Warren Area Youth Lacrosse

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Warren Area Youth Lacrosse

Coaching Guide

Warren Area Youth Lacrosse

TABLE OF CONTENTS SAFETY Lightning Policy/Cancellations Heat Injuries Mouthguards First Aid Injury Reporting Equipment Safety

IMPORTANT INFO Philosophy NWCYLF Code of Conduct Dealing with Problem Parents Coaches Equipment Uniforms Communication Coaches Corner on the Website

PRACTICES AND GAMES Practice Plans Drills Notes and Diagrams Game Preparation * -Goalie Warm-up Game Rules * Game Management

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Cancellation Procedures It is our policy to only cancel when weather does not permit play or damage to the fields would occur.

What to do if bad weather strikes during a practice or game. 1. Seek shelter and follow the 30-minute rule or use THOR(see below) if available. 2. If you cannot continue, please use cell phones to call for rides. 3. Never leave a player behind. Wait at the location until everyone has been picked up.

Thirty-minute rule – Once lightning has been recognized, it is recommended to wait at least 30 minutes after the last flash of lightning is witnessed or thunder is heard. Given the average rate of thunderstorm travel, the storm should move 10-12 miles away from the area in that time frame. This significantly reduces the risk of local lightning flashes. Any subsequent lightning or thunder after the beginning of the 30-minute count should reset the clock and another count should begin.

Lightning Detectors The Thorguardian is the first, totally integrated advance warning system for lightning. THOR GUARD has combined its state of the art lightning prediction technology with automatically activated air-horns and strobe lights, for single location applications. The sensor monitors energy as far away as 15 miles and evaluates the potential for lightning within an area of approximately two miles in radius. When the Thorguardian senses a hazardous condition, the system automatically provides both audible and visual alerts. Under normal conditions the air-horns have a range of approximately 700 yards, in a 360° pattern.

Poor Field Conditions The fields are crucial to providing a good experience. It is important to maintain the level of playability by following tips provided below. Please do not allow players to trash the fields.

Tips: 1. If the ground is soft, please move your practice frequently to prevent muddy fields. 2. Be creative in your drills and what they require of the ground. Low impact drills are: stick work, casual distance run, wall ball if available, shooting. 3. Avoid drills where cutting and large numbers of players will be in a confined area. 4. End practice early and talk strategy with players off the field when the conditions are muddy. 5. Do not warm up goalies in the goal crease! This will destroy the goal area.

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THOR GUARD LIGHTNING PREDICTION SYSTEM

The THOR GUARD Lightning Prediction System predicts when conditions indicate the potential for a lightning strike; it will give a warning 8 to 20 minutes in advance of a potential strike, so that participants and staff can take shelter. In a developing storm, the unique prediction technology of THOR GUARD evaluates the dynamics of the electrical energy within the atmosphere. When it senses the potential for a lightning strike, THOR GUARD will sound a 15 second warning siren and the strobe light on top of the unit will go off. The strobe light stays on as long as there is danger of a potential strike. Staff and patrons must seek shelter immediately (in a building or covered automobile).

When the potential for lightning has passed, THOR GUARD sounds three (3) blasts of the siren and the strobe light turns off. This may be as soon as 10 minutes after the system has gone off. THOR GUARD PROCEDURE

When the THOR GUARD sounds the alarm: 1. All activities stop. 2. Staff and patrons should find shelter immediately in a covered automobile or building, even if the weather appears not to be threatening. 3. Picnic shelters, without walls, are not suitable lightning shelters, as lightning can strike at an angle. 4. If adult participants refuse to seek shelter, staff should seek shelter themselves. 5. At no time should staff put themselves at risk.

When the THOR GUARD sounds the all-clear and the strobe light goes off, all activities may resume.

Supervisors and employees who work outside should listen to current weather forecasts the morning of any planned outdoor activities so that employees can be alert to changing weather conditions. If the sky looks threatening, staff should still monitor the weather via the radio, weather radio and any information supplied by Park Police.

If thunder is heard, or lightning is spotted, and THOR GUARD does not go off, patrons and staff should still seek shelter immediately. Patrons and staff should not go out again until 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder is heard or lightning has been spotted.

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Prevention and Treatment of Heat Related Injuries By Lori Windolf Crispo, CPCU, is the Executive Vice President of Bollinger’s Amateur Sports Division. One of the biggest concerns for lacrosse players is preventing heat injuries. Heat-related injuries, such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke, are emergency conditions that need immediate treatment and medical care. However, such incidents can be prevented with a few simple steps.

What are Heat-Related Injuries? Normally, our bodies produce a tremendous amount of internal heat, which is cooled by sweating and expelling heat through the skin. In extreme heat, high humidity or vigorous activity in the hot sun, this cooling system may begin to fail, allowing heat to build to dangerous levels. Heat injuries manifest themselves from mild symptoms to life threatening conditions.  Heat Cramps: Heat cramps are forceful, painful muscle contractions, usually occurring in the calf or hamstring. They are typically related to heat, dehydration, and poor conditioning. Treatment for cramps is simple: rest, drink water and get to a cool environment.  Heat Exhaustion: Heat exhaustion stems from excessive heat and dehydration. Its symptoms can be detected in the appearance and activities of your players. The range of symptoms includes nausea, dizziness, weakness, headache, heavy perspiration, normal or low body temperature, weak pulse, dilated pupils, disorientation, and fainting spells. Treat heat exhaustion by getting the person to a cool or shady environment, drinking liquids and applying cool water or ice to the body. Most people respond to these treatments, but prompt attention is necessary in order to prevent it from progressing to heat stroke. More severely heat-exhausted patients may need IV fluids, especially if vomiting keeps them from drinking enough.  Heat Stroke: Heat stroke, the most serious form of all heat-related conditions, is a life-threatening medical emergency. A person with heat stroke usually has a very high temperature (over 104 degrees) and along with the other symptoms above, may be delirious, unconscious or having seizures. These patients need to reduce their temperature quickly and must also be given IV fluids for rehydration. Take them to a hospital as quickly as possible – although cooling treatments need to be started immediately and continue until emergency medical personnel can take over. In addition to applying ice, another effective form of cooling in this case is “evaporative cooling” where the person is sponged or misted with cool water, and fans are used to circulate the air around the person to encourage rapid evaporation.

Lacrosse Players are Vulnerable Because lacrosse is usually a warm-weather running sport, lacrosse participants are at risk for heat illnesses. Coaches can take a number of steps to prevent heat-related injuries among their players: 1. Recognize the dangers of playing in the heat. 2. Schedule regular fluid breaks during practice and games. Players should be hydrated prior to their start and continue to drink eight ounces of fluid every 20 minutes during the activity with water or sports drinks. 3. Players should avoid soda, caffeine drinks and alcohol before or during games, as these can promote dehydration. 4. Make player substitutions more frequently in the heat. 5. Have players wear light-colored, “breathable clothing. 6. Take “helmet breaks” every 30 minutes to ensure that heat in the helmets gets released. Just as you wear a hat in winter so heat will not be lost through the top of your head, the converse is true in summer – wearing a helmet keeps in a great deal of heat that the body is trying to expel.

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Mouthguards - Why do I have to wear this? The mouthguard is one of the most misunderstood pieces of lacrosse equipment. However, it is also one of the most essential to keeping a player on the field- not just because the officials will make you wear one in order to play.

Here are 3 reasons to wear that mouth guard: 1. Mouthguards help prevent dental injury. Teeth protected with a properly fit mouthguard are less likely to be chipped, broken, or knocked out. Dental injuries are painful, and are the end of the game for that athlete. An athlete that sustains a dental injury needs to see his or her dentist as soon as possible to protect the health and appearance of the tooth or teeth. This means leaving the game. Not fun. 2. Mouthguards help prevent soft tissue injury. It is significantly more difficult to bite your lip or tongue if you are wearing a properly fit mouthguard. When a player sustains a hit to the body the head is jostled- occasionally the head (or helmet) hits the ground. In this situation, if the teeth contact their surrounding soft tissue (which they usually do) that tissue will be cut and bleed. In the worst-case scenario, the cut is severe enough to require stitches. If a player needs stitches, he or she has to leave the game to get them. If a player is bleeding, he or she cannot return to play until that bleeding is controlled- more lost game time. 3. Mouthguards help prevent cerebral concussions. Contrary to what some may believe, the helmet is not the only piece of equipment that does this. When players are fighting for a ground ball elbows, shoulders, and sticks are moving rapidly to scoop up that loose ball. This offers plenty of opportunity for contact with the lower jaw. The force of the blow is then transmitted to the skull. This force then jars the brain as it sits inside the skull, allowing it to bounce inside its cavity. The result is a concussion- and the end of the game (and possibly future games) for that player. However, if that player is wearing a properly fit mouthguard, when the back teeth of the lower jaw contact the cushion of the mouthguard that is sitting over the back teeth of the upper jaw, a fair amount of that force is absorbed by the mouthguard. This means less force is transmitted to the skull. The result is less jarring of the brain.

Many players dislike wearing mouthguards because they are uncomfortable. There are some simple ways to remedy this:  Purchase a mouthguard that fits your mouth. Several companies sell mouthguards designed to fit different sized mouths- including youth and female mouths. Check out the list at the end of this column. NEVER CUT DOWN A MOUTHGUARD SO THAT IT DOES NOT COVER THE BACK TEETH. This alters the shock absorbing abilities of the mouthguard and makes it useless. If the mouthguard is too long and digs into the back of your mouth or makes you gag- it does not fit- get a different one.  Purchase a custom mouthguard. Most dentists can make a custom fit athletic mouthguard. However, occasionally dental insurance does not cover mouthguards. If this is the case with your insurance, there are companies that will make a custom mouthguard from a mold that you take yourself. These products are simple to use and come with clear instructions and a

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help line phone number. These mouthguards are usually around $60.00- $80.00 depending on how many colors or patterns you want on your mouthguard. Check out the list at the end of this column.

Replace a mouthguard when it is worn out. If you can bite through the back teeth portion of your mouthguard it is time to get a new one. If it no longer sits comfortably over your top teeth, it is no longer capable of doing its job.

First Aid

Sprain Initial treatment includes rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE). The "RICE" method promotes healing, decreases pain, and reduces swelling around the joint. If a player sprains their ankle remove their shoe and ice.

Nosebleed A nosebleed is sudden bleeding from one or both nostrils, and may result from a variety of events: a punch in the nose, breathing dry air, allergies, or for no apparent reason. To stop the flow of blood from a common nosebleed, use these steps: 1. Sit or stand upright to slow the flow of blood in the veins of the nose. Do not tip your head back. 2. Pinch your nose with your thumb and forefinger for 10 minutes without relieving pressure. Breathe through your mouth during this time. 3. If the bleeding continues despite these efforts, call 911.

Cuts and Scrapes Small cuts and scrapes usually don't demand a visit to the emergency room of your local hospital, but proper care is necessary to keep infections or other complications from occurring. 1. Stop the bleeding by applying pressure using a gauze pad or clean cloth. Clean and bandage.

Severe Bleeding To stop serious bleeding, follow these steps: * Call 911 1. Lay the affected person down. If possible, the person's head should be slightly lower than the trunk of his or her body or the legs should be elevated. This position increases blood flow to the brain. Elevate the site of bleeding, if possible to reduce the blood flow. 2. Do not attempt to clean the wound. 3. Apply steady, firm pressure directly to the wound using a sterile bandage, a clean cloth, or your hand. Maintain pressure until the bleeding stops, then wrap the wound with a tight dressing and secure it with adhesive tape. Most bleeding can be controlled this way.

Shock

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A variety of symptoms appear in a person experiencing shock: 1. The skin may appear pale or gray, and is cool and clammy to the touch. 2. The heartbeat is weak and rapid, and breathing is slow and shallow. The blood pressure is reduced. 3. The eyes lack shine and seem to stare. Sometimes the pupils are dilated. 4. The person may be conscious or unconscious. If conscious, the person may faint or be very weak or confused.

On the other hand, shock sometimes causes a person to become overly excited and anxious.

Even if a person seems normal after an injury, take precautions and treat the person for shock by following these steps: 1. Get the person to lie down on his or her back and elevate the feet higher than the person's head. Keep the person from moving unnecessarily.

2. Keep the person warm and comfortable. Loosen tight clothing and cover the person with a blanket. Do not give the person anything to drink. 3. If the person is vomiting or bleeding from the mouth, place the person on his or her side to prevent choking. 5. Call 911

Eye Injuries - Impaled Objects DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE OBJECT. Stabilize the impaled object by placing bulky dressings on each side of the object and then securing the dressings together, or by placing a paper cup over the object and then securing to the head.

Eye Injuries - Foreign Bodies Foreign bodies such as dirt, sand, wood or metal chips may cause tearing. Tearing may rid the eye of the foreign body. If the object remains in the eye, have the victim blink several times. If the object still remains in the eye, gently flush the eye with water.

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Heat Related Emergencies Heat exhaustion occurs when your heart and vascular system do not respond properly to high temperatures. The symptoms of heat exhaustion resemble shock and include faintness, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, an ashen appearance, cold clammy skin, and nausea. If you suspect heat exhaustion, get the person out of the sun and into a cool spot. Lay the person down and elevate his or her feet slightly. Loosen or remove most or all of the person's clothing. Give the person cold (not iced) water to drink, with a teaspoon of salt added per quart.

The main indication of heat stroke is a fever of 105 degrees Fahrenheit with hot, dry skin. Other signs include rapid heartbeat, rapid and shallow breathing, either elevated or lowered blood pressure, and confusion or unconsciousness. If you suspect heat stroke, get the person out of the sun and into a cool spot. Cool the person by covering him or her with damp sheets or spraying with water. Direct air onto the person with a fan or a newspaper, and monitor the person's temperature with a thermometer. Stop cooling the person when his or her temperature returns to normal. If breathing ceases, start mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Heat stroke is an emergency that needs immediate medical attention.

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Incident/Injury Report

Date: ______Time: ______Location: ______

Players name: ______Players phone: ______

Team: ______Grade: ____ Jersey #: ______

Coaches name:______Coaches phone: ______

Please describe incident or injury:

What actions were taken?

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Incident/Injury Report

Date: ______Time:______Location:______

Players name: ______Players phone: ______

Team: ______Grade: ____ Jersey #: ______

Coaches name:______Coaches phone: ______

Please describe incident or injury:

What actions were taken?

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Incident/Injury Report

Date: ______Time:______Location:______

Players name: ______Players phone: ______

Team: ______Grade: ____ Jersey #: ______

Coaches name:______Coaches phone: ______

Please describe incident or injury:

What actions were taken?

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EQUIPMENT SAFETY

PLAYER EQUIPMENT FIELD PLAYERS Helmet – Inspect each player’s chinstrap adjustments to insure a snug fit. Shoulder Pads – Inspect for proper fit, snug but allowing mobility. Arm guards - Inspect for a snug fit. Gloves – Young players always want tight gloves but loose are better as long as fingers go all the way in. If gloves have laces, they should not be tight. Mouthguard - Mandatory Cup - Mandatory Water bottle - Players supply their own water

GOALIES Required - Helmet, Throat Guard, Chest Protector, Gloves and Cup. Optional - Shoulder pads, arm guards, protective pants. Some new goalies may feel more confident when wearing non-required equipment.

THROAT GUARD - Please attach throat guard at wide points of facemask. The top of the throat guard should be suspended securely about 1-½ inches (the width of 2 fingers) from the bottom of the facemask to provide adequate protection.

CHEST PROTECTOR - The chest protector should be snug and the top of the pad should cover the goalies clavicle bone. On smaller boys the waist strap may need to go thru the “Y” strap before

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attaching to the other side.

COACHES: YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR A PROPERLY EQUIPPED GOALIE!!!!

STICKS: All sticks must have a SCREW attaching the head to the handle. All sticks must have a rubber BUTT END CAP. Tape alone is not a safe or legal substitute for the screw or the rubber butt end cap. The exposed steel of an uncovered handle can cause serious injury.

Sticks will be inspected prior to games for screw and butt ends by our referees.

FIELD EQUIPMENT

****GOALS MUST BE LOCKED TO A FIXED OBJECT AFTER ALL PRACTICES AND GAMES !!!!

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Philosophy for Lacrosse League

Mission: This league is designed to promote and grow lacrosse in the Chicago area. With that in mind, this is an all-inclusive, equal play league that emphasizes fundamentals and sportsmanship over winning. Winning should be a by-product of teaching strong fundamentals and playing team lacrosse the right way. Every player that joins this league, whether a first year player or experienced, deserves the same chance to have a great time while playing. It is our job as directors, referees, and coaches to make sure that every player learns and practices the fundamentals, has fun playing lacrosse, and wants to continue playing lacrosse for years to come.

Sportsmanship: Sportsmanship should never be compromised for any reason. Sportsmanship starts with the coach and reflects on the players. A coach’s behavior is very important to the teams’ overall attitude. Players tend to emulate the behaviors of their coach. This becomes especially evident during a game or competitive atmosphere. Each coach should continuously stress positive attitudes and team play over winning. During games, coaches should never yell at, question, or embarrass the referee in any way. In this league, referees are required to not only make calls and control the game, but to help each team in the learning process. Please take the time to understand why a call was made and use it as a teaching tool for the players. With all referees, mistakes will be made, but understanding why a call was made will help all involved and maintain the level of sportsmanship we expect all teams to uphold. Respect the referee and your players will do the same.

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Code of Conduct

Players

1. Respect your teammates, coaches, referees and opponents at all times. 2. Give 100% effort at each practice and game. 3. Know the rules of the game of lacrosse and abide by them. 4. Support and encourage your teammates. Set a positive example. 5. Wear the required equipment at all games and practices, and keep your equipment well maintained. 6. Display good sportsmanship at all times on and off the field. 7. Don't be afraid to make a mistake; that’s part of learning. 8. Learn from your coaches; practice hard; play smart; Have Fun! 9. Be modest in victory and gracious in defeat

Coaches

1. A coach is a role model, who must act with the highest moral character possible. 2. Coaches must reinforce the self image of each player. A coach must be positive and constructive. 3. Respect the game of lacrosse. Respect the officials. 4. Know & teach the rules of lacrosse. Abide by those rules in practices and games. 5. Establish objectives for the team and players and inform them of team and individual goals. 6. Teach and practice good sportsmanship at all games and practices. 7. Be modest in victory and gracious in defeat.

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Code of Conduct

Parents

1. Teach and practice good sportsmanship at all games and practices. You are role models! 2. Know the rules of the game of lacrosse. 3. Respect the game of lacrosse. Respect the officials. Respect the coaches, who are volunteers. 4. Do not coach your child. Let players play and coaches coach, and support both positively. 5. Do not EVER criticize other players irrespective of the circumstances. 6. The referees are only to be approached and spoken to by the head coaches of each team. Please respect the coaches and officials by allowing them to handle all game circumstances. 7. Follow the "24 Hour Rule"; if you have a complaint resulting from a game (or practice) situation, speak with the coach or appropriate organization member on the following day. 8. If there is a serious problem, notify either the head of your respective youth program or the President of the NWCYLF. 9. Emphasize the FUN of the game and the team, putting forth 100% effort at all times, not wins and losses.

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Code of Conduct

All

1. Any conduct, including abusive language and/or gestures, racially insensitive remarks, damage to property or belongings, or any other conduct that reflects poorly on yourself or the NWCYLF is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. This rule applies to all players, parents, siblings and guests at all times when in or around any NWCYLF Lacrosse games, practices, and/or functions. 2. During a tournament or game when you are away, you represent your team, your community, and the game of lacrosse. Any conduct unbecoming or any other conduct that reflects poorly on yourself or the NWCYLF will not be tolerated. This rule applies for the entire time one is away for a game or tournament. 3. The Board of Directors of the NWCYLF will address unacceptable conduct at its sole discretion, imposing warnings, suspension or expulsion, as the Board deems appropriate. ANY SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION BASED ON VIOLATIONS OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT WILL NOT BE ACCOMPANIED BY A FEE OR PAYMENT REFUND.

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DEALING WITH PROBLEM PARENTS

Being a lacrosse coach is not always easy...especially when you run into "difficult lacrosse parents". You know the parents I'm referring to: overbearing, overly competitive, and overly engaged in your decisions as a coach. You may be dealing with complaints about playing time, who gets to play what position, sportsmanship issues etc. No matter how knowledgeable, fair, or kind you are to your team, you can probably expect an irate parent or two to crop up during the season. Here are a few tips that may be helpful when dealing with these situations.

1. Don't discuss the issue at the game – 24 Hour Rule

The first thing the coach should avoid is discussing the problem with the Parent on the field, especially if he/she is visibly upset.

2. Schedule a separate time/venue to have the discussion

Rather than discuss the problem then and there, the coach should agree to meet or telephone the parent at a mutually convenient time to discuss the complaint. By doing this, you avoid giving the parent an audience, allow him/her to cool off, and give yourself time to prepare an appropriate response to the complaint.

3. Be an active listener

When you eventually talk to the parent, one of the most important things you can do is be an active listener. Doing things like taking notes, maintaining eye contact and nodding to acknowledge you have heard what the parent is saying are crucial.

4. Don't interrupt

Even if parents raise their voices or their stories have are not fact-based, The coach should avoid interrupting. By interrupting a parent, you risk inflaming the situation.

5. Don't get defensive

The coach should avoid defending or justifying their action. Such behavior at this point will only make the situation worse.

6. Show empathy

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Respond to their concerns with statements like "I'm sorry that you feel your child has been treated unfairly". This will help the parent to understand his/her problem is being taken seriously. They are likely to be calmer and more willing to find a solution.

7. Clarify the problem

This can be achieved by asking probing questions. This helps both parties to focus on the problem (not personalities), stick to the facts, and avoid being caught up in extraneous issues.

8. Offer a range of solutions

A lot of times, parents just want their feelings to be heard and understood. If they want more, try to offer a range of solutions. This demonstrates a willingness to work together to solve the problem. It's important to avoid making promises that you can't keep. Explain to them what you can and cannot do.

9. Get closure

Ideally, you will have given the parent a number of options and agreed on a mutual course of action. At this point it's appropriate to end the meeting. It should conclude with three things: * Leave the parent with a closing action statement (e.g. 'I'll get on to that now'). * Thank the parent for their interest (no matter how unpleasant the meeting). *If follow-up is required, tell them when you will contact them ('I'll ring you tomorrow').

This will leave the parent feeling as though their complaint has been heard, and the parent-coach relationship will be strengthened.

10. Leave the door open

There will be cases, however after this whole process where you will not be able to give the parent the response they are looking for. It is important in the circumstances that the coach leave the door open for the parent, e.g.. 'If there is ever anything else, please come to me'. By doing this the parent will at least feel that his/her complaint has been taken seriously, and the coach-parent relationship, however strained, will remain intact.

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Not doing this could allow the problem to fester... and the parent could damage your reputation through word-of-mouth.

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COACHES EQUIPMENT Each coach’s bag will have: *Coaches Manual * Rosters with Emergency Contact Information * 1 Ball Bag * 18 Lacrosse balls * 17 Cones * 2 Whistles * 2 Pens, 1 Sharpie * 30 Helmet labels (please put names on the front of all your players) * 1 Chest Protector (5-6 small or 7-8 large) * 1 Tie on Throat Guard * 1 Roll of Athletic Tape * 6 mouth Pieces ($2.00 a piece) * 3 Butt Ends – Give out as needed. Make sure each players butt end is securely taped on. * 1 First aid Kit

If you need more supplies contact North - Gary Hoppe [email protected]

UNIFORMS Each player will receive a reversible tank top and shorts. These are the only uniforms allowed for our games. Boys should bring their tank to practice as well. Tanks should be distributed at the first practice. Please record the number given to each player.

COMMUNICATION We will over communicate via email. Please check your email regularly. Also know that all schedules will be posted on the website, you should be able to find your answer at lacrosseamerica.com. We will be posting information for coaches at… http://www.lacrosseamerica.com/coachescorner/ http://www.hometeamsonline.com/teams/?u=warrenlax&s=lacrosse&t=c

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The following pages include practice plans and descriptions. These are merely guidelines. It is not necessary to follow them word for word, just use them as a template. There are certain aspects of the game of lacrosse that we would like the kids to be proficient at by the end of the 8 week spring program.

 10-12 minutes per drill.

 Keep the kids moving…Bodies in motion. As a general rule of thumb, keep the groups

small.

 Line drills – 3-4 per side i.e. = XXX XXXX (this line starts with ball)

 The more the kids touch the ball, the more they will get out of a drill. When possible,

try to have the kids “run” the drills. i.e. = 1 v 1 ground balls.

 “The 1/3 Rule” – we would like to break practice up into thirds. First 1/3rd of practice

should be devoted to stick work such as part/hole passing, line drills, etc. The middle

portion of practice should consist of skills and drills such as 1v 1 ground balls, 4 v 3

fast breaks, offense/defense, etc. The final 1/3rd of practice should be devoted to

controlled scrimmage situations.

 Week 1 of practice corresponds with Chapter 1 of DVD

 Week 2 of practice corresponds with Chapter 2 of DVD

 Etc…

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For beginning of practice As the kids show up have them pair up and pass and catch. Light jog followed by stretching. Follow plans below

FOR 2nD AND 3rd GRADE PRACTICE PLAN:

Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Separate players by skill Partner Pass and catch Partner Pass and catch level Partner Pass and catch Line Drills Line Drills Partner ground Balls Wide Turns Shooting Demonstrate Switching Wide Turn Change Direction 1 on 1 to Goal Hands Wide Turn Ground Balls 1 on 1 Ground Balls 3 on 2 to Goal Wide Turn Change Direction 2 on 1 Ground Balls 5 on 4 Zone Half Field Box out Ground Balls Pass Block Defense w/o 5 on 5 Zone Full Field Sticks Competitive Ground Balls Pass Block Defense w/ Sticks Demonstrate “Hole” area 1 on 1 Ground Balls Shooting Demonstrate “Crash” 2 on 1 Ground Balls 1 on 1 to Goal Face Offs Shooting (Stationary and Fast Breaks: No Defense Running) Extra Man Offense/Man Down

Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Partner Pass and catch Partner Pass and catch Partner Pass and catch Line Drills Line Drills Line Drills Dodges: Split dodge, Face Shooting Shooting dodge Shooting One on One to Goal One on One to Goal Fast Breaks: No Defense Fast Breaks: with Defense Fast Breaks 5 on 4 Zone Half Field 1-3-2 Rotating Triangles 6 on 6 Zone Half Field 6 on 6 Zone Half Field 6 on 6 Zone Half Field Coaching Point: Show How to beat zone; Dodge between players, force slide and pass. Clearing/Riding Clearing/Riding Scrimmage Scrimmage Scrimmage

Last 15-20 minutes of every practice should be designated for Gate Drill.

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For beginning of practice As the kids show up have them pair up and pass and catch. Light jog followed by stretching. Follow plans below

FOR 4TH AND 5TH GRADERS:

WEEK 1 WEEK 2 WEEK 3 Separate Players by Skill Level On The Knee Passing Partner Pass & Catch Partner Pass & Catch Partner Pass & Catch Line Drills Line Drills Demonstrate Switching Hands 1 on 1 Ground balls Shooting Line Drills 2 on 1 Ground Balls Dodging: Face, Split, Roll Wide Turn Ground Balls Pass Block w/o Sticks 1 on 1 to Goal Wide Turn GB’s Change Pass Block with Sticks 3 on 2 to Goal Direction Box Out Ground Balls Shooting Defense “Reaction” Drill Competitive Ground Balls 1 on 1 to Goal 5 on 4 Zone ½ Field 1 on 1 Ground balls 3 on 2 to Goal 5 on 5 Zone Full Field 2 on 1 Ground Balls Defense “Reaction” Drill Demonstrate “Hole” Area Emphasize “Man/Ball/Release” Start scrimmaging Demonstrate “Crash” NO BALL WATCHING Fast Breaks: No Defense

WEEK 4 WEEK 5 WEEK 6 Partner Pass & Catch Partner Pass & Catch Partner Pass & Catch Line Drills Line Drills Line Drills Shooting Shooting Shooting Dodges: Face, Split, Roll 1 on 1 to Goal 1 on 1 to Goal 1 on 1 to Goal Fasts Breaks Fasts Breaks Fast Breaks: with Defense Defense “Reaction” Drill 6 on 6 Zone ½ Field Defense “Reaction” Drill 6 on 6 Zone ½ Field Clearing / Riding 5 on 4 Zone ½ Field Clearing / Riding Scrimmage 6 on 6 Zone ½ Field Face Offs Coaching Points: Face Offs Scrimmage Show how to beat Zone: Demonstrate Triangle Offense Dodge between players; Force slide and pass. Extra Man Offense/ Man Down Defense Clearing / Riding Scrimmage

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 These are only guidelines. It is not necessary to execute this practice plan word for word. The highlighted areas are specific skills we would like the kids to become proficient at by the end of the spring session.  Week 1 of practice corresponds with Chapter 1 of DVD  Week 2 of practice corresponds with Chapter 2 of DVD

For beginning of practice As the kids show up have them pair up and pass and catch. Light jog followed by stretching. Follow plans below

PRACTICE PLAN FOR 6th and 7TH GRADERS AND 8TH GRADERS

WEEK 1 WEEK 2 WEEK 3 Separate Players by Skill Level Partner Pass and Catch Partner Pass and Catch On The Knee Passing Line Drills Line Drills Partner Pass and catch 1on 1 Ground Balls Shooting Demonstrate Switching Hands 2 on 1 Ground Balls Dodging: Face, Split, Roll Line drills Pass Block w/out Sticks 1 on 1 to Goal Wide Turn ground Balls Pass Block With Sticks 3 on 2 to Goal Wide Turn Change Direction Shooting Defense “Reaction” Drill Box Out Ground Balls 1 on 1 to Goal 5 on 4 Zone ½ Field Competitive Ground Balls 3 on 2 to Goal 5 on 5 Zone ½ Field 1 on 1 Ground Balls Defense “Reaction” Drill Demonstrate “ Hole” Area 2 on 1 Ground Balls Demonstrate “ Crash” Emphasize: “Man/Ball/Release” NO BALL WATCHING Fast Breaks: No defense

WEEK 4 WEEK 5 WEEK 6 Partner Pass and catch Partner Pass and catch Partner Pass and catch Line Drills Line Drills Line Drills Shooting Shooting Shooting Dodging: Face, Split, Roll 1 on 1 to Goal 1 on 1 to Goal 1 on 1 to Goal Defense “Reaction” Drill Defense “Reaction” Drill Fast Breaks Fast Breaks Fast Breaks Defense “Reaction” Drill 6 on 6 “Man to Man” ½ Field 6 on 6 “Man to Man” ½ Field 5 on 4 Zone ½ Field Clearing / Riding Clearing / Riding 6 on 6 “Man to Man” ½ Field Scrimmage Scrimmage Face Offs COACHING POINTS: Demonstrate Triangle Offense: Show how to beat Zone: Pass and cut through or dodge Dodge between players; Force

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and Clear through slide and pass. Extra Man Offense/ Man Down Defense Clearing / Riding Scrimmage

 These are only guidelines. It is not necessary to execute this practice plan word for word. The highlighted areas are specific skills we would like the kids to become proficient at by the end of the spring session.  Week 1 of practice corresponds with Chapter 1 of DVD  Week 2 of practice corresponds with Chapter 2 of DVD

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Suggested Offense

2-3-1

SET-UP

This offense is designed to keep the field spread and also keep the alleys open for the middies to dodge. Middies should dodge down the alleys. They have an outlet with the attackman behind if there is not a shot. That attackman can then carry behind the goal and the attack can rotate in a triangle. Middies stay high in case the ball is turned over so they can get in the hole. When there is a turnover, all three middies will break straight up the field and “crash” into the “hole” in the defensive end of the field. Then they should drop into our 3-3 zone. Any time an offensive player sees his defender turn his head, he should cut to the ball. If they don’t get the ball, pop out and get to their original spot up top.

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Suggested drills for Grades 2-5

Steal the Bacon – Split the teams into even numbers and give each player a number. Line the two teams across from each other, about ten yards apart. The coach will roll a ball out and call a number; the player with that corresponding number from each team then comes out for a one on one ground ball. Some Variations: Call more than one number to create 2 v 2 or 3 v 3 situations. If you have two goals, the 1 v 1 ground ball can then turn into a 1 v1 dodge to the goal.

Sharks and Minnows – Box off an area of the field with cones, about 20 yards by 20 yards. Every player gets a ball in his stick and goes to one end of the designated field (Minnows). One player will start in the middle without a ball (Shark). On the coach’s whistle, the players try to get from one side to the other while the player in the middle tries to check the ball out of minnows’ sticks. When a player loses his ball, he becomes a shark alongside the original player that was in the middle. This continues until there is a last player standing.

Gate Drill – Teams are split up evenly and take their benches on the sideline. Make a substitution area on the sideline and make sure that there is room for players to run on and off the field from that box. The first six players from each team step into the substitution box. When the whistle blows, the coach rolls out a ball; it then turns into a full field 6 v 6 scrimmage (you can shorten the field depending on how many kids are present). Let them get a couple a runs up and down the field then blow the whistle. When the whistle blows, the players on the field drop the ball and sprint to the substitution box. The next 6 players from each team should be ready and waiting in the box. Players cannot enter the field until the last player from his team gets off the field. Once the last player is off of the field, that team can go after the ball.

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On The Knee Passing – (Not On Coaching DVD)

This is a great, simple drill used by NFL Quarterbacks, and MLB players to develop proper throwing mechanics. While in this position the players are forced to use good mechanics. This drill should be done at least once a week for 5 min.

Set-up Players get a partner and a ball about 4 yards Line up the players so they are facing opposite directions with their shoulders parallel.

Drill

Right Hand Everyone starts with their stick in the right hand while kneeling down with right knee on the ground. Start passing back and forth using arms and upper body.

Left Hand Everyone starts with their stick in the left hand while kneeling down with left knee on the ground. Start passing back and forth using arms and upper body.

Coaching Points Catch by ear by giving with the ball Let the head of the stick fall behind your ear as you catch Top hand high to catch - low to throw. Keep hands away from body when passing Rotate hips and shoulders.

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Part / Whole

Set-up Players get a partner and a ball. Line up the players so they are throwing in same direction about 10 yds apart

Drill Catch 1 on top - Throw 2 (Right) Catch with right hand only on stick close to the throat of stick Throw two handed right

Catch 1 on top - Throw 2 (Left) Catch with left hand only on stick close to the throat of stick Throw two handed left

Catch 1 on bottom - Throw 2 (Right) Catch with left hand only on stick close to the butt end Catch by right ear Throw two handed right

Catch 1 on bottom - Throw 2 (Left) Catch with right hand only on stick close to the butt end Catch by left ear Throw two handed left

Quick Stick Right Move lines about 5yds apart Choke hands up on stick Pass without cradling

Quick Stick Left Move lines about 5yds apart Choke hands up on stick Pass without cradling

Coaching Points Catch by ear by giving with the ball Let the head of the stick fall behind your ear as you catch Top hand high to catch - low to throw. Keep hands away from body when passing Point opposite shoulder at target before passing

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Step with opposite foot toward target when passing

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Lacrosse

Partner Ground Balls

Set-up Players get a partner and a ball. Line up the players so they are throwing in same direction about 10 yds apart

Drill Partner G.B.'s Roll slow ground ball to partner Partner picks up ground ball with proper technique finishing with stick by the ear Roll slow ground ball back

Coaching Points Top hand high on stick Back hand cover butt end Step with same foot as top hand Get both hands below knees when scooping In one motion scoop under ball When ball is in the stick, collapse top hand to your nose Bottom hand stays low getting stick in vertical position as quick as possible Step through with back foot as you bring the stick to your ear Call "Ball" when ball is on ground Call "Release" when ball is in stick

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Line Drills

Set-up Make 2 lines facing each other about 30 - 35 yds apart Ideally there are no more than 3 players in each line First player in one of the lines has a ball

Drill Ground Balls Player with ball works on cradling while running toward opposite line When player gets a little over half way there, rolls a slow G.B toward first person in line First person in line calls "ball" and runs out, picks up ground ball and calls "release" Player with ball works on cradling while running toward opposite line Player that rolls the ground ball goes to the line he rolled the ball to Drill continues

Passing Right to Right Every player has stick in their right hand Player with ball starts running with ball toward opposite line Player in opposite line jogs toward player coming at him and calls "here's your help" Player with ball cradles no more than three times and then passes Opposite player catches ball and continues running toward opposite line Player that just passed the ball goes to the line he passed to Player with ball starts running with ball toward opposite line Player in opposite line jogs toward player coming at him and calls "here's your help" Player with ball cradles no more than three times and then passes Drill continues

Passing Left to Left Every player has stick in their left hand Same as above

Coaching Points Get low on ground balls Make sure players are calling "ball" & "release" Passes should be about 15 - 20 yd passes Catch by giving with the ball and letting the head fall behind your ear Both the passer and the catcher should be moving toward each other Make sure players are calling "here's your help"

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Wide Turns

Set-up Collapse the line drill lines into one line First player in line has a ball

Drill Wide Turns Player with ball rolls the ball out about five yds in front of line He then goes and picks up the ball and makes his wide turn with stick protected Continues wide turn until he his running back toward the line Passes to first person in line and gets back in line Drill continues

Wide Turn Change Direction Player with ball rolls the ball out about five yds in front of line He then goes and picks up the ball and makes his wide turn with stick protected Continues wide turn until he his running back toward the line He then changes direction to the outside and changes hands Continues wide turn in opposite direction until he his running back toward the line Passes to first person in line and gets back in line Drill continues

Coaching Points Get low on ground balls Make sure players are calling "ball" & "release" A wide turn is like running the bases on a small baseball field Always run through a ground ball Keep head of the stick protected and to the outside When you change direction you change hands Don't stop running to make a pass

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1 on 1 Ground Balls

Set-up Two lines of players about 5 yds apart Coach stands between lines with a ball Lines should have between 4 and 8 players in each

Rules that need to be explained before running drill for first time: Players within 5 yds of a loose ball can be hit Hits must be in the front, above the waist, and below the neck You should hit with your shoulder, upper arm, fore arm, or fists (if they are close together) NO hitting from behind NO cross-checking You cannot hit with a arm or hand if it is not holding the stick

Drill 1 on 1 GB Coach rolls a ball out about 5 - 10 yds First player from each line runs out to fight for the ball Player that picks up ground ball must make a pass back to the coach

Coaching Points Make sure players are calling "ball" & "release" You can kick the ball No field hockey - hit, box out, pick up Run through the ground ball Check up on back hand if you are trailing the play Make a wide turn after picking up the ball Change direction to get hands free to make a pass Run to open space Don't stop to throw the ball Break down on defense if you lose the ground ball (Don't chase)

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Box Out Ground Balls

Set-up Every player gets a partner and a ball Spread out on the field so nobody is going to run into each other

Drill Box Out Player 1 starts with the ball on the ground about 2 yds in front of him Player 2 is behind player 1 On the first whistle player 2 tries to get around player 1 Player 1 uses his body to shield player 2 from the ball NOTE: Player 2 is not trying to pick up the ball, just trying to get around player 1 On the second whistle player 1 picks up the ball and make a wide turn Switch player 1 and player 2 and repeat

Competitive Box Out Start players with backs up against each other and ball beneath them On the whistle players fight for the ball

Coaching Points Use butt and elbows to shield player off the ball Create space between you and the ball so you have room to pick it up If you cannot move the player you are shielding, kick the ball to create space Must do wide turn after picking up the ball

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2 on 1 Ground Balls

Set-up Three lines of players about 5 yds apart Coach stands between a line with a ball Lines should have between 3 and 6 players in each Players in line 1 and 3 are on the same team Players in line 2 are on their own Players should rotate from line 1 to 2 to 3 when done with the drill

Rules that need to be explained before running drill for first time: Players within 5 yds of a loose ball can be hit As soon as the ball is picked up, there can be no more contact away from the ball Like basketball, the only contact can be a pick "Release" is telling your teammates to release their checks

Drill 2 on 1 GB Coach rolls a ball out about 5 - 10 yds First player from each line runs out to fight for the ball Player 1 and 3 work together to get the ground ball Player closest to the ball should take "man" the other take "ball" Player that picks up ball must call "release" If player 1 or 3 picks up ground ball, they must complete a pass between them If player 2 picks up the ground ball he must run the ball back between the lines

Coaching Points Make sure players are calling "man'', "ball", & "release" Player closest to the ball should take "man" Run through the ground ball Make a wide turn after picking up the ball Outlet player should move with teammate to get open for a pass Change direction to get hands free to make a pass Run to open space Don't stop to throw the ball Break down on defense if you lose the ground ball (Don't chase) Work on double team if player 2 gets the ball

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Individual Defense

Set-up Lines with 3 players in each First player (the goal) steps out about 10 yds and turns to face the line Second player (defense) steps out and turns to play defense on third player (offense)

Things that need to be explained before running drill for first time: "Breakdown" means to get in a good defensive position Defensive position is feet shoulder width apart, knees bent, and hands out in front Bottom hand should be covering butt end and top hand should be 8-10 inches above bottom hand Stick should be on a little less than 45 degree angle

Drill Pass Block without Stick Defensive player is in "breakdown" stance On the whistle, offensive player tries to get to tag the "goal" Defensive player uses his hands to try and stop the offensive player Rotate by the offense becomes defense, defense becomes the goal, the goal becomes the offense

Pass Block with Stick Same object as previous drill Defense starts in "breakdown" stance As soon as offensive player gets close, the stick should go vertical This will expose the defenses fists and elbows Use fists and elbows to keep offense from goal

Coaching Points Make sure defense is in good "breakdown" position First steps for defense should be small step backward Defense should try and make contact and reset in breakdown stance Offense should simulate an offensive move to get around defense (not run through defense) If they can do it without the sticks they should be able to do it with the sticks

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FACING OFF:

 FACE OFF MIDDIE: o Show players where the “Neutral Zone” is when they get into faceoff position. The “Neutral Zone”, is the area that is created when the players place their sticks on opposite sides of the ball to face off. The player’s body should be to the LEFT of the base of the head of the stick. The player’s hand can’t touch the base of the head of the stick either. New coaches should ask Lacrosse America staff member for clarification, and demonstration. o Foot Position: It is important for player to find his own comfortable foot position, just as long as his foot and leg are to the left of the head of his stick. o Hand Position: Have the player keep their right hand as close to the base of the head of the stick as possible, without touching it. This gives the player the greatest amount of control. The left hand should be approximately 6”-10” from the right hand (have player experiment and find comfortable, effective position). Teach player NOT TO PUT THEIR BODYWEIGHT ON THEIR HANDS. They won’t be able to face off if they’re leaning on their hands. When the referee blows the whistle, player should move with his hands first, and then use his body second to box out opposing player and gain possession of ball. 1. WING PLAY:  For wing midfielders, emphasize NOT TO LEAVE THE OPPOSING PLAYER, unless they have a clear opportunity to pick up the ball.  When the referee blows the whistle, the wing midfielder’s first step should be in front of opposing player to get body position, and box out when both players get closer to the ball. The wing midfielder cannot stop the opposing player from getting to the ball.  Emphasize communication between players, boxing out, and having one player get the ball to teammate by kicking it if he can’t pick it up hims

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DEFENSE “REACTION” DRILL:

SETUP:

 ½ Field is used.  Attack are placed in 2 lines on either side of goal on endline.  Middies are placed in 3 lines across the top of the restraining box.  One line of defense (longsticks and middies) is at the top of the restraining box.  Coach is at the top of restraining box with balls.

EXECUTION:

1ST defenseman steps out from the line. Coach rolls a ball out to one of the offensive lines for a 1 on 1 to cage. After a shot, goal, save, or loss of the ball, BOTH PLAYERS STAY IN FOR THE NEXT PLAY. Coach then chooses to send another defenseman out for a 2 on 2, or just rolls a ball to another line for a 2 on 1 situation. It is up to the coach whether the defense plays in an “even up,” or “man down,” situation. The players stay in until they finish either a “6 on 5”, or “6 on 6” situation.

DEFENSIVE KEYS:

 Goalie and defense communicate: “2 on 1,” “even,” “5 on 4,” “I’ve got ball.”  Defense should always recover to the “hole” after a shot to get ready for the next ball to be rolled out.

OFFENSIVE KEYS:

 Ball carrier should always look for the open man.  Players without the ball should maintain spacing.  Players without the ball should be active, cut to an open area to be an offensive threat.

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1 on 1’s to goal Set-up Two lines on each side of the goal Coach with a ball

Drill 1 on 1 to Goal Coach rolls a ball out about 10-15 yds to one side Player that picks up ball must make exaggerated wide turn Other player moves out to breakdown Player with ball tries to beat defense and score

Coaching Points This is a defensive drill Challenge but don't chase Breakdown and let the offense come to you Stop the offense with your body not your stick

3 on 2 to Goal

Set-up Three lines around midfield facing goal Balls in middle line Two player in front of goal as defense

Drill 3 on 2 First player in each line comes down field Two defensive players try to stop them from scoring

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After a shot is taken or defense gets the ball that turn is over The offensive players that came down from lines 1 & 3 stay to play defense The other players rotate back in lines

Coaching Points Defense: Stay tight to goal One player stops the ball but only when he becomes a threat to shoot The other player splits the two offensive players without the ball When the ball is passed, the two defensive player switch responsibilities Player that takes ball should say "I got ball" Other player should say "I got your back" Offense: Stay spread Player with ball wants to make the defense commit and then move the ball Center does not cut after he passes, stay high and move to the ball Wings cut to back pipe when ball is passed to opposite wing

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5 on 4 Zone Half Field

Set-up 4 Defensive players set up in front of the goal in a 2-2 Zone 5 offensive players set up in front of goal. Offense should set up with one player top center, top left, top right, side left, side right

Drill One pass at a time Tell the offense to pass the ball one time and hold it until the coach tells them to pass again. Adjust the defense at each pass to be sure they are in the right positions. NO skip passes. Speed the drill up by allowing the offense to pass without waiting for the coach to tell them.

Coaching Points Defensive player that breaks down on ball should call "ball" Adjacent players should call "help left" & "help right" All other players should protect the goal When ball is on right side of the field, top left and side left should protect the middle When ball is on left side of the field, top right and side right should protect the middle NO ball watching, defensive players off ball should see the ball but be looking around also Sticks up and to the inside.

5 on 5 Zone Half Field

Set-up 5 Defensive players set up in front of the goal in a 3-2 Zone 5 offensive players set up in front of goal. Offense should set up with one player top center, top left, top right, side left, side right

Drill Same as 5 on 4 Same as 5 on 4 with an additional defender in the top center spot

Coaching Points Same as 5 on 4

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5 on 5 Zone Full Field

Set-up 5 lines at each end line. Lines 1 and 5 step up and are top left and top right of the zone. Line 2 and 4 will step up and be side left and side right of the zone. Line 3 will be top center of the zone. Both ends will set up the 3-2 zone. A coach will be in or behind each goal acting as a goalie for clearing.

Drill Clear The goalie/coach will yell clear Defense will break out to their clearing spots. Side right and side left will break wide and even with goal Top right, top center, and top left will break out to the midfield line in their lanes. Goalie passes to the clearing team to bring the ball down against the waiting zone. Top right should end up on the low, right side of the goal on offense. Top left should end up on the low, left side of the goal on offense. Side right should end up on the high, right side of the goal on offense Side left should end up on the high, left side of the goal on offense Top center should end up top center on offense.

5 on 5 Half Field Once the ball is cleared and the offense is set up, they play live until the offense scores, turns it over, or the coach blows the whistle and stops the play. The offense goes back in line and the defense clears the ball as described above. The ball always starts with the goalie/coach so that he can control the tempo and make sure players are getting to their clearing spots.

Coaching Points Create a good clear by not going to fast. Let the clearing team get to their spots before starting the ball. Get the offense to move the ball around the outside to get the defense moving. Offense should not bring the ball behind in this drill. As the drill progresses let the offensive players cut through the middle looking for passes.

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Clearing

Clearing spots

M M M

D

D G D

Clear When the goalie calls clear or off a dead ball, the clearing team Should get to these clearing spots as quickly as possible. There are 7 clearing players and only 6 riding players. Find the open player and pass the ball to move the ball to the offensive half.

Terms Middie Back - if a defenseman has to bring the ball over the midfield line, the furthest middie from the ball should stay back to keep the team onside. Up - clearing player with the ball should look straight up field for the open player Over - clearing player with the ball should look lacrosse the field for the open player Up & Over - clearing player with the ball should look diagonal up field for the open player Goalie - pass to the goalie Middle - clearing player with the ball should look to the middle for open player Crash - all clearing players sprint back to the goal and set up the zone (used when the riding team has created a loose ball or have the ball).

Coaching Points Goalie should make his first three looks up to the midfield line before looking to the wings. Goalie should not go behind the goal with the ball, unless no one is open and there

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is a riding player in front of him A goalie is part of the clear and should not stay in the goal once he passes the ball. All players must sprint to their spots, but be looking for a pass while getting there. Defensive wings need to stay wide and even with goalie until they get a pass. If a defenseman is carrying the ball over the mid line, the middie on that side should break up field to clear a way for the defenseman to bring the ball over. Attack should be inside the offensive box to allow room for the middies to clear the ball

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Zone Defense

3-3 Zone

M1 M2 M3

D1 D2 D3

Coaching Points If the ball is in a player’s zone he should break down on the ball and call "ball". Players adjacent to the ball should form a triangle with the player on the ball and call "help left" and "help right". All other players should pinch in and protect the crease area. The further you are away from the ball, the more you should protect the crease area. If the offensive player carries the ball on the outside of the zone from one defensive players zone to another defensive players zone, the defense should call "switch" Example: If the player with the ball is in M1's zone and carries the ball into D1's zone, D1 calls switch and breaks down on the ball. M1 drops odd to set up the defensive triangle and calls "help right"

Behind the Goal If the ball is passed from the wing to a player behind the goal, the center defenseman (D2) goes out to break down on the ball. If the player with the ball carries the ball behind the goal, the center defenseman does not come out and call "switch" until the ball carrier has run past X (directly behind the goal).

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Suggested Offense 1-3-2 Rotating Triangles

SET-UP

M M

M A A

A

Both the Attack and the Middies form their own triangle. On a pass from a middie to the attack, the middie that passed the ball cuts to the crease and the middies rotate. On a pass from the attack to the middies, the attackman that passed the ball cuts to the crease and the attack rotates.

Fast Breaks

SET-UP

A

D

A D D A

When the player with the ball is the first one down the field with only the attack and defense in front of him, players should go to their "fast break' spots. Defense gets into a triangle in front of the goal.

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The defenseman at the point of the triangle waits to stop the player with the ball about 5 yds inside the restraining line. The wing defenseman stays tight to the goal and is ready to rotate when pass is made. The attack sets up in an L shape allowing the player with the ball space to threaten the goal. When the player with the ball draws a defenseman, he passes to the open attackman. The offense now forms a box and moves the ball to the open player looking for the best shot.

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Rides Defense stay with their attack Middies stay with their middie. Attack set up a 3 across zone at the restraining line Each attackman is responsible for his third of the field. Attackman should not try and take the ball away, but should break down and play go defense.

EMO - Extra Man Offense The offense has 6 players the defense has 5. There are many plays to run, but the best way to score man-up is to move the ball and create a 2 on 1 situation.

EMD - Extra Man Defense Run a 2-3 zone the same way you would run a 3-3 with the following exceptions: Stay tight and do not aggressively play the ball. Do not play the ball behind the goal.

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COACH TASK LIST FOR 2009 SEASON:

By the end of the season players should be able to execute these following skills, and be familiar with the following concepts:

1. Execute the “1-3-2” offense. 2. Execute proper “riding” techniques. 3. Execute proper “clearing” techniques. 4. Know where the “hole” is, and know what “crash” means. 5. Execute a proper “zone” defense (2-3 & 4-5 graders). 6. Play proper “man to man“ defense (6-7 & 8 graders). 7. Maintain proper spacing on offense. 8. Execute a “fast break” and “slow break” (4-5 & 6-7 & 8 graders).

SKILLS: 1. Be able to switch stick from one hand to the other. 2. Be familiar with “face, split, and roll” dodges (5-6, 7-8 graders). 3. Be able to play proper position defense without using “slap check” to check stick (player should use “poke and lift” method). 4. Player should be able to communicate properly on defense “ I’ve got ball,” “I’ve got help left,” “I’ve got help right.” 5. Player should be able to, or at least willing to attempt, passing, shooting, and catching the ball “on the run, and with both hands.”

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Spring 2009 Notes

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Spring 2011 Notes

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WORKING WITH GOALIES – GOALIE WARM-UP

***When working with young goalies focus on form, positioning, and confidence***

FORM AND STANCE: 1. Lower Body: Feet should be shoulder width apart, weight should be forward on the balls of the feet. With each shot the goalies momentum should be going forward, toward the shooter, never backward. Knees should be bent in a linebacker position. Hips should be square to shooter. 2. Upper-body: Chest should be square to shooter. Back should be straight with a slight forward lean. Arms should be up and out in front of body with a slight bend in the elbows. Stick should be held on a backward angle (bottom hand pushed out slightly farther than top hand), this will help control rebounds. Hands should be 12”-18” apart with the top hand just under the head of the stick.

FOOTWORK AND ARC-PLAY: 1. At this age goalies should utilize a five-step arc, one step up from the goal line. Goalie should position himself between the shooter and the goal, using body position to cover as much of the goal as possible. As the ball moves across the field, the goalie should move with the ball using one of the five points on the arc (left pipe(1), 45 degrees(2), top center(3), 45 degrees(4), right pipe(5)

2. Making a save: Upon a shot, the goalie should concentrate on the ball, and pick up the ball in the air as soon as possible. Simultaneously, the goalie should take a step toward the shooter, I call this attacking the ball. Try to encourage the goalie to move his feet, hands, and eyes in unison to the ball. These three body parts must move and work together to make effective saves. The keeper should keep his eye on the ball all the way into the pocket of his stick. Taking your eye off the ball or flinching greatly reduces your ability to make a save.

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GOALIE DRILLS AND WARM-UP

Pre-Practice and Pre-Game warm-up: 1. Have goalie get heart rate up by jogging or jumping rope before warm-up begins. Getting in the cage cold can impair the goalies saving ability and an ineffective warm-up can decrease confidence and lead to poor play during the game. 2. It is best to have a coach warm up the goalie, but a responsible player with good shooting ability can substitute in a pinch. 3. Warming up a goalie serves two purposes. Obviously it prepares the goalie for shots and situations he will see in the game, but more importantly, it serves as a confidence booster. NEVER allow coaches or players to wildly shoot at a goalie during the warm up. The key to a good warm up is boosting the goalies confidence. Letting another player shoot as hard as he can at the goalie achieves the exact opposite, your goalie will go into the game timid and scared and most likely flinch at all shots. If you see this going on during your warm-ups, stop the shooter immediately. The goalie should save about 90% of all shots during the warm up. This will boost his confidence and prevent flinching or closing of the eyes during the game. Begin the warm-up with shots just slightly faster than a pass. Pick up the speed as the warm-up progresses, if the goalie misses a shot, back the speed down a bit. 4. Remind the goalie that HE CONTROLLS THE WARM-UP!!! This is all for him, he should be telling you to shoot faster or slower, shoot on the run, or shoot more high shots, bounce shots, etc.

Warm up routine: 1. Give the goalie 5-10 shots at each of the 7 shooting locations (stick side high(1), stick side hip(2), stock side low(3), off-stick high(4), off-stick hip(5), off-stick low(6), bounce shots(7). The first shot at each location should be slow and shots should get progressively faster. Make sure the goalie is stepping to each shots and not flinching or blinking, if you see these behaviors slow down the shots and verbally encourage the goalie until he feels comfortable with the ball coming at him.

Warren Area Youth Lacrosse

2. After this structured warm up, spend a few minutes shooting on the goalie using random placement and random speeds. Mix up the shots and speeds to get the goalie used to reacting to random shots, like he will have to in a game. Most of these shots should be taken ON THE MOVE. You don’t have to run full speed, just don’t shoot standing still, as this rarely happens in a game. At this point you could involve another player or coach to throw you some feeds to create a more game-like situation.

Warren Area Youth Lacrosse

The game of Lacrosse is to be played with emphasis on the proper development of stick, team, and sportsmanship skills.

Men's Lacrosse Rules: Men's lacrosse is a contact game played by ten players: a goalkeeper, three defensemen, three midfielders and three attackmen. The object of the game is to shoot the ball into the opponent's goal. The team scoring the most goals wins.

Each team must keep at least four players, including the goalie, in its defensive half of the field and three in its offensive half Three players (midfielders) may roam the entire field.

If the ball or a player in possession of the ball goes out of bounds, the other team is awarded possession of the ball. If the ball goes out of bounds after an unsuccessful shot on goal, the player nearest to the ball when and where it goes out of bounds is awarded possession.

An attacking player cannot enter the crease around the goal, but may reach in with his stick to scoop a loose ball. If the goalie has possession of the ball inside the crease and a player from the opposite team checks his stick, play is halted and the goalies team is awarded the ball at the midfield line (free clear).

There are personal fouls and technical fouls in boy's lacrosse. The penalty for a personal foul results in a one to three minute suspension from play and possession to the team that was fouled. Players with five personal fouls are ejected from the game. The penalty for a technical foul is a thirty-second suspension if a team is in possession of the ball when the foul is committed, or possession of the ball to the team that was fouled if there was no possession when the foul was committed. When an infraction occurs, play continues until the team who committed the foul gains possession of the ball (play-on), at that time play will be stopped. Penalties are released after time has expired or after the man up team has scored a goal. Any penalty of two minutes or greater (i.e. illegal stick penalties) are non-releasable.

Personal Fouls Slashing: Occurs when a player's stick viciously contacts an opponent in any area other than the stick or gloved hand on the stick.

Tripping: Occurs when a player obstructs his opponent at or below the waist with the crosse, hands, arms, feet or legs.

Warren Area Youth Lacrosse

Cross Checking: Occurs when a player uses the handle of his crosse between his hands to make contact with an opponent.

Unsportsman like Conduct: Occurs when any player or coach commits an act which is considered unsportsman like by an official, including taunting, arguing, or obscene language or gestures.

Unnecessary Roughness: Occurs when a player strikes an opponent with his stick or body using excessive or violent force.

Illegal Crosse: Occurs when a player uses a crosse that does not conform to required specifications. A crosse may be found illegal if the pocket is too deep or if any other part of the crosse was altered to gain an advantage.

Illegal Body Checking: Occurs when any of the following actions takes place:

 Body checking an opponent who is not in possession of the ball or within five yards of a loose ball.

 Avoidable body check of an opponent after he has passed or shot the ball.

 Body checking an opponent from the rear or at or below the waist.

 Body checking an opponent above the shoulders. A body check must be below the shoulders and above the waist, and both hands of the player applying the body check must remain in contact with his crosse.

Technical Fouls Holding: Occurs when a player impedes the movement of an opponent or an opponent's crosse.

Interference: Occurs when a player interferes in any manner with the free movement of an opponent, except when that opponent has possession of the ball, the ball is in flight and within five yards of the player, or both players are within five yards of a loose ball.

Offsides: Occurs when a team does not have at least four players on its defensive side of the midfield line or at least three players on its offensive side of the midfield line.

Warren Area Youth Lacrosse

Pushing: Occurs when a player thrusts or shoves a player from behind.

Screening: Occurs when an offensive player moves into and makes contact with a defensive player with the purpose of blocking him from the man he is defending.

Stalling: Occurs when a team intentionally holds the ball, without conducting normal offensive play, with the intent of running time off the clock.

Warding Off: Occurs when a player in possession of the ball uses his free hand or arm to hold, push or control the direction of an opponent's stick check.

Warren Area Youth Lacrosse

Warren Area Youth Lacrosse

2009 Lacrosse America Rules & Game Management Lacrosse America will be following the National Federation of State High School Associations, US Lacrosse and our own modification of these rules. Below is a brief overview of these rules. Any rules that are not listed here can be found in the National Federation of State High School Association rule book.

Divisions  Seniors “A” and “B” Division: 8th grade competitive division  Juniors “A” and “B” Division: 6th and 7th grade competitive divisions grouped by ability.  Lightning Division: 4th, and 5th grade. Non-competitive. Ages and grades may play together. Multiple teams within a program should be balanced.  Bantam Division: 2nd, and 3rd grade. Non-competitive. Ages and grades may play together. Multiple teams within a program should be balanced.

Number of Players Ten (10) players per side on the field, however games can be played with fewer players. All scheduled games must be played regardless of attendance. Lacrosse America has a policy of making every scheduled game happen.

Field LACROSSE AMERICA sponsored events will be played on modified or regulation size fields for all groups.

Equipment Crosse – Dimensions The Crosse shall be an overall fixed length of either 40 to 42 inches (short crosse) or 52 to 72 inches (long crosse), except for the goalkeeper’s crosse, which may be a length of 72 inches or less. Long crosses will only be used in the junior divisions. Bantams my go down to 35 inches. Penalties for illegal sticks will be enforced for the junior division only. All other divisions will receive warnings. During junior division games referees will conduct stick checks randomly and or in between quarters. Coaches may request 1 stick check per game. Referees will use discretion.

Player Equipment Players are required to wear NOCSAE approved helmets, protective gloves, arm pads, shoulder pads, shoes, protective cup, mouth guard and jerseys. Rib pads are recommended. Playing without a mouth guard is a 1 minute peanalty.

Spectators and Teams on Opposite Sides of Field Spectators and fans will be placed on the opposite side of the field from the table and bench areas. Spectators, fans, and parents cannot be behind the end lines and will observe a 5-yard buffer from the sidelines.

Game Management  Coaches and players should arrive 30 minutes before their game.  Home team is responsible for setting up the field. Cones at all corners, restraining lines, 4-5 cones on the end lines, and substitution box.  Each team must bring a cooler with ice and baggies for injuries.  Each team must provide a garbage bag and clean up after each game.  Each team will be asked to provide a designated Sideline Manager (one adult per team, on site, per game-day contest) to help encourage, maintain and manage the sportsmanlike behavior of spectators and fans.  Both teams are responsible for having a minimum of 3 balls on the end line closest to their bench, throughout their game.  All players play equally provided they have had good attendance.  All players must show their coach that they have a mouth guard, snapped helmet, screw in the stick, rubber or plastic butt end before they are cleared to warm up or play.

Warren Area Youth Lacrosse

 The listed time is when the teams may take the field for warm-ups. Games must start within 15 minutes of scheduled time.

Substitutions Substitutions will be allowed on any whistle for all divisions.

Facing Off In any game, at any point during a game when there is a four-point lead, the team that is behind will be given the ball at the midfield line in lieu of a face-off as long as the four-point lead is maintained, unless waived by the coach of the trailing team. All face-offs will be taken right handed.

Advancing the Ball There will not be any clearing counts for any divisions.

Goalies Possession Time in the Crease  Junior division has 4 seconds in the crease. Discretion can be used for newer goalies in the Junior B games.  Lightning division has 8 seconds in the crease.  Bantams have unlimited time in the crease.

Time Factors  Grade 2-5: 12 minute running quarters  Grade 6-7-8: 15 minute running quarters  Stop time in last 2 min of game if a 2 goal differential or less.  6 minute halftime and 2 min. qtr breaks.  One 45 second timeout per half. There are no time outs in over-times. No overtimes may begin after the scheduled start of the following game. Loss of time due to an injury will be taken into consideration. Bantams will have one 10 min. full time over-time if time allows and coaches agree. All other divisions will play one 10 min. sudden victory over-time.

Time Serving Penalties Time serving penalties are enforced and man up situations are permitted in all divisions except the Bantam Division, where there are no time- serving penalties; instead the player must be substituted for and the ball awarded to the other team at the point of the infraction. Technical fouls are wiped out by a goal. Personal goals are full time served.

Slow Whistles Slow whistles will end when the ball hits the ground, goes out of bounds, leaves the box, changes possession, or there is a shot.

Body Checking Body checking is permitted in all divisions; however, no take-out checks are permitted by any player. A take out check is defined as any check in which the player lowers his head or shoulder with the force and intent to put the other player on the ground. Players may make contact in an upright position within 5 yards of the ball.

Slashing One-handed checks will be considered a slash. One handed poke checks are acceptable.

Unsportsmanlike Conduct

Warren Area Youth Lacrosse

Personal fouls are to be taken seriously. In addition to the NFHS rules, any player or coach who uses derogatory or profane language (starting with “damn”) on the field or bench, whether addressing a player, coach or referee may receive: first offense, 1 to 3-minute non-releasable unsportsmanlike conduct penalty; second offense a 3-minute non-releasable expulsion foul. “Palms up” will be a 1 minute unsportsmanlike penalty.

Ejection Fouls If a player accumulates 4 minutes of penalties they will be ejected for that game. Any player that has been ejected must take all their equipment off, except for their helmet, and remain on their sideline until after the end of the game.

Offensive Stalling Offensive stalling shall be enforced for the Junior Division; however this rule will be waived for Lightning and Bantam Divisions. The team with the lead must keep the ball in the offensive zone during the last two minutes of the game.

Game Termination Officials will have authority to terminate a boys’ youth game in response to flagrant acts of unsportsmanlike behavior by coaches, athletes, spectators, or fans. A game termination will be the last resort in insuring the players’ safety and preserving the integrity of the game.

Possession after a shot The crosse is not considered to be a part of a player’s body when determining who is closest to the ball when a shot goes out of bounds. The hand on the crosse is considered part of the player’s body but not the crosse. The ball is considered out of bounds when it crosses the plane of the end line or sideline and not when it touches someone and something out of bounds.

Warren Area Youth Lacrosse