamond perimeter with 2 crease players that uses picks, c cuts and with 2 crease players that uses picks, c cuts and movement around goal to confuse defensemovement around goal to confuse defense

Ball movement in 14 – Move ball around perimeterBall movement in 14 – Move ball around perimeter Use V-Cuts to support the ball carrier and give open Use V-Cuts to support the ball carrier and give open

looks to pass – Receiver must create movement towards looks to pass – Receiver must create movement towards ball carrier to allow for shorter passes, then roll away ball carrier to allow for shorter passes, then roll away from defensefrom defense

This offense set uses dodges to generate motion and This offense set uses dodges to generate motion and get defense to reactget defense to react

Many times in a 14 the open space will be created on Many times in a 14 the open space will be created on the back side as a dodge pulls defenders to overload on the back side as a dodge pulls defenders to overload on one side leaving large spots of open space to the back one side leaving large spots of open space to the back side (This is why Dodge, Pass, Pass, Dodge works so side (This is why Dodge, Pass, Pass, Dodge works so effectively in a 14)effectively in a 14)


Rule 1 – ALWAYS maintain Field BalanceRule 1 – ALWAYS maintain Field Balance Rule 2 – Attack MUST ride hard and tight if Rule 2 – Attack MUST ride hard and tight if

possession is lost to give time for downfield possession is lost to give time for downfield middies to recover and shut off fast breakmiddies to recover and shut off fast break

Rule 3 – When one player dodges – BOTH Rule 3 – When one player dodges – BOTH triangles rotate (creates rapid motion and triangles rotate (creates rapid motion and confusion forcing defense decisions to slide)confusion forcing defense decisions to slide)


Rule 4 – Dodge – Pass – Pass – Dodge – If a Rule 4 – Dodge – Pass – Pass – Dodge – If a player dodges, a good defense will slide to pick player dodges, a good defense will slide to pick up the player – this is a good opportunity for up the player – this is a good opportunity for two passes which will reverse the field and two passes which will reverse the field and give the second receiver an opportunity to give the second receiver an opportunity to dodge and shoot or look for feed. This is dodge and shoot or look for feed. This is general rule but if the first dodge produces general rule but if the first dodge produces separation from defender and defense separation from defender and defense chooses NOT to slide – then shot may be open chooses NOT to slide – then shot may be open without additional passeswithout additional passes


Rule 5 – Many times the best initial dodges in Rule 5 – Many times the best initial dodges in this offense set come from X or Top Middie. this offense set come from X or Top Middie. Always dodge towards center and then down Always dodge towards center and then down the ally towards the pipe (NOT down the the ally towards the pipe (NOT down the sideline)sideline)

Motion Offense-SetsMotion Offense-Sets 22 (2-2-2)22 (2-2-2)

Our sets are always counted starting behind Our sets are always counted starting behind the goal at Xthe goal at X

2 attack behind goal-corners, 1 attack and 1 2 attack behind goal-corners, 1 attack and 1 middie on island, 2 middies up top at cornersmiddie on island, 2 middies up top at corners

To keep field balanced (rotate on dodges)To keep field balanced (rotate on dodges)





Play with your eyes – see the field, get your Play with your eyes – see the field, get your head up and see the whole field, don’t forget head up and see the whole field, don’t forget to see the back side as wellto see the back side as well

A1A3

A2 M3

M2M1

A1A3

A2 M3

M2M1

The Island


Set Up – This offensive set creates a Box perimeter with 2 Set Up – This offensive set creates a Box perimeter with 2 crease players that uses picks, stack formations, and crease players that uses picks, stack formations, and movement on the island to confuse defensemovement on the island to confuse defense

Ball movement in 22 – Move ball around perimeter – in this Ball movement in 22 – Move ball around perimeter – in this formation the passes are longer so it is critical that you formation the passes are longer so it is critical that you move towards each other when passing and receiving to move towards each other when passing and receiving to gain separation from defensegain separation from defense

Use V-Cuts to support the ball carrier and give open looks Use V-Cuts to support the ball carrier and give open looks to pass – Receiver must create movement towards ball to pass – Receiver must create movement towards ball carrier to allow for shorter passes, then roll away from carrier to allow for shorter passes, then roll away from defensedefense

This offense set uses dodges, picks, rolls to generate This offense set uses dodges, picks, rolls to generate motion and get defense to react – objective to use dodges motion and get defense to react – objective to use dodges from the corners to force a crease slide and move defense from the corners to force a crease slide and move defense out of the creaseout of the crease

This creates fantastic opportunity for quick passes to This creates fantastic opportunity for quick passes to reverse field or roll back opportunities to get defense to reverse field or roll back opportunities to get defense to overload and open up back side looksoverload and open up back side looks


Rule 1 – ALWAYS maintain Field BalanceRule 1 – ALWAYS maintain Field Balance Rule 2 – Use dodges to start motionRule 2 – Use dodges to start motion Rule 3 – When one player dodges – Player Rule 3 – When one player dodges – Player

next to (in direction of dodge) cuts and sets next to (in direction of dodge) cuts and sets pickpick

Rule 4 – Off the pick – dodger looks to attack Rule 4 – Off the pick – dodger looks to attack goal and force slide, Crease players always goal and force slide, Crease players always pick and cut off dodge (side to side, stacked-pick and cut off dodge (side to side, stacked-high,low)high,low)

A1A3

A2 M3

M2M1

Motion Offense-SetsMotion Offense-Sets 22 – Modified 2-2-2 (Circle Offense for 22 – Modified 2-2-2 (Circle Offense for

Younger kids)Younger kids) 3 types of motion creation – Pick and Roll, 3 types of motion creation – Pick and Roll,

Give and Go, Opposite CutGive and Go, Opposite Cut Teach small skill concepts first 2 v 1 or 2 v 2 Teach small skill concepts first 2 v 1 or 2 v 2

(Pick and Roll, Give and Go)(Pick and Roll, Give and Go) Work up to 3 v 2, 3 v 3 (Triangles, rotation, Work up to 3 v 2, 3 v 3 (Triangles, rotation,

opposite cuts, double picks 2,3,4 grade)opposite cuts, double picks 2,3,4 grade) Work up to 5 v 5, 6 v 6 (dodge with trail cutters, Work up to 5 v 5, 6 v 6 (dodge with trail cutters,

double picks and reverse field sweeps)double picks and reverse field sweeps)

Practice Planning / TipsPractice Planning / Tips Be prepared – objectives to teachBe prepared – objectives to teach Have timed agendaHave timed agenda

Warm Up Warm Up Routine Routine (Form Running, Light Runs, (Form Running, Light Runs, Light Sprints)Light Sprints)

Basic / Fundamentals Skill drills (focus on 1 or Basic / Fundamentals Skill drills (focus on 1 or 2 things) drill stations broken up to use 2 things) drill stations broken up to use progression, keep principle of Tell, Show, Do, progression, keep principle of Tell, Show, Do, keep it movingkeep it moving

Small Group / Team Play Drills – Reinforcing Small Group / Team Play Drills – Reinforcing concepts coached in skill drills (again build concepts coached in skill drills (again build progression – skills learned in previous progression – skills learned in previous practices incorporated to add to foundationpractices incorporated to add to foundation

Practice Planning / TipsPractice Planning / Tips Have timed agendaHave timed agenda

Half Field / Full Field Scrimmage – play and coach Half Field / Full Field Scrimmage – play and coach points from previous drills to reinforce conceptspoints from previous drills to reinforce concepts

Cool down – static stretching (very important to Cool down – static stretching (very important to leave the time for this at end)leave the time for this at end)

Build “FUN” into the agenda – make Build “FUN” into the agenda – make competitions (for push ups, sit ups, etc), be competitions (for push ups, sit ups, etc), be passionate, excited, and motivational (kids at passionate, excited, and motivational (kids at young age respond better to positive young age respond better to positive reinforcement then critical analysis)reinforcement then critical analysis)

Emphasize desire to try new things, enjoy the Emphasize desire to try new things, enjoy the process vs the resultprocess vs the result

Mason Lacrosse Coaches Development “Coming Together is a Beginning. Keeping Together is Progress....

Documents

Transcript of Mason Lacrosse Coaches Development “Coming Together is a Beginning. Keeping Together is Progress....