We’ve all been there. The game is about to start and your team is just not revved up. Maybe some players are still in the locker room getting psyched up, or maybe they’re just lackadaisical on the field. Whatever the case may be, starting slow in games can be frustrating – especially when it feels like your opponents are ready to go from the get-go. For many teams, slow starts are a recurring issue that manifests itself three or four times a season. For some teams, it happens even more frequently, but for all lacrosse coaches, it can be a…
Author: Enoch C. Williams
Enoch C. Williams
Enoch is a veteran lacrosse player. He has played on the same team for 20 years, and his teammates are like family to him. He's worked hard over the last two decades to get where he is today, playing in some of the best tournaments in North America with people that have become lifelong friends. Enoch loves pushing himself physically and mentally every time he steps onto the field, knowing that if he doesn't give 100% then there's always someone else who will take his place.
Most coaches at one time or another post a player in the crease. Maybe you are blessed to have a skilled six-foot crease attackman, or maybe you rotate your short stick middies or even your LSM in the crease for a period of time. Or perhaps you are trying to run a high or low post, or picks in the crease, or buying into deuces and two-man games, even inside. Or like me, you are amazed at how players try to catch the ball right-handed, carrying the stick on the inside, not the outside shoulder, towards the defense and goalie,…
If you are a long-time traditional coach, who honestly believes that running a traditional fast break drill for 15 minutes every practice with three attack players set up in an L formation, with three poles standing there waiting to cheat on their slides with them, while a middie streaks down from midfield is really helping your team, then you may not like this article. Coaching paradigms have changed. First, with higher quality teams you actually see this scenario but once or twice a game, if that, so I might suggest it is just not game realistic. I might also suggest…
This drill is a full-field scramble, constantly creating different looks and variations in transition, sliding, recognition, and fast movement. Players get to play in a number of very fluid matchups, from one-man advantages in transition to even scenarios with different numbers on each run down the field. The huge positive impact in conditioning during a fun exercise is a bonus. With players age 8 through 13, you might consider bringing the cages to the restraining lines, but in its purest form it is a full-field drill. We begin with three attackers and three defenders at each end. All other players…
Do you ever find yourself in a situation where you know what you should do but don’t do it? This is a common occurrence in lacrosse, especially when coaching. Many coaches know the right plays and strategies to use during a game, but they don’t always practice them themselves. Coaching is all about setting an example for your players – if you want them to hustle and give their best effort, then you have to be the first one to do that. Lacrosse coaching can be tough, but it’s definitely worth it when you see your players improving on the…
Let me begin with an apology, as these thoughts may upset the old school purist coaches. Do you consider each minute in practice time to be valuable? Do you take the time to plan your practices down to the minute or analyze the number of touches per player, per drill, regardless of the age group you are coaching? Are we truly developing better lacrosse fundamentals and skills by running laps? The 4 keys to a successful lacrosse practice theme are mentioned below – Drills must emulate game situationsDrills/practice should be funDrills/practice need to be fast pacedDrills/practice should focus on touches…
The beautiful thing about 4V4 drills for players of all ages is that they open up the field and allow players to have more room to maneuver as well as less congestion, which lets players see the offensive end of the field more easily. The 4V4 drills also allow for players to drive, double team, set picks on and off ball, and generally are more fun for than 6V6. In our discussions with NCAA coaches, when they do spend time practicing players in an even (versus a transition) drill or man-up situation, they spend more time in 10V10 full field…
Quick feet and even quicker thinking is what separates the good lacrosse players from the great ones. That split-second decision making is what wins games. And while some might say that all you need is natural talent and intuition to be a top player, others will tell you that dedication to perfecting your craft is key. These same people will likely also tell you that effective transition drills are pivotal in developing the skills needed for successful game play. If you’re looking to take your lacrosse game up a notch, or two, then check out these tips! Why Transition Drills?…
Coaches are always looking for drills that encourage conditioning, are fast-paced, and emulate game situations. In addition, this drill is a great alternative when practice is beginning to drag or the kids seem to be going through the motions and a little energy is needed. It is also a drill that can be used to pick up players’ spirits after a tough loss, dragging practice, or difficult stretch of games. Our players love this drill; it is wide open and fast. Many coaches run the drill with cages from sideline to sideline, but I like it as close to full…
Have you ever found yourself on the sidelines getting frustrated with your players as you watch your team in a riding situation and a player on the clear simply runs past one of your players and then another one or more of your players en route to an 70-yard run and an easy clear? As coaches, we often make assumptions about double teams or traps. It looks good from the sidelines for an instant, then off the opposing player goes with a good set of legs. So from a strategic perspective, how can we turn a weakness into strength? This…