WOLVES LACROSSE MANUAL & PLAYBOOK COACHES JIM BLAZ and JARED MAREK 2015
Table of Contents Coaching Philosophies... 3 SECTION A STICK WORK... 5 SECTION B - SHOOTING... 7 SECTION C MIDFIELD DODGING... 9 SECTION D ATTACK DODGING...10 SECTION E GROUND BALLS...12 SECTION F FACE OFF TECHNIQUES AND DRILLS...13 SECTION G LONGPOLE DEFENSE DRILLS...14 SECTION H GOALIE WARM UP AND DRILLS...15 SECTION I TEAM PLAY OFFENSE / DEFENSE DRILLS...16 SECTION J RIDES...18 SECTION K 1-4- 1 SET OFFENSES...20 SECTION L MAN UP PLAYS...28 SECTION M HOW TO PLAY SOLID MEN S LACROSSE DEFENSE...30 SECTION N UNDERSTANDING DEFENSIVE POSITIONING AND SLIDES...32 GLOSSARY OF TERMS...34
COACH BLAZ S COACHING PHILOSOPHY I have had the privilege of playing lacrosse for the past 25 years. I have loved every second of it! The speed, the power, the teamwork and the strategy involved in the game, appealed to me as a young athlete and continue to do so today as a coach/player. Of significance to me is that the young lax player understand the essence of the game and why it was created. Baggattaway as the Native American s called it, was a game of significant spiritual value to its creators. It was often used to settle tribal disputes, train young warriors for combat, honor a sacred holiday/event, and to honor the deceased as well as to bring good health to the ill. In every aspect of the game, the culture of the various tribes who played the game, can be seen. It truly makes it different than any other sport I know of in that its origins are tied closely to the spirituality of the people who played the game, intertwining it into their daily lives. As your coach I would like all my players to learn a little about the sport and appreciate its truly American Roots. We can all be proud that it originated on our continent and has been enjoyed here for centuries. In regards to the sport itself, I love the physical aspects required to be successful. The ability to run, catch and throw. The ability to play off the ground, in the air, at slow, medium, and top speed. The physical nature of the game, from the endurance to the strength required to be an elite player. The requirement to use both right and left upper extremities has always attracted me to the sport ensuring that those who excel have mastered this skill. Balance, good vision of the field, speed, agility, and perseverance are all included in the skill set of a good lacrosse player. The Team aspect of lacrosse is apparent to anyone who has watched a game. Regardless of your size, if you are coordinated, hard- working, and a Team Player, you will love lacrosse. I value the term Team, because from goalie to attack, the game is structured around a mass effort with a common goal. Ball possession, a defense that communicates, a midfield that plays the entire field, and an attack that is patient and opportunistic, is fun to watch, because they will win! My goal for this season (and truly all seasons) is as follows: 1. Work together as a team we win, lose, tie, celebrate, suffer, persevere, and succeed, together. 2. Commit to the game and its physical requirements the sport requires flexibility, speed, strength, endurance, toughness, and above all, practice of the basics (scoop, catch, throw). 3
3. Learn/Teach/Enjoy Learn and practice the basics and you have success as a player. Teach others and you will become even better as your knowledge will empower you. Enjoy the sport like no other. It has a uniqueness that bonds players together as no other sport I know. In regards to what I expect from each athlete, I ask that all Prairie Ridge Lacrosse Players aspire to the following values: 1. Attitude No matter where, what, when, it dictates everything! 2. Respect for yourself, teammates, parents, coaches, and opponents 3. Hard- Work- in everything we do: practice, training, games, drills, etc. 4. Selflessness the team before yourself. 5. Sportsmanship at all times, regardless the situation (practice, game, training, etc.) Thank you all for the opportunity to share what I have learned and for entrusting me as your coach! Sincerely, Jim Blaz 4
COACH MAREK S COACHING PHILOSOPHY Sports is very important in the society we live in today and for good reason. Any sport, but particularly lacrosse, requires a variety of skills to be successful. I love the sport of lacrosse and played for four years in high school. I am also planning on attending Judson University on a lacrosse scholarship this fall to continue playing on a collegiate level. Most recently, at McHenry County College, I studied health and fitness education with an emphasis on training the body to improve strength, speed, and agility (I ended my fall 2014 semester with a 4.0 GPA). I strive to share my experiences with all my players and bring out the very best in them. I have played several sports throughout my athletic career including football, track and field, wrestling; but lacrosse has definitely been my favorite. I grew to love the sport even more since I have begun coaching this past year. Though different sports may have different objectives when it comes to winning, they all share similar traits that are required in order to be successful. I try to teach these traits in a simple manner so the players understand the core concepts related to them while still hitting home the importance that each has its own integral part with one another. One without the other can hurt our chances for success as a team. My goals for this season are: 1. Develop a cohesive unit that interacts in an effective and ethical manner on and off the field. 2. Develop individual strengths while minimizing the amount of errors on the field pertaining to Lacrosse skills. 3. Train the players and myself to achieve a higher level of athleticism that is unmatched in the area. 4. Grow the program and school awareness of the Wolves lacrosse team. 5. Have Fun! My expectations as a coach are: 1. Players are expected to be dependable when it comes to being on time for practices and games. 2. Players are expected to be respectful to all those around them. 3. Players are expected to take more initiative for themselves this year- Independent research. 4. Players should be asking coaches questions on how to improve off the field 5
*after* practices and games. 5. Players are expected to be supplemental teammates - work together on and off the field. 6. Players are expected to take practice, games, and any other training methods seriously and give 100% I pride myself on being an unorthodox coach that takes the steps needed in order to get my point across. I try to share lessons and concepts that I have learned over the years that have allowed me to succeed in my respective sports. I aim to optimize the mind, body, and spirit of each player to make him the best teammate/athlete that he can be. It is my belief that with patience and perseverance, anything in this world is possible. By the end of this season, I hope you do too! Thank you for allowing me to be your coach and trusting that I will guide you to the path of success. Not just in the sport of lacrosse, but in life as well. Sincerely, Jared Marek 6
SECTION A STICK WORK 2 man Drills 1. Partner Stationary String Passing Basic passing drill where partners stand roughly 15 yards apart. Best way to warm up a players hand and eye coordination. Players should be throwing and catching both right handed and left handed. 20 throws/catchs right and twenty throws/catchs left. X- - - - - - - - - 15 YARDS- - - - - - - - - X 2. Partner Forward Backward String passing Same as the first drill, except one player backpedals 5 yds while his partner runs forward 5 yds while passing the ball. The directions are reversed and the drill continues for 20 passes/catchs. Players always remain 10 yds apart, minimum, from each other. X- - - - (5yds)- - - - - - - - - - - - - 10 YARDS- - - - - - - - - - - - (5yds)- - - - - X 3. Partner In- Out String Passing- Partners are 20 Yards apart, both run forward 5 yards, pass the ball, backpedal 5 yds, pass the ball again, run forward 5yards, pass the ball.and continue for 20 passes/catches. Passes running forward are 10 yards apart and 20 yards apart backpedalling. X- - - - (5yds)- - - - - - - - - - - 10 YARDS- - - - - - - - - - - - (5yds)- - - - - X 7
3 man Drills 1. 3 Man Passing A (3) player passing drill. 3 players line up spaced out evenly across the width of a lacrosse field. The sideline players throw from a stationary position while the center player is always in motion moving towards the man passing him the ball then accelerating to the opposite sideline and repeating the same. Players should work on righty/righty, lefty/lefty, righty/lefty, lefty/righty, and ground balls both righty and lefty. Players switch every 10 throws/catchs. 2. 3 Man Weave Center man (1) passes the ball to his right side player, (2) who then cradles towards the middle of the field, then passes to the far side player (3) who is moving towards him. The far side player that now has the ball then passes to the Top middle player who should have curled around the right side player. This drill is repeated 4 x over the length of the field. 8
3. Triangle Passing A three player passing drill. Players are set up in a triangle formation keeping their sticks to the outside. Each player positions himself behind a cone. each player begins by running three steps to the left, catching left, turning to the outside and switching hands to right side, running around the cone, taking three steps to the right of the cone, and passing right handed to teammate who will catch left handed. This repeated 10 x than the direction is reversed with players catching right handed and passing left handed, 10x. The drill is repeated a third, catching left, turning inside, split dodging left to right, and throwing right, 10x. The drill is repeated a fourth time, catching right, turning inside, split dodging right to left, and throwing left, 10x. TEAM Drills 1. Line Drills Two lines across from each other roughly 25 yards apart. Players pass to their teammate across from them and continue to the back of the opposite line. Players should always be in motion when throwing or receiving the ball. Passes to be worked on include righty/righty, lefty/lefty, ground ball righty, ground ball lefty, over shoulder righty, over the shoulder lefty. X- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 25 YARDS- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - X Pass and Follow 9
2. Box Passing Drill Often used in place of line drills. Players line up in a box formation, working the ball both clockwise and counterclockwise, following the same pattern as line drills. Sticks should always release the ball from the outside. X- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - X.................. X- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - X 3. Star Passing Drill Players line up in a box with one person at the top serving as the point (should look like a house), Ball starts at the point, Point throws diagonal to bottom left corner - Bottom left corner passes to top right corner, Top right corner straight across to top left corner, Top left corner passes diagonal to bottom right corner, Bottom right corner throws diagonal back to the point. SIDENOTE: Once you make a pass you follow your pass and go to the back of that line The passing lanes should look like a star. 5 2 3 4 6 1 STAR PASSING DRILL 10
SECTION B - SHOOTING Bucket Shooting A basic shooting drill. Feeders are set up on the goal line extended. The shooters break from GLE around a bucket or cone that is roughly 10 yards from GLE and 7 yards off center of the goal. The player C curls around the bucket receives the ball and fires a shot. Players should switch lines to assure they are shooting both left and right handed. Box Shooting A great shooting drill to warm up with. It helps warm up the offensive players and the goalies. 4 lines are set up like a box. The 2 lines extended on the goal line are the feeder s lines. The 1 line at the top of the restraining line is the shooters line. The first feed comes from bottom right to the top right. The shooter needs to plant and take a set shot, he then continues towards the net receives another pass from the feeder on the opposite side and takes a close range shot while on the run. 11
Tunnel Shooting The set up is the same as the box shooting drill. The middies start with the ball on the ground, after scooping the ball they release the ball to the attackman on their side located at GLE. After passing they cut across the middle receiving the ball from the opposite side attackman shot. C Curl Shooting The attackmen start from the end line roughly 7 yards outside the crease on both sides of the goal. The midfielders (feeder s) are just inside the restraining box parallel with the attack. The middies feed the attack when they get just above GLE. The attacking player then does a C curl and shoots 1 on 1 with the goalie. This drill promotes quick decisions and quick ball fakes for the attack. 12
SECTION C MIDFIELD DODGING Split Dodge and Pass players start at the top center of the restraining box, they perform a split dodge and in one direction and pass a ball across the center to a stationary attackmen standing at GLE. Roll Dodge and Pass same as the split dodge but this time the player performs a roll dodge. Split Dodge and Shoot same as split dodge and pass, except now instead of passing the player fires a shot on the run. Roll Dodge and Shoot same as split dodge and shoot, except this time the player performs a roll dodge. SECTION D ATTACK DODGING Zig Zag warm up drill for dodging. The player moves across the field in a zig zag pattern stepping towards and away from his defender. Roll Dodge The roll dodge should start at X or on the GLE. The roll dodge is a simple change of direction dodge you start by going one direction, plant you lead foot roll with your back to the defensemen and switch hands and direction protecting the stick the entire way until you are in the clear. Roll Dodge/Finalizer This dodge combination should be practiced from X. After the player executes a proper roll dodge, he plants his lead foot drops his stick low enough to stay underneath the defenders stick check and switches hands in front of his body returning back to his original direction. Roll Dodge/Swim This dodge combination should be practiced from X and GLE. After the player executes a proper roll dodge, he plants his lead foot, takes his bottom hand off the stick and swims his stick over the defenders stick returning back to his original direction. Inside Roll This dodge should be practiced from X. The attackman takes his defender from X to the Go Zone. The player plants and rolls towards the goal, keeping his stick in his strong hand the entire time. The stick should stay in front on his body shielding the defender from a possible trail check. Cane Dodge This dodge should be practiced from X. The attackman takes his defender from X to the Go Zone if coming around the right side. The player plants with his left foot stepping away from the defender to create separation and fires a quick shot. If rolling right the player shoots left handed. If rolling left the player shoots right handed. Rocker Dodge This dodge should be performed from either X or GLE. The attackman takes his defender to the GO Zone The player plants his lead foot, steps into a fake roll dodge, rocking his upper body then accelerates in the original direction. 13
SECTION E GROUND BALLS The purpose of these drills is to develop the basic fundamentals of picking up the ball under pressure. Players most understand that the ball is ALWAYS priority. Physical contact with another player is always secondary. Players should always know the basic principles of striking another player. 1- On- 1 two players line up next to each other, the coach rolls a ball out, both players try to recover the ball and return it to the coach or an outlet man. 2- On- 2 four players line up next to each other, the coach rolls a ball out, both teams try to recover the ball and return it to the coach or an outlet man. Man/ball communication must be stressed. 3- On- 3 six players line up next to each other the coach rolls a ball out both players try to recover the ball and return it to the coach or an outlet man. Two stick drill three players with one approximately 10 yds away from two in the middle, with both of their sticks lying on top of the ball. Third player sprints at the other two and attempts to dislodge ball with a powerful running scoop and assumes possession of the ball. 14
SECTION F FACE OFF TECHNIQUES AND DRILLS Clamp Players should use a over handed motorcycle grip. It is very important to concentrate on clamping on top of the ball. During the clamp the left hand must punch forward aggressively. Once the ball has been won, you use the sidewall to pull the ball out, keeping you stick parallel to the ground. Do not lift your butt end into the air, or use the top of your stick. Clamp and Shimmy the shimmy is a very effective way to win a clamp when two players are locked up and neither has gained advantage. The player s left hand is already punched forward. With your left hand you shimmy back and forth rigorously in an effort to shimmy your head underneath the opposing players. You continue this action until advantage is either gained or lost. Plunger great face off to use when a fast break is needed. The player uses the standard clamp and punch, after he has won the clamp; you need to add a lot of pressure and weight on the right hand. You pick up your left hand almost vertical to the ground bending the head of your stick. You then pull the ball away from your opponent and push the ball forward. Jump and Rack typically used as a counter move. This move works great against a good clamper. Jumping will neutralize your opponent s sick. On the whistle your fist not your stick goes right over top of the ball. The backside of your sticks head should be flat on the ground when you rack the ball backwards. Down and Clamp you practice your positioning and posture unopposed. This is best performed in repetitions of 10 or more. It helps train your ears on timing the whistle. Down and Jump same as the down and clamp drill, but now you are performing the first move of the jump. Down and Plunge Forward same as the down and clamp except now the player practices the plunger move thrusting the ball forward. Dummy Drills all three moves are performed against a static opponent. The static player holds his stick very firm in the starting position. 100% vs. 75% all three moves are to be performed. Player one performs 100% while player two performs 75%. Again like all drills these are to be performed in high repetitions. Live 1- On- 1 both players execute all three moves against each other at 100%. 15
SECTION G LONGPOLE DEFENSE DRILLS 1. 4 Cone Warm-Up Four cones are place 10 yards apart in a square. Players go through the following three drills: a. Forward run, shuffle across, backpedal (left and right, 2 x) X 10 yds X X X b. Forward run, diagonal backpedal (left and right, 2 x) X 10 yds X X X c. Forward run, diagonal backpedal, forward run, shuffle across, backpedal (left and right 2 x) X 10 yds X X X 16
2. Zig Zag Drill Using the width of the field the defense glides across in a zig zag pattern. They are concentrating on their footwork. Each player should throw a dummy check every time they move forward or backwards. 3. Zig Zag Ground Balls same as the first Zig Zag drill except there is a player at each station (X) the defender running the route picks up a ground ball and releases back to the player rolling the ball out. He repeats this until thru the entire tunnel. 4. Long pole Star Passing (see Section A Stick Work) same drill except it is performed with only long poles. 5. Save and Clear This drill includes the long poles and the goalies. The goalie makes a save and 4 poles break to the corners to form a square. The goalie can throw it to any of the four poles. Once the first player receives the ball they work the ball back letting all four players get a touch before returning the ball back to the coach or designated shooter. 17
D pole and Goalie Clearing Drill- the goalie makes a mock save and clears the ball to his defensemen. Each defensive player breaks to a particular spot. The two low players break parallel and the two high men break diagonally up field. Once the goalie throws the first clearing pass the defensemen work the ball back to the goalie by throwing quick passes. SECTION H GOALIE WARM UP AND DRILLS! Front/Back 2 legged jumps! Side to Side 2 legged jumps! Front/Back 1 leg jumps 30 SECONDS FOR EACH JUMP! Side to Side 1 leg jumps! Front/Back staggered leg jumps! Side to Side staggered leg jumps The following should be performed first with the goalies top hand, after going through the routine twice the goalie will do it again using a short stick, the 3 rd time through the goalie will use his regular stick.! Stick side high! Off side high! Stick side hip! Off side hip! Stick side low! Off side low Body positioning on bounce shoots is crucial. Each goalie should work on making saves with his chest guard only. A player or coach will shoot 50% bouncing the ball off the turf. The goalie needs to knock it down with his chest guard. He needs to make sure he is over the ball and both shoulders are square. SECTION I TEAM PLAY OFFENSE / DEFENSE DRILLS 3- on- 2 Box Drill 3 offensive players work on the perimeter keeping their sticks to the outside, rolling away 18
from trouble. One man will always be in motion on one of the four baselines. The 2 defensive players are working on communication, and positioning. The point man is on the ball and the back man is split between the other 2 offensive players. 4- on- 3 Box Drill same as the 3 on 2 Drill except now there are 4 offensive players stationary and 3 defensive players rotating. 19
SECTION J RIDES 21 or Blackjack Our primary ride will be called 21 or Blackjack. The goal is to force across field passes from the clearing teams long sticks, and force the opposition into double teams on our offensive side of the field. The 21 resembles our attack triangle formation. 2 up and 1 back. They must work as one unit, and put quick pressure on the ball. The midfielders are in a deep zone around the midfield line keeping their man in front of them at all times. If their man breaks up field they must follow him, and now play man to man defense. Our long stick defensemen are locking off the oppositions attack so they are not a clearing option. 33 Zone Our secondary ride will be called 33 Zone. We will switch to this ride when the opposing team s midfielders are beating our low men and are running the ball over the mid line, or when the opposing goalie is tossing the ball towards midfield after a save. The 33 is considered a zone ride. The 33 resembles our formation of 3 attack across and 3 midfielders across. The field is broken into 3rds. Each 3 rd must move as one unit. As in our other rides you can never let an 20
opposing player behind you. 33 Deep Ride We may use a 33 Deep which is based on the same principles as the 33 Zone except we line up much deeper. We will use this ride when we want the opposing team s long poles to handle the ball, or when we decide to give the opposing team a break because we are clearly in control of the game. Duke Ride our Pressure Ride Our pressure ride will be called Duke or Danowski. It is a man to man ride. We will use this ride when we must get the ball back. It will be used to force a turnover. It is a risky aggressive ride but very affective when performed properly. We line up in a man to man coverage. The front men lock off the goalie and both parallel defensemen. Our midfielders lock off the 2 nearest clearing middies and our last midfielder locks off top man on the ball side. The only man we leave open is the one furthest from the ball. We pull one defensemen up to the midline. Our goalie comes out and covers his man while the other two defensemen face guard their attackmen. 21
SECTION K 1-4-1 SET OFFENSES Principles of the 1-4- 1 Offense The 1-4- 1 Offense is a motion offense. The inside players #4 and #3 are always picking, curling, or fading depending on where the ball is. The Perimeter players work as a separate unit. #1 #2 #6 #5 create a diamond shape on the perimeter. The diamond also rotates as a unit. For example if #2 challenges his defender and he gets pushed back to X then #6 would replace #5, #5 would replace #1 and #1 would replace #2. It is important that the perimeter players are good one on one dodger s. This will create overloads and free up our two inside players for easy shots. The two inside players need to be active big targets with quick shots. Many times just running motion is enough to disrupt an opponent s defense, but we will run several set plays out of this formation that will involve picking and cutting. DIRTY BIRD 22
CREATION- will alternate name of play using "Cornell", "Roanoke", and "Towson" Play starts withm1who dodges either direction from up top. Both M2 and M3 invert from the wings to set a pick for A1 anda3 who are curling looking for the feed. A2 is sneaking around the backside as this is going on. M1willfeed either A1or A3. The player with the ball now has 3 options: (1) He can shoot (2) Feed the parallel (3) Feed A2 who is sneaking in from X CREATION 23
QUICK FIRE Quick Hit Play Quick Fire is a quick hit play that you would run for a quick goal, typically at the end of a quarter or off the end- line. The play starts in a regular 2-3- 1 set. The left side attackmen (A1) dodges up the left side to the goal line where he turns to make his way back around the cage. As he dodges the other attackmen behind, (A2) quickly makes his way over to the dodging attackmen. The dodging attackmen (A1) underhand flips the ball to the other attackmen (A2) cutting outside of him. The attackmen now with the ball (A2) first looks for the crease attackmen (A3) coming off a pick from the ball side middie (M2) for a quick shot, then to the middie that set the pick (M1) off a slip, and finally cross field to the middle middie ( 24
SECTION L MAN UP PLAYS Play #1 North Carolina The play is run out of a 1-3- 2 set. It starts when 3 gets the ball back. 1 starts a shallow cut in front of 3 who is sweeping to the right and the same time. 2 needs to clear high screaming for the ball and 4 who starts very low pops out quick on the wing looking for the ball at the same time 5 is curling hard from X looking for the back door pass. Almost every time either 4 or 5 is open. 6 needs to drop to the backside and back up the goal while 1 replaces 3 up top. Play #2 Tar Heels Tar Heels is the same exact play as North Carolina except we run it form the opposite side. The sweep comes to the left and we roll the cage on the right side. 25
SECTION M HOW TO PLAY SOLID MEN S LACROSSE DEFENSE S TEP S 1. Keep your stick on your man. If you're playing close defense (long- pole) covering an attackman and the ball is in the offensive end of the field, keep your stick on the attackman to prevent the goalie or defender from the opposing team from "cheaping it", or launching the ball downfield to your defensive in hopes that one of the three attackman will gain possession. Also, if an opponent is dodging against you, keeping your stick on him will prevent him from bringing the stick in front of his body, forcing him to roll dodge. 2. Communicate - talking to your fellow teammates makes defense much easier. SOUND TOUGH! Talking about slides and the current situation makes it easier for the defense to react to what the offense is doing. Yelling out to your teammates not only makes defense easier, but a loud defense can intimidate an offense. If you watch ANY lacrosse game, the team that communicates louder on both sides of the ball wins the game. In practice, we call bad communication, "keeping it a secret". If you're "keeping a secret" by not talking on the field, your team- mates will not know how to react or how to help you. 3. Dodge from up top If an opposing midfielder is carrying the ball at the point (area opposite the goal outside the restraining box) and looks like he is doing to dodge, try to channel him down one alley on the field. In the early goings of a game, it is pretty easy to see what hand is dominant for each opposing player. Naturally, take the opponent who is dodging against you to his weak hand. If he appears to be a righty, deliberately stand on the right side of his body, which will force him to take the ball in his left hand, unless he wants to run right at you and get the ball taken away. As the man takes the ball down in his left hand, push him on his hip and force him to keep going down the alley in his left. If he rolls back, you can drop a solid slap- check on his bottom hand which will hopefully jar the ball loose. 4. Dodge from the wing If an opposing midfielder or attackman is looking to dodge from the wing (area adjacent to goal along Goal Line Extended) your primary objective is to not let him get Top- side (imagine a long line extending from both goal posts at a 45 degree angle heading toward the sideline. the area in front of the goal between these two imaginary lines is an ideal spot to shoot from) If an attackman or middie tries to dodge from the wing and go top side, push him back down underneath toward the goal, because help will be on its way from crease and it will be an easier slide for your fellow defenders to help you if you get beat. 5. Dodge from X If an opposing player tries to dodge from X (area behind net) channel him to whichever hand you desire, because most players at X will be very good in both hands. Try to picture the goal line drawn inside the net extended all the way to the sidelines. Your objective as a defender at X is to keep the opposing player behind this line and force him to throw a pass, take a weak shot, or dodge right into an incoming defender on his way to help you. Best case scenario, the opposing player will dodge and you will take the ball away, give it to your goalie, and start the Clear. 26
TIP S Body positioning is key, but checks are also a big part of defense. The Poke Check is the safest check to throw. This involves simply keeping your bottom hand on the end of your stick, and extending your bottom hand toward the opposing player in a poking motion, but much firmer. Try to throw the poke check on the opposing player's bottom hand (if he is two- hand cradling). Another check is the slap check. This is basically self- to get a hard shot off without him altering the motion. Another check that is super effective is the poke- and- lift. Just as it sounds, you poke then lift. Poke check right below their bottom glove and lift up. It tips their stick and knocks the ball out nearly every time it is carried out successfully. It is the hardest check to learn, and the hardest to use in a game. To be good at the poke- and- lift takes lots of practice and requires lots of focus while performing it. Remember these checks are very safe for the beginner and advanced players alike, but Take- away checks are for the advanced player. Take away checks involve the Overhead check, ding- dong you are getting yourself out of position. Keep your head on a swivel (check where your man is, check ball, check man, check ball, two seconds on your man, one second on the ball, always keeping your stick on your man's chest.) If you manage to strip a man of the ball, be sure to win the ground ball. Winning the groundball means the potential of getting the ball to your offensive end which is where goals are scored. If a ball goes down on the ground, you MUST do everything in your power to win possession. At the end of most games, whichever team wins the groundball statistic will usually be the victor. Once you scoop, roll away from pressure and release the easiest pass to the closest open man. Short, easy passes win games. Be willing to help your teammate. if he gets beat, slide to where the offensive player is going to end up, not where he is currently. Lead with your stick, and finish with a body check on every slide. DONT GIVE UP BODY POSITION FOR A STICK CHECK. Your body is the first thing you want to use to stop the attack men so don t try go for new checks that will leave your attacker space, close him down and put body pressure on him. Always keep your stick upfield, meaning toward your opponents goal. Keep your stick in the air, in passing lanes to prevent teams from passing the ball through your defense. If an offense can feed the ball through you, your defense is a sitting duck. The area in front of the goal is called the "crease"; this is the most important area to protect. If an opponent enters your defense's crease, he must be put on his back, or punished in some aspect. MOST IMPORTANTLY!!! There are many things a playbook cannot teach you; you must play the game to learn the game. You will learn everything this playbook says and much, much, MUCH more from actual game experience. 27
SECTION N UNDERSTANDING DEFENSIVE POSITIONING AND SLIDES Easiest way to describe lacrosse defense is a help defense. If you are familiar with basketball, you will know what this is. On a Help Defense you are always guarding two men, your assigned player and the ball. You need to keep both men in your sights at all times. Since you always guard face up on your man, take a couple steps back when he doesn t have the ball so you can react and help your teammates if they get beat by the ball. The 3 Defensive Positions on the field are: 1. BALL: Your guarding the player with the ball, you should be on your toes in a check- ready position and ready to slide to wherever the ball goes. 2. 1- OFF BALL: The ball is one player away from you. You should be about 3 to 4 steps from the player you are guarding and a bit closer to the ball. Keep your stick in the passing lane to prevent the ball from being thrown to the man you are guarding. Make sure you are in a position to stop the ball when the man you re guarding or the player one spot away breaks toward the goal. 3. HELP: Help is the most important position in the defense. You are guarding every player at the same time. You will be positioned toward the center of all players (about 7-8 steps in front of the goalie). You need to keep your eye on your man to make sure he doesn t break towards the ball but MORE IMPORTANTLY, you must make sure no man cuts towards the goal OR the man with the ball makes it to the goal. ALWAYS REMEMBER: You must always keep an eye on the ball and be ready to stop it. The man with the ball is the only person who can score 6 ON 6 - #1 = on the ball tight; #2 & #3 off their men, ready to help #1 if he gets beat; #4, #5, & #6 are off their men, packing in the center, watching the ball, and looking for cutters. 28
GLOSSARY OF TERMS TERMS DEFINITIONS 10 Second Rule The time allotted to a team to move the ball from the defensive side into the offensive side of the field. 2- ON- 1 Assist Behind the Back Box Defense Buddy Pass Bull Dodge Cheap it Checking Clear Clamping Cradling Crease Defense Defensive Stance Dodge EMO Face- off A situation where an offensive player has beaten his check to create a man advantage going into the offensive zone (3- on- 2, 4- on3, 5- on- 4 are similar situations). A pass to the shooter in which the shooter scores. The act of shooting or passing from behind ones back A defensive strategy commonly used when the opponent is on an extra man advantage. A pass that is lobbed high and/or slowly through the air such that the recipient is blindsided and rocked by defenders as he receives it. Protecting the stick by holding it in the outside hand behind the body, the ball carrier basically runs through the defensemen, bulling past toward the goal. Clearing the ball from the defensive end with a long random pass into the offensive end (also known as Gilman) Occurs when a defending player had contact with an offensive; also refers to when a defending player has contact with the stick of an offensive player. A play designed to move the ball from the defensive end to the offensive end after a save or a turnover. Occurs when a defending player places the head of his stick over the top of an offensive players stick The rocking motion of the stick used to gain a feel for, and to maintain control of the ball. An area around the goal that opposing players are forbidden to enter. The act of protecting ones goal area when the opponent has the ball. A position where the players knees are bent, the feet are shoulder width apart, the lead foot is slightly ahead, and the stick is held to match the opponents stick, as well as protect the body. A one- on- one move where a deliberate step is taken in one direction followed by an explosive step in the opposite direction. A term used for an extra man advantage, happens when the defensive team has a player in the penalty box. A method of starting or re- starting play. 29
TERMS Fake Fast Break FOGO Garbage goal Give and Go Go Zone Ground Ball Hack Head of a Swivel Inside Roll Loose Ball Man Down Man- to- Man Middie Back Motion Offense Moving Pick Offside DEFINITIONS Performing a movement without completion in an attempt to fool the opponent. A rapid attack which occurs during the transition from the defense to the offense, or offense to defense. Acronym for face off, get off. A player who is only on the field for the face off. A goal that is most easily scored on the crease, as a result of the ball becoming loose in the crease area after a shot rebounds off the goalkeeper (see Matt Rowe for more info). The act of passing and then quickly going for a return pass. Roughly the 7 yard space above the goal and 7 yard space wide of the goal where an offensive player executes his dodge. A loose ball pick up with the cross from the ground. A player that tries to hurt people with checks or just checks randomly instead of pointedly. A defensive term for keeping aware of everything around you. Peripheral vision is important for a sliding defender in order to cover all potential cutters or passes and see the whole field. When sensing a defender s overplay, an attackman plants his lead foot and rolls back and around the defender with his outside leg, leaving him a one- on- one with the goalie or an easy goal. Occurs when the ball is not in control of either team. A situation where one team has fewer players on the field then the opponent. A team defensive strategy where pressure is placed on the ball carrier while the remaining players move off their checks to the middle of the field. Call made by a coach, attackman or defenseman to remind a middie to stay back in the defensive half t o avoid an offside penalty call when another long stick defensive player is clearing the ball and the chance of a fast break exists. An offensive formation that involves having the six offensive players in a continuous and balanced cycle of player movement. In our 1-4- 1 offense, we refer to this as diamond motion. An offensive player actively interferes with a defensive player s advancement while pursuing the ball carrier. A stationary pick is allowed but even a lean toward the player to be screened or picked is illegal. A pick must be firm. Rule that requires 3 players for each team are always on the offensive side of the midline and that each team has 4 players on their defensive end. 30
TERMS Play On Plunger Poke Check Quick Stick Rake Restraining Box Ride Roll Dodge Scoop Screen Slap Check Split Dodge Takeaway Transition DEFINITIONS A loose ball penalty that is noticed by the ref but, if called immediately, would stop the advancement of the team that was fouled. A flag is thrown and a referee yells, play on and continuation is allowed. At the next loose ball, turnover or score, the whistle is blown. A face- off move where you half clamp the ball (45 ) then keeping the right hand on the ground, raise the left hand and butt end of the stick; this distorts the sidewalls of the head of the stick, trapping the ball like a plunger you can then drag the ball to an open area or even over your opponents stick, creating a fast break. A check where the defender literally pokes at the stick or arm of the ball carrier to dislodge the ball. Catching the ball from a pass while in the shooting or passing motion, can also be the moment before the forward thrust of the shot or pass. Using the backside of the stick to pull the ball back, then positioning the head in front of the ball, as it rolls in. Not a good fundamental skill to develop but ok for old coaches with bad backs. Area in offensive end of the field marked by one solid like and two hashed lines. Offensive players can only allow the ball outside of this area for 10 seconds; defensive players have 10 seconds to clear the ball or get called with failure to advance. Once out, the clearing team cannot bring the ball back in the box or receive the in and out fraction. Also used to restrain the attack and defensive players during face- offs until possession is whistled. A play that is designed to stop the defensive unit of the team with the ball from clearing the ball or moving it up field to their offensive end. A dodge around a defensive player where the ball carrier plants a foot in front of the defender and rolls to the outside without changing speed or losing the ball until he is beyond the defender and on his way. Bending the knees and lowering the stick to the ground to pick up the ball in one fluid forward running motion. A player stands in a stationary position, in the path of a teammate driving with the ball, allowing the ball carrier to get loose. A player stands in the face of the goal blocking the goal keeper s view of the incoming shot. A check where a player uses the head of his stick to slap an opposing player in the arm, hand, or stick to dislodge the ball. A move similar to a crossover in basketball; while running in one direction, a player with the ball quickly steps in the opposite direction and changes hands, leaving the defender going the other way. A defenseman takes the ball from a driving ball carrier. When a team goes from offensive to defense or defense to offense. 31
TERMS DEFINITIONS Unsettled Situation Usually driving from an opponent s mistake or a s teal, the ball is in the offenses hands without a set defense. The goal in an unsettled s ituation is to find the open man in front of the goal. V- cut Running in at one angle, then immediately breaking back into another direction to receive the pass. The path resembles the letter V. Wall Ball A very popular practice method involving throwing against a wall to one s self with both hands. Wrap Check Check in which a defender holds his cross in one hand and wraps his stick around the opponent in an attempt to hit the opponents cross and dislodge the ball. X The area on the field behind the goal or the player at that point who usually start the play on offense. Zone Defensive scheme where players are responsible for areas of the field rather than certain players. 32
Prairie Ridge Wolves Lacrosse Club Sportsmanship Policy Participation in the Prairie Ridge Wolves Lacrosse Club is a privilege that carries responsibilities for athletes, coaches and parents. Adherence to the following Sportsmanship Policy will help to ensure a positive, rewarding experience for all involved. Behavior that does not meet the policy will be grounds for dismissal from the team. Athletes Will maintain their focus on academics and passing grades in all classes Will show sportsmanship and respect to officials, coaches, opponents and teammates on and off the field win or lose. Will not use vulgar language, intentionally violate rules, use illegal tactics or resort to displays of bad temper on or off the playing field Will not openly challenge the judgment of the official. Discussions with officials concerning the game shall only involve the team coach or the designated team captain. Will attend practices and games unless receiving prior permission from the coach Will refrain from using alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs Will listen to coaches and follow instructions during practices and games Parents Will show sportsmanship and respect to officials, coaches, opponents and teammates on and off the field win or lose. Will provide positive support and encouragement to all athletes Will not openly challenge the judgment of the official. Discussions with officials concerning the game shall only involve the team coach or the designated team captain. Will not publically challenge the judgment of the coaches. Discussions with coaches should be handled privately. ATHLETE NAME: DATE: SIGNATURE: PARENT NAME: DATE: SIGNATURE: 33