CONFIDENTIAL · STAFF USE ONLY
BTB Boys
Academy
Academy
COACHING MANUAL · 2026
"Built to Win. Designed to Develop."
Be The Best Lacrosse · Long Island, NY · Internal Document
1
Program Philosophy
The BTB Standard
Be The Best Lacrosse is not a recreational program. We are a development-first club that exists to prepare athletes for the next level — whether that is high school varsity, college recruitment, or the highest level of club competition on Long Island. Every decision we make as a staff — every drill, every repetition, every word we say on the sideline — must be measured against one question: Does this make our players better?
We believe that lacrosse is a vehicle for building disciplined, resilient, competitive young men. The sport demands toughness, intelligence, and selflessness. Our job is to develop all three — on the field and in the culture we create around it.
The BTB Promise: Every player who commits to this program will leave a better lacrosse player, a better teammate, and a better competitor than when they arrived. That is non-negotiable.
What We Demand from Players
Accountability
You own your preparation. You own your effort. You own your mistakes. No excuses. No blame. You show up early, you stay late, and you do the work nobody sees.
Preparation
Wall ball every day. Film study every week. Know the plays, know your role, know your matchup. The game is won before the whistle blows.
Physicality
Boys lacrosse is a contact sport. You must embrace physicality — giving hits, taking hits, fighting through checks. We do not coach soft players. We coach competitors.
Team First
The extra pass. The back-side slide. The face-off wing who crashes without hesitation. Selfless lacrosse wins championships. Individual glory does not.
What We Demand from Coaches
Over-Preparation
Every practice scripted minute by minute. Every drill has a purpose. Every water break is an opportunity to teach. Wasted time is stolen development.
Teaching First
We are teachers before we are motivators. Break down the skill, demonstrate the technique, correct the mistake, repeat until mastered. Then compete.
Honest Feedback
Tell players the truth. Praise effort and execution, not talent. Correct mistakes immediately and specifically. Never let a bad rep go uncorrected.
Energy & Presence
Your energy sets the tone. If you are flat, the team is flat. Bring intensity, bring focus, bring the standard every single session.
The BTB Competitive Edge
What separates BTB from every other program on Long Island is simple: we out-prepare everyone. Our players know the system. Our players study film. Our players understand not just what to do, but why they are doing it. When other teams are figuring out their rides in the third quarter, our guys have been repping it since week one.
We run a structured offensive system with set plays and motion principles. We run a disciplined slide package on defense. We have a face-off curriculum that develops specialists. We have a ride and clear package that controls possession. Nothing is left to chance. Everything is coached, drilled, and competed.
BTB Coaching Principle: Teach it. Drill it. Compete it. Film it. Correct it. Repeat. Mastery comes from relentless repetition with purpose.
Wall Ball — The Daily Non-Negotiable
Every BTB player does wall ball every day. No exceptions. This is how stick skills become automatic. Below are the routines our players follow:
2
Offensive Install Progression
Our offensive system is installed in six stages over the course of the season. Each stage builds on the previous one. Do not skip stages. Do not rush the install. Players must demonstrate competency at each stage before moving forward.
STAGE 1
Positioning & Spacing
2-3-1 Set
Our base offensive alignment: 2 crease attackmen, 3 players across the top (two wings + one up top), 1 attackman at X (behind the goal). This is our home base. Every possession starts here until the play is called or motion begins.
1-4-1 Variation
One player up top, four across the middle (two wings, two crease), one at X. Used to create more width and open driving lanes up top. Called with the signal "SPREAD."
Spacing Rules
- 5-yard minimum between any two adjacent offensive players at all times
- Ball-side players stay engaged — ready to receive, cut, or pick
- Backside players maintain width — do not drift toward the ball
- If you are not the ball carrier and you are not cutting, you are spacing
Coach Cues
- "Spread the field!" — players are too close together
- "Get to your spot!" — player is out of position in the set
- "Backside, hold!" — backside players are drifting
- "Ball-side, be ready!" — ball-side players are not engaged
Common Errors & Corrections
- Error: Two players standing next to each other. Fix: Freeze play, show spacing, reset.
- Error: X attackman drifting too far behind goal. Fix: X should be 3-5 yards behind GLE, not 10.
- Error: Crease attackmen both on the same side. Fix: One high crease, one low crease — split the crease.
STAGE 2
Motion Offense Principles
Pick-Away Motion
When the ball is up top, off-ball players set picks away from the ball to free cutters. The pick must be stationary and legal — feet set, stick in. The cutter reads the defender: if the defender goes over the pick, curl tight; if the defender goes under, pop out.
Dodging Techniques
- Inside Roll: Engage defender, plant outside foot, roll to inside, protect stick with body. Best from the wing.
- Face Dodge: Fake one direction, pull stick across face to opposite hand, accelerate past. Best from up top.
- Split Dodge: Hard drive one direction, plant and switch hands, change direction. Best from up top or wing.
- Bull Dodge: Lower shoulder, drive through contact, power to the goal. Use when you have a physical advantage.
Off-Ball Cutting
- V-Cut: Walk defender down toward the goal, plant, and cut hard back to the ball. Timing is everything.
- Back-Door Cut: When defender overplays the passing lane, cut behind them to the crease for a feed.
- Seal/Slip: Set a pick, then slip the pick early and cut to the goal when the defender switches.
2-Count Timing Rule
When you cut through the crease, you have a 2-count to get open. If you do not receive the ball within 2 seconds of arriving in the scoring area, clear out immediately. Do not stand in the crease and clog space. Cut through, clear through.
Drill Progression
- 3v0 Motion: Three offensive players, no defense. Execute picks, cuts, and ball movement. Focus on timing and spacing.
- 4v0 Motion: Add a fourth player. Increase complexity. Two-man game concepts.
- 6v0 Motion: Full offensive unit, no defense. Run the motion until it flows without coaching cues.
STAGE 3
Attack Unit Work
X Attack — Behind the Goal
The X attackman is the quarterback of the offense. He must be able to:
- Feed: Quick inside feeds to crease cutters. High-to-low, skip feeds across the crease.
- Dodge from X: Wrap around GLE, attack topside, force a slide. When the slide comes, find the open man.
- Wrap Shots: Inside roll from X, wrap around the crease, finish with a quick stick or shovel shot.
Crease Attack — Inside Positioning
- Always face the ball — know where the pass is coming from
- Seal your defender — use your body to create inside position
- Finish inside — quick stick, shovel, backhand. No wind-up inside 5 yards.
- Reposition constantly — do not stand still on the crease
Wing Attack — Topside Drives
- Drive topside from the wing with speed — get your hands free
- Skip passes across the field — change the point of attack
- Sweep shots — catch and shoot in one motion from the wing
- Cut to the backside when the ball is opposite — stretch the defense
Drill: 3v2 (Attack vs Shortie + Goalie)
Three attackmen vs two close defensemen and a goalie. Attack must execute feeds, cuts, and finishes against real pressure. Rotate attackmen every 2 minutes. Score 3 to win the drill.
STAGE 4
Midfield Unit
Midfield Dodging
Midfielders dodge from up top, 10-15 yards from the goal. This is the primary initiation point in our offense. The midfielder must be a threat to shoot (to draw the slide) and a threat to pass (to find the open man when the slide comes).
Transition Midfield
- Fast break reads: first look is always ahead. Can we score in transition before the defense is set?
- 3v2 push: attack the unsettled defense, make the extra pass, finish
- If the fast break is not there, slow down and set up the offense
On-Ball / Off-Ball Movement
- On-ball midfielder: attack with purpose. Do not hold the ball for more than 4 seconds without passing or dodging.
- Off-ball midfielders: stay spaced, cut to open areas, be ready to receive and shoot
- Midfield-to-midfield passing: swing passes change the point of attack and force defensive rotation
FOGO Role (Face-Off / Get-Off)
The FOGO is a specialist. His job is to win the face-off and get off the field. He does not play in the offensive or defensive set unless he is one of the top midfielders on the roster. FOGOs who can also play midfield are extremely valuable — develop both skills.
Drill: 3v2 with Mids
Three midfielders vs two defenders. Dodging from up top, moving the ball, finding the open man. Defenders work on positioning and slides. Rotate every 90 seconds.
STAGE 5
Full 6v6 Settled Offense
Integration
Stages 1-4 come together here. The full offensive unit — 3 attackmen, 3 midfielders — operates as one system. The midfielders and attackmen must communicate, space properly, and execute motion as a connected six-man unit.
Play Calling
- Verbal calls: Midfielder with the ball calls the play name as he crosses the midfield line
- Hand signals: Coach signals from the sideline — closed fist = motion, open hand = set play name, point = iso for designated dodger
- Every player must know every play from every position
Ball Movement
- Skip pass: Long cross-field pass that changes the point of attack. Highest-value pass in the game.
- Swing pass: Adjacent pass around the perimeter. Moves the ball but does not stress the defense as much as a skip.
- Feed: Pass from outside to the crease. Must be accurate and on time.
Shot Selection
Only take what the defense gives you. We do not force shots. A good shot is one where the shooter has time, space, and a clear lane to the goal. If the defense takes away the shot, move the ball. The next pass creates a better opportunity.
BTB Shot Rule: If you cannot see the goalie's hips, you do not have a shot. Move the ball.
STAGE 6
Set Plays
Play: "DUKE"
Top midfielder drives right. Crease attackman on the right side slides to the top of the crease to set a pick. Wing attackman on the right cuts back-door to the far post. X attackman comes up to replace the wing. If the pick frees the dodger, he shoots. If the crease pick creates a switch, the crease man seals and receives a feed. If neither is open, the back-door cut by the wing is the third read.
Play: "RED"
Two-man game up top. Left midfielder sets a pick for the right midfielder. Right mid uses the pick, drives left. If the defender goes over the pick, the dodger turns the corner. If the defender goes under, the dodger pops back for a shot. The picker rolls to the crease after setting the pick — he is the second option on a feed. Backside wing spaces out to the far side for a skip pass option.
Play: "BLUE"
X attackman dodges from behind the goal. The crease attackman on the ball-side seals his defender and creates inside position. X feeds the crease for a quick-stick finish. If the crease is covered, X continues his dodge topside and shoots. Off-ball attackman fills the vacated X position as a release valve.
Play: "FAST"
Early offense call off a face-off win. The FOGO pushes the ball ahead immediately. The two wing midfielders sprint to the attacking half. The attack stretches wide. We attack before the defense is set — 4v3 or 5v4. First look: can the FOGO or wing score in the open field? Second look: dump to attack for a quick 4v3. If the defense recovers, call "SETTLE" and reset to the 2-3-1.
Play: "FLIP"
Invert the crease and wing positions to create a mismatch. The crease attackman (typically a bigger player) pops out to the wing. The wing attackman (typically a quicker player) drops to the crease. This forces the defense to decide: do they follow their matchups or stay in position? If they follow, the quicker player now has inside position on the crease. If they stay, the bigger player has a smaller defender on the wing where he can use his size advantage.
3
Defensive Install Progression
Defense is the foundation of championships. Our defensive system is built on five progressive stages: individual fundamentals, ball-side/help-side positioning, team slides, double teams, and zone concepts. Every defender in this program must master each stage.
STAGE 1
Individual Defense Fundamentals
Stance & Footwork
- Stance: Feet wider than shoulders, knees bent, hips low, weight on the balls of your feet. Stick up, butt end in the chest of the ball carrier.
- Body Position: Feet inside the offensive player's feet. If your feet are outside, you are beat. Stay between your man and the goal.
- Footwork: Shuffle, do not cross your feet. Short, choppy steps. Drop step when the offensive player changes direction. Sprint to recover when beaten.
- Force Direction: Force the ball carrier to his weak hand or toward your help. Never let him go where he wants to go.
Stick Checks
- Poke Check: Quick jab with the butt end of the stick at the offensive player's bottom hand or gloves. Do not lunge — extend and retract.
- Slap Check: Short, controlled slap at the offensive player's stick. Aim for the hands and bottom third of the shaft. Do not wind up.
- Lift Check: Approach from behind or the side, lift the bottom of the offensive player's stick with your stick. Disrupts the cradle and shooting motion.
- Trail Check: When beaten, throw a check at the offensive player's hands from behind while sprinting to recover. Last resort — recover position is the priority.
Approaching the Ball Carrier
- Close out under control — breakdown steps (short, choppy) starting 5 yards out
- Do not run past the ball carrier — stay in front
- Get your stick on his hands immediately — pressure without fouling
- Force to help side — know where your slide is coming from and push the dodger toward it
STAGE 2
Ball-Side / Help-Side Defense
On-Ball Defender
Your job is simple: do not get beat. Contain the ball carrier, apply pressure with your stick, and force him toward your help. If you can create a turnover, great. But your first responsibility is containment. A defender who gets beat forces the entire defense to rotate — and rotation creates open shooters.
Off-Ball Positioning
- One pass away (adjacent): You are in a deny position — stick in the passing lane, body between your man and the ball. You are also the first slide if the on-ball defender gets beaten.
- Two passes away (help-side): You sag toward the crease. You can see both your man and the ball. You are in help position — ready to slide to the crease if needed.
Deny the Crease
No inside position. Ever. If an offensive player is on the crease, the defender must front him — body between the attacker and the ball. Stick up, denying the passing lane. If the crease attackman tries to seal, the defender must fight through the seal and re-establish inside position. The crease is sacred ground — we protect it at all costs.
Communication
- "I got ball!" — I am the on-ball defender
- "Help right!" / "Help left!" — I am in position to slide from this side
- "Check crease!" — There is an offensive player on the crease who needs to be denied
- "Fire!" — Slide now, the on-ball defender is beaten
- "Two!" — The on-ball defender has been beaten, second slide is needed
STAGE 3
Team Slide Package
Crease Slide (Primary)
Our primary slide comes from the crease. When the on-ball defender is beaten by a dodge, the crease defender leaves his man and slides to the ball carrier. This is our fastest slide because the crease defender is closest to the driving lane.
Adjacent Slide (Fill)
When the crease defender slides to the ball, the adjacent off-ball defender fills the crease. He must rotate immediately — do not wait to see if the crease slide works. Assume it does, and fill the vacated crease position.
Recovery Rotation
All six defenders (including the goalie as a communicator) rotate as a unit. The fill creates a new open man on the backside. The backside defenders must rotate to cover down. The goalie directs the rotation: "ROTATE LEFT" or "ROTATE RIGHT." The goal is to recover all six positions before the offense can exploit the open man.
Slide Triggers
- The slide is triggered when the dodger gets his hands free — meaning his body is past his defender and he has a clear shooting lane
- If the on-ball defender is in good position, the crease holds — do not slide early
- Early slides create two problems: the crease is open, and the ball carrier can pass instead of being pressured
- Late slides create one problem: the ball carrier has a clean shot. Late is worse than early.
BTB Slide Rule: When in doubt, slide. A late slide is a goal. An early slide is a rotation. We can recover from rotation. We cannot recover from a goal.
STAGE 4
Double Teams & Pressure Defense
X Double (Behind the Cage)
When the ball is at X and the attackman is a strong dodger, the adjacent defender pinches down to create a double team. The two defenders trap the ball carrier behind the goal line. The crease defender must rotate to cover the adjacent defender's man. Call: "DOUBLE X!"
Top Double (Pinch)
When the ball carrier is up top and struggling to move the ball, the adjacent defender pinches from the side to create a double team. The ball carrier is trapped between two long poles. Call: "PINCH!"
Sideline Trap
Force the ball carrier to the sideline using body position, then bring the adjacent defender to trap. The sideline acts as a third defender. This is most effective during rides — trapping the clearing team against the sideline.
When to Call Off the Double
Always on the pass out. The moment the ball carrier passes out of the double team, both defenders must recover to their original assignments immediately. Do not chase. The double served its purpose — it disrupted the offense and forced a pressured pass. Now recover and reset.
STAGE 5
Zone Defense (3-3 / Backer Zone)
Top Three
Three defenders across the top of the zone: left wing, center, right wing. Their job is to contain shooters and deny up-top dodges. They shift as a unit based on ball position — when the ball is on the right, the entire top three shifts right. No one guards a man — they guard space.
Bottom Three
Three defenders across the bottom: left crease, center crease (backer), right crease. They protect the crease, deny feeds, and communicate with the goalie. The backer is the quarterback of the zone — he directs rotation and fills gaps.
Zone vs Motion Offense Adjustments
- Against heavy motion: tighten the zone, deny the middle of the field, force outside shots
- Against iso dodgers: let the top three contain without committing, force the shot from distance
- Against crease-heavy offenses: collapse the bottom three, deny every feed, make them shoot from outside
Zone Signal
Zone defense is called on dead balls only. The call is "ZONE!" from the sideline or goalie. All six defenders switch from man-to-man assignments to zone positions immediately. Return to man on the call "MAN UP!" from the sideline.
Man-Up Defense (5v6)
When we are man-down, we play a box-and-one or a rotating pentagon. The four defenders form a box (diamond) around the crease. The fifth defender plays the ball. As the ball moves, the box rotates. The goalie is the sixth defender — he must communicate every rotation. Deny the skip pass at all costs. Force the man-up offense to make five passes to get a shot — most teams cannot execute that patiently.
4
Ride Install
The ride is our first line of defense. After a turnover or a save, the opposing team must clear the ball past the midfield line. Our job is to prevent that — or at minimum, to make it slow and difficult. We run three ride packages based on game situation.
BTB Press Ride (Primary)
Philosophy: Suffocate the clear. Apply immediate pressure to every clearing player. Force turnovers in the offensive half. Win the possession battle by taking the ball back before the defense is even involved.
Assignments
- Attack: Each attackman picks up the nearest defenseman. Get in his face. Deny the outlet pass from the goalie. Make the defenseman earn every catch.
- Midfielders: Each midfielder picks up the opposing midfielder. Face-guard if necessary. Do not let them get open for the long pass.
- Kill the Outlet: The attackman closest to the goalie's strong side denies the first outlet pass. Force the goalie to hold the ball and eat clock.
Goal
Force a 10-second violation (goalie must clear the crease within 10 seconds) or a turnover in the defensive half. If we get the ball back in the offensive half, we have an immediate scoring opportunity.
Coach Cues
- "PRESS!" — initiate the press ride on the next dead ball or turnover
- "KILL THE OUTLET!" — deny the goalie's first pass
- "STAY ON YOUR MAN!" — riders are leaving their assignments to chase the ball
Drill Sequence
- 3v3 half-field ride: 3 riders vs 3 clearers, no goalie. Riders must force a turnover or 10-second call.
- 6v6 ride: full ride unit vs full clear unit. Live repetitions.
- 7v7 ride with goalie: game-realistic clearing situation. Ride must force a turnover or delay clear past 20 seconds.
BTB Zone Ride (Secondary)
3-3 Zone Ride Formation
Three attackmen form a line across the offensive half near the restraining line. Three midfielders form a second line near the midfield line. The ball must go through both lines to clear successfully.
- Force ball to the sideline: Zone riders shift toward the ball, taking away the middle of the field. The sideline becomes a wall — trap the ball carrier against it.
- Deny the middle: The center rider in each line protects the middle of the field. Skip passes through the middle are the zone ride's weakness — take them away.
Dead Ball Ride
On dead balls (after a goal, out of bounds), assign one rider to face-guard the inbounder's nearest option. The remaining riders set up in the zone. The inbounder is forced to throw over the top or into traffic.
BTB Soft Ride / Match-Up Ride
When to Use
Used when protecting a lead in the final minutes. We do not want to gamble with an aggressive ride that could result in a fast break against us. Instead, we match up and contain.
- Each rider matches to a specific clearer — stay with your man, do not leave him
- Contain but do not overcommit — no lunging, no gambling
- Force a slow clear — eat clock, make them work for every yard
- If the clear is successful, fall back into the defensive set immediately
5
Clear Install
Clearing is possession lacrosse. The team that clears the ball effectively controls the game. Every cleared ball is a guaranteed offensive possession. Every failed clear is a turnover in the worst possible area of the field. We treat clearing with the same importance as our offensive and defensive systems.
Standard Clear (1-4-2)
Formation
- Goalie: Starts with the ball. Surveys the field. Makes the first outlet pass.
- 1 Short-Stick Defensive Midfielder (SSDM) or Close D: Nearest defender to the goalie provides the first outlet.
- 4 Midfielders: Spread across the midfield area — two on each side. They create width and provide outlets at every level.
- 2 Attackmen: Positioned at the attack restraining line on each side. They stretch the ride vertically.
Primary Sequence
- Goalie outlets to the nearest defenseman (strong side)
- Defenseman swings the ball to the opposite-side defenseman
- Opposite defenseman throws the long pass to a breaking midfielder on the far side
- Midfielder catches and carries across the midfield line
Key Teaching Points
- Never clear through the middle of the field — that is where rides are densest
- Move the ball to the opposite side of the ride pressure — attack the weak side of the ride
- Midfielders must get open — do not stand still. V-cut, change direction, come back to the ball.
- If nothing is open, the goalie resets — brings the ball back behind the cage and starts over. No panic.
Fast Break Clear
Trigger: The goalie makes a save or we get a turnover and the ride is not set. We have numbers — push the ball immediately.
- Goalie hits the first open defender — do not wait for the perfect pass
- Defender immediately throws ahead to the breaking midfielder — look up the field first
- We want a 4v3 or 3v2 push — speed kills in transition
- Make a quick decision: pass or shoot. Do not hold the ball in transition — the defense is recovering every second you wait
- Attackmen must get wide to stretch the defense — create driving lanes for the midfielders
Clear vs Press Ride
Identifying the Press
Look for face-guarding on the defensemen and midfielders. If the ride is pressing, their players are man-to-man on our clearers. The counter is to move the ball quickly and use skip passes to beat the pressure.
Counter Strategies
- Skip pass over the press: If the rider is face-guarding, the goalie throws over the top to the far-side defender or midfielder
- Change levels: A midfielder drops down from the midfield line to provide a closer outlet. The rider has to choose: follow him or stay in position
- Goalie holds and resets: If nothing is open, the goalie brings the ball back behind the cage and the clear resets. Do not force a pass into pressure — that is how turnovers happen.
- Adjacent D outlet: The adjacent defenseman comes across to provide a second outlet option for the goalie
Goalie Clear Options
Outlet Left
Strong-side defenseman. The most common first pass. The goalie looks left first in our system.
Outlet Right
Weak-side defenseman. Used when the strong side is covered or when the ride overloads the strong side.
Long Pole Carry
Goalie runs the ball to the midfield line himself if a lane opens. High reward — saves a pass — but risky if the goalie gets trapped.
Bomb
Long pass to a breaking midfielder 40+ yards downfield. High risk, high reward. Only throw this if the midfielder is wide open and the clear is under heavy pressure.
6
Face-Off Curriculum
Face-Off Philosophy: We win the face-off, we control the game. Every possession starts at the X. The team that wins the face-off battle controls the tempo, controls possession, and controls the scoreboard. This is not optional — this is a weapon.
FOGO Development
- 3 certified FOGOs per team minimum. We never go into a game with fewer than 3 face-off specialists on the roster. Injuries happen. Foul trouble happens. We must have depth.
- Face-off reps: 10 minutes every practice. Non-negotiable. Even on days when face-offs are not the primary focus, every FOGO gets live reps.
- FOGO conditioning: FOGOs must be in elite cardiovascular shape. They sprint off the face-off win, get off the field, and rest for 30 seconds before the next one. The face-off is a burst sport within a sport.
- Stance: Knuckles down, reverse grip on the dominant hand, body low to the ground, butt up, head over the ball. The lower you are, the faster you are.
5 Core Face-Off Techniques
1. Clamp
Trap the ball under the head of the stick on the whistle. Rake the ball back toward your body. Stand up with possession. The most fundamental technique — every FOGO must master the clamp before learning anything else.
2. Plunger
Push the head of the stick forward through the ball on the whistle. Pop up and scoop. The ball goes forward — wings must read this and release to the forward area. Best against opponents who clamp.
3. Motorcycle
Twist your wrist in a motorcycle-grip motion on the whistle. Redirect the ball laterally to the wing. Requires precise timing and wrist strength. Best when you have a dominant wing player on one side.
4. Rake
Clamp the ball and immediately rake it back through your legs. Creates separation between you and the opponent. Best against bigger, stronger FOGOs who try to overpower you at the X.
5. Jump
Quick jump on the whistle — get your body over the ball before the opponent reacts. Fight for possession with body position and hand speed. Best on fast whistles and against slower opponents.
Wing Play
Wing Positions & Responsibilities
- Strong-side wing: Lines up on the side of the FOGO's dominant technique. His job is to be the primary outlet — crash to the ball or release forward based on the face-off result.
- Weak-side wing: Lines up opposite. His job is to contain the opposing wing and provide a secondary outlet. If the ball goes to his side, he must win the ground ball.
Ground Ball Priority
First to the ball wins. Ground balls are won with effort, not skill. Get low, get your hands to the dirt, scoop through the ball and protect with your body. Never bat at the ball — scoop it. Never reach — run through it.
Wing Reads
- Clamp/Rake: Ball stays in the center or goes backward. Wings crash to the center. Both wings collapse on the ball. First man scoops, second man boxes out.
- Plunger/Jump: Ball goes forward. Wings release forward and look for the loose ball ahead of the face-off X. Do not crash — sprint forward.
- Motorcycle: Ball goes laterally. The wing on the side the ball is directed to charges hard. Opposite wing sprints to back up.
Face-Off Drills
- Dry Reps (50 per session): No opponent. FOGO sets up, simulates the whistle, executes the technique. Focus on hand speed, body position, and clean execution. 10 reps per technique (clamp, plunger, motorcycle, rake, jump).
- Live 1v1 (Best of 10): FOGO vs FOGO. Full speed, full contact. The winner gets to call the next technique. The loser does 5 push-ups. Track wins and losses on the Face-Off Specialist Log.
- Wing Reaction Drill: Face-off happens at the X. Two wings on each side. On the whistle, the face-off occurs and the wings must react to the ball direction — crash or release. Score: first team to scoop and clear wins the rep.
- 3v3 Face-Off Unit (First to 5): FOGO + 2 wings vs opposing FOGO + 2 wings. Full face-off, wings react, first team to secure possession and carry past the restraining line scores a point. First to 5 wins.
- Pressure Face-Offs: Simulate game conditions. Coaches yell crowd noise. A "referee" (assistant coach) controls the whistle timing. Alternate between quick whistles and delayed whistles. Penalty: if the FOGO false-starts, the opposing team gets a free possession.
Game Situation Face-Offs
Tied, Final 2 Minutes
Best FOGO on the field. Known formation. Execute the team's best technique. Wings crash hard — we need this possession. If we win, we hold for the last shot. If we lose, ride hard and get it back.
Down 1, Need Possession
Aggressive attack. All wings crash regardless of ball direction. We gamble for the ground ball. If we lose the face-off clean, the wings still have a chance on the ground ball. Leave nothing to chance.
Up 2, Protect Lead
Conservative. Secure possession and clear. Do not take risks. If we win the face-off, eat clock. If we lose, fall back into the ride and play defense. Protect the lead with smart lacrosse.
Overtime
Best FOGO, known play call, execute to perfection. The overtime face-off is the most important face-off of the game. We practice this scenario every week. The FOGO knows his technique, the wings know their reads, and the play is called before we step on the field.
7
Man-Up / Man-Down
Special teams win close games. A team that converts 50% of its man-up opportunities and kills 70% of its man-down situations will win more games than it loses. We practice EMO and Man-Down every week.
Extra Man Offense (EMO / Man-Up 6v5)
1-3-2 Formation
- 1 Up Top: The primary ball carrier and dodger. He initiates the offense from the top of the box.
- 3 Across the Middle: Left wing, right wing, and a high crease / point player. They move the ball around the perimeter and look for seams in the defense.
- 2 Crease: Low left and low right. They are the primary finishers. They position for feeds, screen the goalie, and crash for rebounds.
Ball Movement Principles
- Skip passes: The skip pass is the most dangerous weapon in EMO. It forces the defense to rotate across the entire formation, creating open shooting lanes.
- Quick ball reversal: Move the ball faster than the defense can rotate. If we swing the ball from one side to the other in 2 passes, someone is open.
- Shoot when you see grass: If you have an open lane to the goal — no defender in the way — shoot. Do not pass up a clean look.
- 2-man game from up top: The top player dodges and dumps to the crease when the slide comes. Simple, effective, high-percentage.
3 Set Plays for EMO
"WHEEL"
Rotation play. All 5 perimeter players rotate one position clockwise on the coach's call. The ball moves with the rotation. The defense must rotate to keep up — any hesitation creates an open shooter. The crease players hold position and look for feeds during the rotation confusion.
"HAMMER"
Skip-to-crease play. The ball starts up top. The top player fakes a dodge right, then throws a skip pass to the far-side crease player. The crease player catches and shoots in one motion. If the skip is denied, the ball goes to the wing, who feeds the near-side crease.
"BOX"
Overload one side. Three players stack on the right side of the formation. The ball is swung to the right. The defense shifts to cover the overload, leaving the left-side crease player open. Quick skip pass across to the open crease for a point-blank shot.
Man-Down Defense (5v6)
Pentagon / Box+1 Formation
Five defenders form a pentagon (or a box with one chaser). Four defenders protect the crease in a diamond shape. The fifth defender pressures the ball. As the ball moves, the entire pentagon rotates.
Key Principles
- Rotate as a unit: When the ball moves, everyone moves. The pentagon shifts as one. If one defender is late, a seam opens and the offense scores.
- Never chase: Man-down defenders do not chase the ball carrier. They stay in their zone and let the ball come to them. Chasing creates open shooters behind you.
- Deny the skip pass: Always have a defender in the skip-pass lane. The skip pass is the most dangerous pass against a man-down defense — if it gets through, someone has a clean shot.
- Goalie communication: The goalie is the sixth defender. He must call every rotation: "ROTATE LEFT," "ROTATE RIGHT," "TOP," "CREASE." The defense cannot function without the goalie's voice.
- When to pressure: Only pressure the ball on an adjacent pass — when the ball is passed to the player next to the current ball carrier, the nearest defender jumps out to pressure. On skip passes, stay home and rotate.
- Kill the clock: Every second the man-up offense spends passing the ball without shooting is a win for the man-down defense. Make them work for every pass. Force them to execute 5-6 passes to get a shot — most teams cannot do that.
8
Practice Diagrams
Eight core field diagrams illustrating our offensive and defensive alignments, ride and clear formations, face-off positioning, and special teams sets. Red markers (X) represent offense, blue markers (O) represent defense. Arrows indicate player movement.
1. 2-3-1 SETTLED OFFENSE — MOTION PLAY (INTERACTIVE)
2. 1-4-1 OFFENSE VARIATION (HALF FIELD)
3. SLIDE PACKAGE — CREASE SLIDE + FILL + ROTATION (INTERACTIVE)
4. PRESS RIDE — DENY, TRAP, TURNOVER (INTERACTIVE)
5. STANDARD CLEAR 1-4-2 — PASSING SEQUENCE (INTERACTIVE)
6. FACE-OFF UNIT POSITIONING
7. EMO 1-3-2 FORMATION (MAN-UP)
8. MAN-DOWN PENTAGON DEFENSE (5v6)
9
Practice Plans
25 scripted practice plans organized across five progressive phases. Each plan is 90 minutes (unless noted) with a minute-by-minute breakdown. Every drill has a purpose. Every minute is accounted for.
Supplemental Video Library: The HGR Coach's Vault playlist is a curated collection of coaching drills and demonstrations. Use these as supplemental references for any practice plan below.
Phase 1 — Foundation (Plans 1-5)
01
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Equipment
Balls (2 per player)
Cones (20)
Goals (2)
Pinnies (2 colors)
Wall ball wall
Schedule
0:00–0:10
Team Meeting & Culture Set — Bring the team in. Deliver Opening Day Speech (see Coach Scripts). Set expectations for effort, attitude, and accountability. Introduce the BTB Standard. Every player listens, no sticks in hand. This is the foundation moment.
0:10–0:20
Dynamic Warm-Up — Jog, high knees, butt kicks, carioca, lunges, lateral shuffles, arm circles. Finish with 3 sprints (50 yards). Coaches participate and set the tempo.
0:20–0:35
Wall Ball Circuit — Partners face wall, 5 yards away. Right hand: 30 catches. Left hand: 30 catches. Quick-stick: 20 reps each hand. Cross-hand: 15 reps each. Behind-the-back: 10 reps. Coaches walk the line correcting grip, hand position, and follow-through.
0:35–0:50
Ground Ball Circuit — 3 stations rotating every 5 minutes. Station 1: Scoop and cradle (individual). Station 2: Ground ball box-out drill (1v1, coach rolls ball between two players — low man wins). Station 3: Trail ground ball (sprint to a rolling ball, scoop on the run, turn upfield). Coaches emphasize: get low, two hands, scoop through the ball, protect with body.
0:50–1:05
Cradling & Dodging Intro — Full-field cradling drills: right hand, left hand, switch hands on the run. Introduce 4 dodges: roll dodge (demo + 5 reps each side), face dodge (demo + 5 reps), split dodge (demo + 5 reps), bull dodge (demo + 3 reps against a passive defender). Cones as defenders. Coaches demonstrate each dodge at game speed first.
1:05–1:25
6v6 No-Pressure Assessment Scrimmage — Divide into two teams. Play 6v6 half-field. Coaches observe — no coaching during play. Evaluate: stick skills, field awareness, effort level, communication, IQ. Take mental notes on player positions and tendencies. This is your baseline assessment.
1:25–1:30
Cool-Down & Debrief — Stretch circle. Recap the BTB Standard. Assign wall ball homework: 100 reps each hand per day. Announce next practice focus. Break on "BTB!"
Key Coaching Points
- Today sets the tone for the entire season — energy must be elite from the first whistle
- During wall ball: watch for players who cradle after catching instead of quick-sticking — this slows their release
- Ground balls are won with effort, not skill — reward the player who goes hardest, not the one who gets lucky
- The scrimmage is for YOUR evaluation, not their competition — observe quietly and take notes
Common Mistakes
- Players standing upright during ground balls — must get their butt down and hands to the ground
- One-handed scooping — always two hands, always
- Players watching the ball instead of scooping through it — run through the ball, do not stop over it
02
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Equipment
Balls (3 per player)
Goals (2)
Cones (16)
Goalie gear
Schedule
0:00–0:10
Dynamic Warm-Up — Jog, dynamic stretches, 2-line passing on the move (partners jog down the field passing back and forth, right hand down, left hand back). Finish with 3x50-yard sprints.
0:10–0:25
Passing Technique Stations (3 stations, 5 min each) — Station 1: Overhand passing — partners 15 yards apart. Focus on stepping toward target, snapping wrists, follow-through. 20 reps each hand. Station 2: Sidearm passing — same setup. Used for quick releases and skip passes. 15 reps each hand. Station 3: Behind-the-back passing — demonstrate, then 10 reps. Advanced players only — others continue sidearm work.
0:25–0:40
Catching on the Run — Set up a diamond (4 cones, 20 yards apart). Players line up at each cone. Pass and follow your pass. Catch on the run — do not stop to receive. Soft hands, give with the ball, cradle immediately. Right hand clockwise, left hand counterclockwise. 3 minutes each direction, then switch to cross-field passes (diagonal of the diamond).
0:40–0:55
Shooting Mechanics — Line up 15 yards from goal. Overhand shot: step, hands away from body, snap wrists, follow through to target. 5 shots right hand, 5 shots left hand. On-the-run shooting: catch a pass from the feeder at the wing, take 2 steps, shoot. 5 reps each side. Coaches stand behind the goal watching shot placement: low corners, off-hip, high stick-side. No high shots — we shoot where goalies cannot save.
0:55–1:10
2v1 Drills — Set up at the top of the box. Two offensive players vs one defender. Ball carrier drives, defender commits — ball carrier passes to the open man for the shot. If the defender does not commit, ball carrier shoots. 3 reps per group, rotate. Coaches teach: read the defender, make the right decision, do not force the pass.
1:10–1:25
Competitive Shooting Game — "First to 5": Two lines at the wings. First player in each line catches a pass from the coach and shoots. Goal = 1 point. First line to 5 wins. Losers do 10 push-ups. Keep energy high — this is the competition block.
1:25–1:30
Cool-Down & Film Preview — Stretch. Preview: "Tomorrow we watch 3 minutes of college passing. Notice hand position and release point." Assign: 50 wall ball reps per hand tonight. Break on "BTB!"
Key Coaching Points
- Passing accuracy is more important than velocity — hit your target before you throw hard
- Catching: give with the ball — soft hands, cradle immediately, protect the stick
- Shooting: aim for a 2-foot by 2-foot window. If you cannot put it in a window, you are not ready to shoot in a game
- 2v1: the ball carrier's job is to make the defender commit — if the defender does not move, you have the shot
Common Mistakes
- Dropping the stick head back on the pass — keep the head above the shoulder, snap forward
- Catching with stiff arms — arms must give with the ball to absorb impact
- Shooting high — almost every youth player shoots high. Force low shots only. Penalty for high shots: 5 push-ups.
03
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Equipment
Balls (1 per pair)
Cones (20)
Goals (1)
Goalie gear
Pinnies (2 colors)
Schedule
0:00–0:10
Dynamic Warm-Up + Footwork — Jog, dynamic stretches, then defensive footwork ladder: shuffle right 10 yards, shuffle left 10 yards, drop step right, drop step left, backpedal 10 yards and sprint forward. 3 rounds. Coaches set the pace — fast feet, low hips.
0:10–0:25
Defensive Stance & Approach — Partner drill. Offensive player holds the ball stationary. Defender starts 10 yards away, approaches with breakdown steps (short choppy steps last 5 yards), gets into defensive stance (feet wide, knees bent, stick up, butt end in the chest). Hold for 3 seconds. Coach checks each player's stance. 5 reps, switch. Then offensive player jogs — defender must shuffle and maintain position. 5 reps each side.
0:25–0:40
Stick Check Circuit — 4 stations, 3 minutes each. Station 1: Poke check — quick jab at partner's gloves, retract. 10 reps. Station 2: Slap check — controlled slap at partner's bottom hand. 10 reps. Station 3: Lift check — approach from behind, lift bottom of stick. 10 reps. Station 4: Trail check — partner jogs past, defender throws trailing check while sprinting to recover. 5 reps each side. Coaches emphasize: checks are weapons, but position is the foundation. A check without good position is a foul waiting to happen.
0:40–0:55
1v1 On-Ball Defense — Half-field. Offensive player starts at top of the box with the ball. Defender starts in stance. Offensive player dodges — defender must contain, apply pressure, and force to the help side (even though no help is there yet). Play until shot or turnover. 3 reps per pair, switch roles. Coaches evaluate: did the defender stay in front? Did he force the dodge in one direction? Did he keep his stick active?
0:55–1:10
2v2 Help-Side Positioning — Two offensive players (one with ball, one off-ball). Two defenders. On-ball defender contains. Off-ball defender must be in deny position (one pass away) — stick in passing lane, body between man and ball. Coach passes to off-ball attacker — off-ball defender must close out and become the on-ball defender. 5 reps, rotate. Then add a rule: if the pass is completed, offense plays 2v2 to goal.
1:10–1:25
1v1 King of the Hill — Single elimination. Every defender plays 1v1 against an attackman. If you get scored on, you are out. If you get a stop, you stay in. Last defender standing wins. High intensity, high stakes, fun competition. Coaches cheer — this is about competitive fire.
1:25–1:30
Cool-Down & Debrief — Stretch. Review the three principles: stance, footwork, force direction. Assign: 5 minutes of footwork ladder at home (shuffle, drop step, backpedal). Break on "BTB!"
Key Coaching Points
- Defense starts with your feet, not your stick — if your feet are right, everything else follows
- Never cross your feet — shuffle, drop step, shuffle. Crossing feet means you can be juked
- Force the dodger to his weak hand — know the scouting report, know the tendencies
- Checks are supplements to good position — a well-positioned defender does not need to check often
Common Mistakes
- Standing straight up — must stay low with knees bent and hips loaded
- Lunging at the ball carrier — stay in your stance, let the ball carrier come to you
- Turning hips and running with the dodger — maintain defensive angle, do not turn and chase
04
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Equipment
Balls (2 per player)
Cones (16)
Goals (2)
Goalie gear
Pinnies
Schedule
0:00–0:10
Dynamic Warm-Up + Passing — Jog and stretch. 2-line passing on the move: overhand down, sidearm back. Quick-stick catch and release drill. Finish with 3 sprints.
0:10–0:25
Dodging Circuit — Set up 4 cone stations on the field. Each station has a cone "defender." Station 1: Roll dodge — drive at cone, plant outside foot, roll to inside, protect stick, accelerate. 5 reps each side. Station 2: Face dodge — drive at cone, fake one way, pull stick across face, accelerate. 5 reps each side. Station 3: Split dodge — drive at cone, plant, switch hands, change direction. 5 reps each side. Station 4: Bull dodge — drive at cone, lower shoulder, power through. 5 reps. Rotate every 3.5 minutes. Coaches demonstrate game-speed execution at each station before players begin.
0:25–0:40
Off-Ball Cutting — 3 stations. Station 1: V-cut — walk your man down, plant, explode back to ball. Coach passes on the cut. 5 reps each side. Station 2: Back-door cut — partner denies the pass, cutter reads the overplay and cuts behind to the crease. Coach feeds. 5 reps. Station 3: Seal/Slip — set a pick, then slip early and cut to the goal. Partner passes. 5 reps. Coaches emphasize timing — the cut must happen when the passer is ready to throw.
0:40–0:55
3v0 Motion Offense — Three offensive players, no defense. Run 2-3-1 motion: pick away, cut through, replace. Ball moves, players move, spacing maintained. Coach freezes play when spacing breaks down. 15 reps. Then 4v0: add a fourth player. Increase complexity — two-man game concepts, off-ball movement. 10 reps. Goal: ball touches every player's stick within 15 seconds.
0:55–1:10
4v3 Advantage Drill — Four offensive players vs three defenders. Offense must move the ball and find the open man. The defense is outnumbered — offense should score every time. If they do not, something broke down. 5 reps per group. Coaches evaluate: is the offense moving the ball fast enough? Is the open man shooting with confidence? Are off-ball players cutting or standing?
1:10–1:25
1v1 Dodging Competition — Single line at the top of the box. Each player gets one dodge to score. Defender plays live. Score = 1 point. Best out of 3 reps. Winners advance. Losers do 5 push-ups. Tournament bracket if time allows. Coaches reward creativity and decisiveness — not hesitation.
1:25–1:30
Cool-Down & Film Preview — Stretch. Preview tomorrow's film: "Watch how college attackmen set up their dodges — they never dodge without a plan." Break on "BTB!"
Key Coaching Points
- Every dodge must have a purpose — you are dodging to create a shot for yourself or a pass for a teammate
- Off-ball movement is just as important as the dodge — if off-ball players stand still, the defense does not have to work
- The 2-count rule: if you cut through the crease and do not receive within 2 seconds, clear out immediately
- 4v3: the open man MUST shoot. Passing up an open shot is worse than missing.
Common Mistakes
- Dodging east-west instead of north-south — dodges must gain ground toward the goal
- Telegraphing the dodge — looking at the direction you plan to dodge before you start
- Cutting without purpose — every cut must be timed to the ball movement
05
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Equipment
Balls (20)
Cones (8)
Face-off sticks (if available)
Goals (2)
Pinnies
Schedule
0:00–0:10
Dynamic Warm-Up — Jog, stretches, agility ladder (if available), 3x50-yard sprints. FOGOs do additional wrist stretches and hip openers.
0:10–0:25
Face-Off Technique Introduction — Deliver Face-Off Install Speech (see Coach Scripts). Demonstrate proper stance: knuckles down, reverse grip, body low, head over the ball. Teach Clamp technique: 10 dry reps per player. Teach Plunger technique: 10 dry reps per player. Coaches walk around correcting hand position, body angle, and timing. No opponent yet — this is pure technique work.
0:25–0:40
Wing Play Basics — While FOGOs continue dry reps with an assistant coach, the rest of the team works wing play. Explain wing responsibilities: read the face-off, crash or release based on ball direction. Drill: Coach simulates the face-off result — wings react. Clamp result: wings crash center. Plunger result: wings release forward. 10 reps each scenario. Add ground ball work: loose ball in the wing area, 1v1 ground ball battle.
0:40–0:55
Live Face-Offs (1v1) — Pair up FOGOs. 10 live face-offs per pair. Track wins and losses. Coach stands as referee — proper whistle timing, check for violations. After each rep, coach gives one correction. Emphasis: hand speed, body position, and clean technique over power.
0:55–1:10
3v3 Face-Off Unit — FOGO + 2 wings vs opposing FOGO + 2 wings. Full face-off, wings react, first team to secure and carry past a cone line scores a point. First to 5 wins. Losers run a lap. Play 3 games. Coaches evaluate: which FOGOs are winning? Which wings are reading correctly? Where are ground balls being lost?
1:10–1:25
10 Live Face-Offs (Full Team) — Two full teams. Face-off at midfield. Winner's team gets the ball and plays 6v6 to goal. One possession per face-off win. 10 total face-offs. Team with the most goals wins. This connects the face-off to the full game — win the face-off, earn the opportunity to score.
1:25–1:30
Cool-Down & Debrief — Stretch. Recognize the top FOGO and top wing player of the day. Assign: FOGOs do 25 dry reps at home tonight (clamp and plunger only). Break on "BTB!"
Key Coaching Points
- Face-offs are a skill that requires daily repetition — treat FOGOs like specialists, not role players
- Hand speed beats strength at the face-off X — quick hands, low body
- Wings must read, not guess — watch the face-off, then react to ball direction
- Ground balls on the wing are effort plays — first man to the ball wins, period
Common Mistakes
- Standing too tall at the X — body must be low, butt up, head over the ball
- Wings crashing on every face-off regardless of result — must read and react, not guess
- FOGOs focusing on power instead of technique — technique wins face-offs, power wins fights
Phase 2 — System Install (Plans 6-12)
06
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Equipment
Balls (20)Goals (2)Cones (12)Pinnies (2 colors)Goalie gearWhiteboard
Schedule
0:00–0:10
Dynamic Warm-Up + Passing — Jog, stretch, 2-line passing. Quick-stick reps. 3 sprints. Get loose and focused.
0:10–0:25
Whiteboard Install — 2-3-1 Spacing — Bring team in. Use whiteboard to diagram 2-3-1 set: 2 crease, 3 up top (1 center + 2 wings), 1 at X. Explain spacing rules: 5-yard minimum between adjacent players. Explain ball-side vs backside responsibilities. Walk the set on the field — each player stands in his position. Coach checks spacing with a 5-yard rope or cone measurement. Jog the set — players rotate positions. Full speed — players sprint to positions. 15 reps: coach calls "SET!" and all 6 must be in position within 3 seconds.
0:25–0:50
6v0 Motion Offense — No defense. Run motion principles: pick away, cut through, replace, move the ball. Walk-through speed first: 5 reps with coach calling every movement. Jog speed: 5 reps with coach calling only corrections. Full speed: 5 reps with no coaching cues — players must execute on their own. Coach freezes play when spacing breaks, when cuts are late, or when the ball stays on one side too long. Target: ball touches every player's stick within 12 seconds of the first pass.
0:50–1:10
6v3 Shell — Offense vs Half Defense — 6 offensive players run motion against 3 defenders (representing on-ball + adjacent + crease). Defenders play at 75% intensity — their job is to create game-realistic reads without stopping the offense. Offense reads the defender: if the on-ball defender overplays, dodge. If the adjacent defender sags, pass to the wing. If the crease defender cheats up, feed the crease. 10 reps. Coaches teach reads between each rep.
1:10–1:25
6v6 Motion Only — Full offense vs full defense. Offense runs motion only — no set plays yet. Defense plays their individual assignments. Live to goal. 8 possessions per side. Coaches evaluate: Is the ball moving? Are players cutting with purpose? Is spacing maintained? Are shots coming from good positions?
1:25–1:30
Cool-Down & Film Preview — Stretch. "Tomorrow we add set plays. Tonight, visualize your position in the 2-3-1. Know where you stand, know where you move." Break on "BTB!"
Key Coaching Points
- Spacing is the foundation — if spacing breaks down, nothing works
- The ball must move faster than the defense can shift — quick ball, quick decisions
- Every player must know every position — we rotate, we do not specialize until game day
- The 6v3 shell is the most important teaching tool — use it to install reads
Common Mistakes
- Players bunching on the ball side — backside must maintain width
- Holding the ball too long — 4-second rule: pass or dodge within 4 seconds
- Cutting without the passer seeing you — make eye contact before you cut
07
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Equipment
Balls (20)Goals (2)Cones (8)Goalie gearWhiteboardPinnies
Schedule
0:00–0:10
Dynamic Warm-Up — Standard warm-up. 2-line passing with emphasis on skip passes and feeds. 3 sprints.
0:10–0:25
Set Play Walkthrough — DUKE + RED — Whiteboard first: diagram DUKE (top dodger drives, crease slides, wing back-door). Walk it on the field at half speed. 5 walkthroughs. Then diagram RED (2-man game up top, pick and roll). Walk it on the field. 5 walkthroughs. Players must call the play name before execution. Coach quizzes: "What is your read on DUKE if the crease slide opens the wing?" Answer: "Back-door feed to the wing."
0:25–0:40
6v0 Set Plays — Alternating — No defense. Alternate between DUKE and RED. Coach calls the play — offense executes at full speed. 5 reps of DUKE, 5 reps of RED, then 5 reps where the coach calls randomly. Players must recognize the call and execute without hesitation. Coach watches for proper timing on picks, cuts, and ball movement.
0:40–1:00
6v5 Run with Play Calls — Offense runs set plays against 5 defenders (one defender removed to give offense a slight advantage). Defense plays live. Coach calls the play from the sideline — just like a game. 10 possessions. Offense must execute the play as called. If the play breaks down, the ball carrier reads and reacts — but the initial action must follow the play call.
1:00–1:15
6v6 Live — Full Offense — Offense can run motion OR set plays — their choice. Defense plays full. Coach does not call plays — the midfielder with the ball calls the play or signals motion. 8 possessions per side. Evaluate: Can the offense execute plays under pressure? Are players making the right reads? Is shot selection improving?
1:15–1:25
Competitive Drill: Play Execution Race — Two groups of 6 at separate goals. Coach calls a play name. First group to execute the play and score wins the point. First to 3 wins. Losers run. Energy and urgency — this teaches execution under pressure.
1:25–1:30
Cool-Down & Debrief — Stretch. Review DUKE and RED. "Know these plays in your sleep. We add BLUE and FAST next week." Break on "BTB!"
Key Coaching Points
- Plays are starting points, not scripts — execute the first action, then read and react
- The pick must be legal: feet set, stick in, no moving screens
- Communication is critical — the ball carrier must call the play loud enough for all 6 to hear
- Shot selection: execute the play, but only shoot if you have a quality look
Common Mistakes
- Rushing the play — the first action must be deliberate and well-timed
- Picks that are moving — illegal screens kill possessions with penalties
- Players forgetting their role in the play — quiz them constantly
08
▾
Equipment
Balls (15)Goals (1)Cones (12)Goalie gearPinnies (2 colors)
Schedule
0:00–0:10
Dynamic Warm-Up + Defensive Footwork — Jog, stretch. Defensive footwork drills: 5 rounds of shuffle-drop-shuffle-sprint. Mirror drill with partner (30 seconds per rep, 3 reps). Get the feet moving and the hips low.
0:10–0:25
Man D Principles Install — Deliver Defensive Install Speech (see Coach Scripts). On the field, demonstrate on-ball vs off-ball positioning. On-ball: stance, stick pressure, force direction. Off-ball one pass away: deny position — stick in the passing lane, see man and ball. Off-ball two passes away: sag to help — eyes on the ball, body near the crease. Walk 6 defenders through their positions against a stationary offense. Coach moves the ball — defenders adjust. 10 reps with coaching. 5 reps without.
0:25–0:40
3v3 Defensive Shell — Half-field. 3 offensive players pass the ball around the perimeter. 3 defenders adjust their positioning on every pass: on-ball, deny, help. No dodging — just passing and defensive rotation. 3 minutes per group, 3 rotations. Coach freezes play and checks positioning after each pass. Every defender must be able to explain why they are in their current position.
0:40–0:55
4v4 Deny Drill — Four offensive players vs four defenders. Offense tries to complete 5 consecutive passes. Defense tries to get a deflection or interception. If the defense denies 3 passes in a row, they win the rep. If the offense completes 5 in a row, they win. 5 reps per group. Coaches emphasize: active sticks in the passing lane, but do not leave your man to chase the ball.
0:55–1:10
6v6 Defensive Evaluation — Full offense vs full defense. Offense runs motion. Defense plays man-to-man with the principles taught today. Live to goal. 8 possessions. Coaches evaluate each defender: Is the on-ball defender containing? Is the off-ball defender in the right position? Is the crease being denied? Score each possession: clean stop, forced bad shot, or breakdown.
1:10–1:25
Competitive: Shutdown Drill — 1v1 from each position (X, wing, top). Defender must get a stop (turnover or block). If the defender holds for 15 seconds without a shot, he wins. If the attacker scores, attacker wins. Best of 3 at each position. Track top defenders.
1:25–1:30
Cool-Down & Debrief — Stretch. "Defense wins championships. If you cannot guard your man, you cannot play. It starts with your feet and ends with your effort." Break on "BTB!"
Key Coaching Points
- Man defense is about positioning, not athleticism — a well-positioned slow defender beats a poorly positioned fast one
- Communication is the backbone of team defense — if you are not talking, you are not defending
- Deny the crease at all costs — no inside position, ever
- Every defender must know where the ball is at all times — lose the ball, lose the game
Common Mistakes
- Off-ball defenders ball-watching and losing their man — must see both man and ball
- On-ball defender giving too much cushion — be aggressive but controlled
- No communication — silent defense is bad defense
09
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Equipment
Balls (15)Goals (1)Cones (8)Goalie gearPinnies
Schedule
0:00–0:10
Dynamic Warm-Up + Footwork — Standard warm-up. Defensive slide drill: 3 cones in an L-shape. Defender shuffles to cone 1, drop steps to cone 2, sprints to cone 3 (simulating a slide). 5 reps. Then mirror drill: 30-second reps, 3 rounds.
0:10–0:25
Slide Package Walkthrough — On the whiteboard: crease slide (primary) — crease defender leaves his man and slides to the ball when the on-ball defender is beaten. Adjacent fill — the nearest off-ball defender fills the vacated crease. Recovery rotation — all defenders shift to cover down. Walk it on the field with 6 defenders and a coach simulating the dodger. Walk speed: 5 reps. Jog speed: 5 reps. Coach calls "SLIDE!" and the crease defender goes. Coach calls "FILL!" and the adjacent defender moves.
0:25–0:40
3v2 with Slide — 2 defenders + goalie vs 3 offensive players. Offensive player dodges, on-ball defender contains, second defender decides: slide or hold. If the dodger gets topside, the second defender must slide. Coach feeds a third offensive player if the slide creates an open man — defenders must recover. 8 reps per group. This teaches the slide trigger and the recovery.
0:40–0:55
4v3 Slide Drill — 3 defenders + goalie vs 4 offensive players. Offense dodges, crease defender slides, adjacent fills. The 4th offensive player is the "open man" — he must be found and covered by the third defender rotating. Live to goal. 8 reps. Coaches evaluate: Is the slide timely? Is the fill immediate? Does the rotation find the open man before he shoots?
0:55–1:10
6v6 Live Slides — Full offense vs full defense. Offense runs dodges from every position. Defense executes the slide package. Goalie must communicate every rotation. Live to goal. 10 possessions. Coaches call out slide mistakes immediately — freeze play if needed. "Who is sliding? Who is filling? Where is the open man?"
1:10–1:25
Competitive: Slide Reaction Game — 3v3 half-field. Coach blows whistle — dodger goes. Defense must execute a clean slide and stop the ball within 3 seconds. If the defense stops it, they earn a point. If the offense scores, they earn a point. First team to 5 wins. This drills urgency into the slide.
1:25–1:30
Cool-Down & Debrief — Stretch. "The slide is the heartbeat of team defense. If one man is late, the whole defense breaks. Trust your teammates to be in position — and be in yours." Break on "BTB!"
Key Coaching Points
- The slide must be decisive — hesitation kills the defense. Go or do not go. Never be caught in between.
- The fill is just as important as the slide — an unfilled crease is an easy goal
- The goalie is the quarterback — he must direct every rotation with his voice
- Recovery rotation must happen immediately — the defense cannot rest until all 6 are in position
Common Mistakes
- Sliding too early (before the dodger beats his man) — creates unnecessary rotation
- Sliding too late (after the dodger has a clean shot) — better early than late, but on time is best
- Forgetting to fill the crease — the most common and most costly mistake in team defense
10
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Equipment
Balls (15)Goals (2)Cones (12)Goalie gearPinnies (2 colors)
Schedule
0:00–0:10
Dynamic Warm-Up — Full-field jog, dynamic stretches, 4x50-yard sprints at 80%. Focus on conditioning — rides require fitness.
0:10–0:25
Press Ride Assignments — Whiteboard: show the press ride formation. Each attackman picks up a defenseman. Each midfielder picks up a midfielder. The attackman nearest the goalie kills the outlet. Walk the assignments on the field: coach plays goalie, assistants play clearers. Riders learn their matchups. 5 walk-throughs. Then jog speed: 5 reps. Coaches check that riders are in the correct positions and applying the right pressure.
0:25–0:40
Stick Pressure / Body Check Drill — Pairs. Rider must stay within 2 yards of the clearer for 10 seconds. Apply stick pressure and legal body checks to prevent the outlet pass. The clearer tries to create separation and throw a pass. If the rider maintains pressure for 10 seconds, he wins. If the clearer throws a clean pass, the clearer wins. 5 reps per pair, switch. Coaches emphasize: pressure without fouling — active stick, body positioning, no holds or pushes.
0:40–0:55
7v6 Ride Drill — 6 riders (3 attack + 3 mids) vs 5 clearers + goalie. Goalie starts with the ball. Riders execute the press ride. Clearers try to advance the ball past midfield. If the ride forces a turnover or 20-second delay, riders win. If the clear succeeds, clearers win. 8 reps. Rotate riders and clearers. Coaches evaluate ride discipline: are riders staying on their assignments or chasing the ball?
0:55–1:10
Live Ride vs Clear (5 Situations) — Full 10v10. After each goal or save, the defense clears and the offense rides. Play out 5 live situations. Each situation starts with a goalie save or coach whistle. Track: how many clears are disrupted? How many turnovers does the ride create? Coaches teach during stoppages.
1:10–1:25
Zone Ride Introduction — Brief walkthrough of the 3-3 zone ride. 3 attackmen at the restraining line, 3 midfielders near midfield. Force ball to the sideline, deny the middle. Walk through 3 reps, jog through 3 reps. Full speed will come in practice 12. Today is awareness only.
1:25–1:30
Cool-Down & Debrief — Stretch. "The ride is our first line of defense. If we ride hard, we win more possessions. More possessions, more goals, more wins." Break on "BTB!"
Key Coaching Points
- Ride discipline: stay on your man, do not chase the ball — the ball moves faster than you do
- Kill the outlet: the goalie's first pass is the most important pass of the clear — deny it
- Body checks during the ride are legal and encouraged — physical rides create turnovers
- Conditioning is the key to riding — tired riders give up, fresh riders create turnovers
Common Mistakes
- All 6 riders chasing the ball instead of covering their assignments — creates wide-open clearers
- Riders giving up after the first pass — the ride is not over until the ball crosses midfield
- Fouling during the ride — aggressive pressure, not illegal contact
11
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Equipment
Balls (15)Goals (2)Cones (12)Goalie gearPinnies (2 colors)
Schedule
0:00–0:10
Dynamic Warm-Up — Jog, stretch, long passes (30-yard outlet passes in pairs), 3 sprints.
0:10–0:25
Standard Clear Install (1-4-2) — Whiteboard: diagram the 1-4-2 clear. Goalie outlets to D1, D1 swings to D2, D2 throws long to a breaking midfielder. Walk on field. 5 walk-throughs. Jog: 5 reps. Full speed: 5 reps. Coach plays the rider to give a read. Emphasis: move the ball to the weak side of the ride, never clear through the middle, midfielders must V-cut to get open.
0:25–0:40
Fast Break Clear — Goalie makes a save (coach shoots from distance). Goalie immediately looks for the fast break. First look: hit a defender who throws ahead to a breaking mid. If the fast break is there (4v3 or 3v2), push. If not, settle into the 1-4-2. 8 reps. Coaches evaluate: does the goalie read the fast break quickly? Does the first pass happen within 3 seconds? Does the midfielder attack or hesitate?
0:40–0:55
Goalie Clear Options — Work with the goalie specifically. 4 outlet options: outlet left, outlet right, long pole carry, bomb. Rep each option 3 times. Coach positions riders to take away specific options — goalie must read and choose. Assistant coaches work with field players on clearing routes during this segment.
0:55–1:10
6v6 Clear vs Ride — Full clear unit vs full ride unit. 10 live clearing situations. Track success rate. Goal: clear at least 7 of 10. If the clear is successful, the clearing team pushes to score (incentive to clear fast). If the ride creates a turnover, the riding team gets a shot on goal (incentive to ride hard).
1:10–1:25
5 Live Situations — Full 10v10. Coach shoots on goal. Goalie saves. Clear begins. Play it out live — ride, clear, transition, settled offense if needed. 5 full situations. This connects the clear to the rest of the game.
1:25–1:30
Cool-Down & Debrief — Stretch. "Every clear is a possession. Every possession is an opportunity. Protect the ball, move the ball, earn the opportunity." Break on "BTB!"
Key Coaching Points
- The goalie is the point guard of the clear — he sees the whole field, he makes the first decision
- Never force a pass into pressure — reset and try again. Patience beats panic.
- Midfielders: come back to the ball to receive — do not wait for the pass to come to you
- Fast break clears are game-changers — if you see the numbers advantage, attack immediately
Common Mistakes
- Goalie panicking and throwing into traffic — must stay calm and read the field
- Clearing through the middle — the middle of the field is the danger zone, stay wide
- Midfielders standing still — you must create separation with movement to get open
12
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Equipment
Balls (20)Goals (2)Cones (12)Goalie gearPinnies (2 colors)
Schedule
0:00–0:10
Dynamic Warm-Up — Standard warm-up. Passing with both hands. Defensive footwork. Get loose. FOGOs do wrist and hip openers.
0:10–0:25
Free Choice Individual Reps — Players choose their focus area: shooting, wall ball, dodging, ground balls, face-off technique, defensive footwork. Each player works on his weakest skill. Coaches circulate and provide individual feedback. This develops self-awareness and ownership of development.
0:25–0:35
10 Live Face-Offs with Full Unit — FOGO + 2 wings at the midfield X. Full 10v10 setup behind them. Face-off, winner gets possession and plays to goal. 10 face-offs. Track wins/losses per FOGO. After the face-off, the game is live — this connects face-off wins to scoring opportunities.
0:35–0:50
Offense vs Scout Defense — First team offense runs plays (DUKE, RED, motion) against a scout defense. Scout defense mimics an upcoming opponent's tendencies (if known) or plays generic man-to-man. 8 possessions. Coaches evaluate: is the offense executing plays cleanly? Are reads correct? Is ball movement sharp?
0:50–1:05
Defense vs Scout Offense — First team defense plays against a scout offense. Scout offense runs basic motion and dodges. Defense executes slide package, communication, and crease denial. 8 possessions. Coaches evaluate: slide timing, fill discipline, goalie communication, recovery rotation.
1:05–1:25
10v10 System Retention Scrimmage — Full game. Face-offs, rides, clears, offense, defense — everything installed over the past 7 practices. Coaches observe without coaching (mostly). Take notes on what is working and what needs more reps. This is the Phase 2 final exam.
1:25–1:30
Cool-Down & Debrief — Stretch. Coach reviews strengths and areas for improvement. "Phase 2 is complete. You know the system. Now we integrate and compete." Preview Phase 3. Break on "BTB!"
Key Coaching Points
- This practice is an evaluation — coaches should take more notes than give corrections
- The face-off unit must function as a 3-man team, not 3 individuals
- The scrimmage reveals what needs more work in Phase 3 — watch for breakdowns and trends
- Players who chose to work on their weaknesses during free choice time show maturity
Common Mistakes
- Players choosing to work on strengths during free choice instead of weaknesses — challenge them
- Forgetting the system under scrimmage pressure — this reveals what is not yet internalized
- Face-off wings not crashing hard enough — wing effort is directly tied to possession outcomes
Phase 3 — Integration (Plans 13-18)
13
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Equipment
Balls (20)Goals (2)Cones (16)Goalie gearPinnies (2 colors)
Schedule
0:00–0:10
Dynamic Warm-Up + Sprint/Catch/Shoot — Standard warm-up. Then: sprint to a midfield cone, receive a pass from coach at full speed, turn and shoot. Right hand (5 reps), left hand (5 reps). Catching in stride, shooting in motion.
0:10–0:25
3v2 Fast Break (5 rounds) — Three offensive players vs two defenders from midfield. Push within 5 seconds. Read the defense: who is open? Make the extra pass. Offense earns 1 point per goal, defense earns 2 per stop. First look is always the pass ahead, not the shot.
0:25–0:45
4v3 Transition Push — Four mids vs three defenders. Ball starts at midfield. Attack immediately — numbers advantage disappears every second. First read: score directly? Second: swing to find the open man. Third: if D recovers, settle into 2-3-1. Rotate every 3 minutes, 7 rounds.
0:45–1:10
Full-Field Transition Emphasis — 10v10, every possession starts with a shot on goal. Goalie saves, outlet, fast break if possible. 2 points for transition goals, 1 for settled. Play to 10.
1:10–1:25
Competitive Full-Field — Two teams, 10v10. Face-offs, rides, clears. Three 5-minute periods. The team that pushes transition wins. Losers run.
1:25–1:30
Cool-Down & Debrief — Stretch. "Transition is where games are won. Push the ball, finish in the open field." Break on "BTB!"
Key Coaching Points
- Speed kills in transition — every second you wait, another defender recovers
- First pass must go ahead, not sideways — attack before the defense sets
- 4v3 is the most common opportunity — drill until reads are automatic
- If transition is not there, settle and run the system
Common Mistakes
- Ball carrier running head-down into traffic instead of reading the open man
- Trailing players not sprinting to fill lanes
- Forcing a shot when the defense has recovered — recognize when to settle
14
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Equipment
Balls (20)Goals (2)Cones (12)Goalie gearPinnies (2 colors)
Schedule
0:00–0:10
Dynamic Warm-Up + Recovery Sprints — Standard warm-up. Recovery sprint drill: goal line to midfield and back, then to far restraining line and back. 3 reps. Simulates the sprint-back defenders must make in transition.
0:10–0:25
2v1 Force Angle Drill — One defender vs two offensive players in a 20x20 box. Defender contains, forces to one side, buys time. Body position only, no lunging. Hold 3 seconds per rep. 5 reps per player. Take away the most dangerous option: the crease pass.
0:25–0:45
3v2 Defensive Contain & Slide — Two defenders vs three offensive players, half-field. Nearest defender takes ball, second protects crease and slides when the first is beaten. Open man is always furthest from ball — force the long pass. 8 rounds.
0:45–1:05
Full-Field Transition Defense — 10v10, coach throws ball to offense. Defense sprints back, communicates, matches up. Defense earns 2 points per stop, offense earns 2 per transition goal, 1 for settled. Play to 10.
1:05–1:25
Full-Field Both Ways — 10v10 live. Face-offs, rides, clears. Transition offense and defense combined. Complete transition picture, both directions, game speed.
1:25–1:30
Cool-Down & Debrief — Stretch. "In transition D, the first 5 seconds determine the outcome. Sprint back, communicate, protect the crease." Break on "BTB!"
Key Coaching Points
- Get between your goal and the ball first — positioning before matchup
- Communication is the difference between organized defense and chaos
- Take away the crease first — the most dangerous spot in transition
- Every extra pass gives your team one more second to recover
Common Mistakes
- Defenders jogging back instead of sprinting — transition D is a full sprint
- Matching up with nearest player instead of most dangerous one
- Leaving crease unprotected to pressure ball — crease first, pressure second
15
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Equipment
Balls (20)Goals (2)Cones (8)Goalie gearPinnies (3 colors)Stopwatch
Schedule
0:00–0:10
Dynamic Warm-Up — Standard warm-up. Quick-stick passing. 5 hard shots from the top of the box simulating EMO shooting.
0:10–0:25
EMO 1-3-2 Install — Walk through formation, no defense. Ball movement: top to wing, wing to point, point to crease, then skip passes. Walk, jog, full speed. 6v0 x10 reps. Move the ball faster than the defense can rotate.
0:25–0:40
3 EMO Set Plays — WHEEL, HAMMER, BOX. Walk each 3x against air. Add 5 shell defenders. Run each 3x against shell. Emphasize reads: first option covered, find the second.
0:40–0:55
Man-Down Pentagon Install — 5 defenders in pentagon. Walk rotation: ball right, shift right. Ball left, shift left. Skip = drop to crease. Add 6 offense, walk through 6v5, jog speed. 10 rotations. Goalie communicates every shift.
0:55–1:20
6v5 Live — Both Ways — 5 reps EMO, 5 reps Man-Down. 60-second shot clock per possession. Track EMO goals vs Man-Down kills.
1:20–1:25
Penalty Situation Scrimmage — 10v10 live. Coaches call random penalties. Penalized team goes man-down 60 seconds. Forces transitions in and out of special teams.
1:25–1:30
Cool-Down & Debrief — Stretch. "Special teams win close games. That is us." Break on "BTB!"
Key Coaching Points
- EMO: ball moves faster than defense rotates — stagnant ball = dead possession
- EMO: shoot when you see grass
- Man-Down: pentagon rotates as one — one late defender opens a seam
- Man-Down: goalie is the quarterback
Common Mistakes
- EMO holding ball too long — clock is the enemy
- EMO taking outside shots when inside feeds are available
- Man-Down chasing ball carrier out of the zone
16
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Equipment
Balls (30)Goals (2)Cones (10)Goalie gearPinnies (2 colors)Tennis balls (10)
Schedule
0:00–0:10
Dynamic Warm-Up — Team standard. Goalies separate: footwork ladder, arc steps, tennis ball reaction drills.
0:10–0:25
Goalie Footwork & Positioning — Arc drill: step to 5 shooting angles, set in position. Evaluate: on the arc? Body square? Stick high? Live shots from each spot, 3 per spot. Footwork first, save second.
0:25–0:40
Goalie Communication Drill — 6v6 half-field, defense only, no offense. Goalie directs defense through imaginary scenarios. Coach calls: "Ball up top," "Dodge from wing," "Ball at X." Goalie calls positions. Defenders execute on goalie calls only.
0:40–0:55
Goalie Directing Slides — 6v6 with live offense. Goalie calls: "SLIDE!" "FILL!" "TWO!" Defense executes only on goalie's call. 10 possessions. Forces goalie to read faster than anyone.
0:55–1:15
6v6 Defensive Integration — Full live. Offense runs full system. Defense runs slide package with goalie directing. 12 possessions. Hold offense to under 4 goals.
1:15–1:25
Goalie Clear Outlets — After saves, goalie initiates clear. 8 clears with various ride pressures. Evaluate decision-making.
1:25–1:30
Cool-Down & Debrief — Stretch. "When the goalie leads, the defense follows." Break on "BTB!"
Key Coaching Points
- Goalie communicates BEFORE plays happen — anticipation beats reaction
- Slide timing is goalie's responsibility
- Goalie footwork is the foundation of saves
- Clear decision-making must be drilled
Common Mistakes
- Calling slide too late — call when dodger starts to beat his man
- Dropping stick below waist — stay high in the shooting lane
- Throwing first clear pass without reading the ride
17
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Equipment
Balls (20)Goals (2)Cones (12)Goalie gearPinnies (2 colors)
Schedule
0:00–0:10
Dynamic Warm-Up + Close-Range Shooting — Standard warm-up. 10 shots from crease area: quick stick, shovel, backhand, off-hand. No wind-up inside 5 yards.
0:10–0:25
2-Man Game Execution — Top mid + crease attackman. Mid dodges, crease reads the slide. Slide from crease = crease open. Slide from adjacent = adjacent's man open. 10 reps per group. The dodge creates the slide, the slide creates the open man.
0:25–0:45
3v2 Crease Drills — Three attackmen vs two close D + goalie. Feeds from X, crease seals, finishes inside. Inside 10 yards = 2 points, outside = 1. 5 possessions per group, 4 groups.
0:45–1:10
6v6 — Only Inside Shots Count — Full 6v6. Only shots from inside 10 yards count. Outside shots = turnovers. 15 possessions. Forces the ball inside.
1:10–1:25
Finishing Competition — 4 stations: quick-stick (10 reps), dive-and-score, BTB shots (5 each hand), shovels/backhands (10 reps). Compete for highest make percentage. Losers run.
1:25–1:30
Cool-Down & Debrief — Stretch. "The game is won inside 10 yards. Finish." Break on "BTB!"
Key Coaching Points
- Inside 5 yards, release in under 1 second
- The 2-man game is the most common scoring play
- Crease players keep sticks up and ready always
- Finishing is a drilled skill — repetition creates muscle memory
Common Mistakes
- Crease attackmen turning their back to the ball
- Winding up inside the crease — quick hands only
- Feeds thrown too high or low — must hit stick-side hip
18
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Equipment
Balls (20)Goals (2)Cones (6)Goalie gearPinnies (2 colors)Camera/phoneScoreboard
Schedule
0:00–0:10
Dynamic Warm-Up + Shooting — Standard warm-up. 10 shots on goal. No drill work — game-day simulation.
0:10–0:15
Pre-Game Talk — Deliver shortened Pre-Game Speech. Full speed, execute the system. This is being filmed.
0:15–1:15
10v10 Full Scrimmage (Filmed) — Four 15-minute quarters. Face-offs, penalties, rides, clears, EMO, Man-Down. Full game pace. Coaches film and take notes. Minimal coaching.
1:15–1:20
Post-Scrimmage Debrief — What worked, what broke down. Save details for film.
1:20–1:25
Film Preview (5 min) — Show 2-3 clips: one positive, one needing correction. Immediate visual feedback.
1:25–1:30
Cool-Down & Assignments — Stretch. Film homework: grade yourself 1-5 on effort, positioning, execution. Break on "BTB!"
Key Coaching Points
- This is evaluation — resist stopping play to teach
- Film does not lie
- Scrimmage should feel like a real game
- The 5-minute film preview creates immediate accountability
Common Mistakes
- Coaches intervening too much — let players play
- Players dogging it — the camera changes behavior
- Skipping the film preview
Phase 4 — Competition Prep (Plans 19-22)
19
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Equipment
Balls (20)Goals (2)Cones (12)Goalie gearPinnies (3 colors)Whiteboard
Schedule
0:00–0:10
Dynamic Warm-Up — Standard warm-up. Light passing and shooting to get loose. Mental focus today — this is a preparation practice.
0:10–0:25
Scouting Report Review — Whiteboard session. Present opponent tendencies: their primary offensive set, their top dodger, their face-off specialist, their ride/clear tendencies. Give each defender his matchup assignment. Give the offense the adjustments: where to attack the opponent's D based on their slide tendencies. Players take mental notes — quiz them after.
0:25–0:45
6v6 Simulate Opponent Offense — Scout team runs the opponent's offensive tendencies. First team defense defends it. If opponent likes to dodge from X, the scout team dodges from X. If opponent runs a 1-4-1, scout team runs 1-4-1. 10 possessions. Coaches evaluate: is the defense adjusting? Are the slides effective against this style?
0:45–1:05
6v6 Simulate Opponent Defense — Scout team plays the opponent's defensive style. If opponent plays zone, scout plays zone. If opponent double-teams from X, scout doubles from X. First team offense attacks with adjustments. 10 possessions. Coaches evaluate: are we attacking their weaknesses?
1:05–1:20
Slide/Ride Adjustments — If opponent clears a certain way, adjust the ride. Walk through 3 adjusted ride looks. If opponent rides aggressively, adjust the clear. Walk through 2 adjusted clear looks. Then 5 live reps of each adjustment.
1:20–1:25
Face-Off Intelligence — If scouting info on opponent FOGO is available: discuss tendencies, preferred technique, wing strength. Our FOGO adjusts. 5 simulated face-offs against a scout mimicking opponent's technique.
1:25–1:30
Cool-Down & Debrief — Stretch. "We know who they are. We know what they do. Now we prepare to beat it. Preparation is our advantage." Break on "BTB!"
Key Coaching Points
- Scouting is an advantage only if players internalize it — quiz them
- Do not overthink the adjustments — keep it simple: one offensive adjustment, one defensive adjustment
- The scout team must take their role seriously — bad scout work = bad preparation
- Face-off intelligence is a real weapon — know the opponent's tendencies at the X
Common Mistakes
- Information overload — give players 2-3 key adjustments, not 10
- Scout team not accurately mimicking the opponent — garbage in, garbage out
- Players dismissing scouting as unnecessary — preparation separates good teams from great ones
20
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Equipment
Balls (20)Goals (2)Cones (8)Goalie gearPinnies (2 colors)Scoreboard/timer
Schedule
0:00–0:10
Dynamic Warm-Up — Standard warm-up. Light shooting. High-intensity mindset from the start — every rep today simulates a game situation.
0:10–0:25
Situation: Down 1, Last 2 Minutes — Set the clock at 2:00. Trailing team has possession. They must score to tie. Offense runs best play with urgency — clock management, shot selection, no turnovers. If they score, play a face-off for the win. Defense plays to protect the lead — force difficult shots, no fouls. Run 3 times. Both sides get feedback.
0:25–0:40
Situation: Up 1, Last 1 Minute — Winning team has possession. Hold the ball, eat clock, force the trailing team to foul or gamble. If we lose possession, play shutdown defense. If trailing team gets ball back, they have 60 seconds to tie. Run 3 times. Emphasis: composure, clock awareness, smart decisions.
0:40–0:55
Situation: Tied, Face-Off for Overtime — Simulate overtime setup. Face-off. Winner gets one possession to score. If they score, game over. If not, other team gets one possession. Run 5 overtime simulations. Best FOGO on the X. Named play call. Execute under pressure.
0:55–1:15
Situation: Man-Up/Man-Down in Crunch Time — Down 1 with a man-up opportunity. 60 seconds on the EMO clock. Must score. Run 3 times. Then: Up 1, penalty called on us, must kill 60 seconds man-down. Run 3 times. The pressure is real — simulate it.
1:15–1:25
Full Situation Scrimmage — Play a continuous 10-minute scrimmage with situations injected. Coach announces the situation as the game runs: "You are down 2 with 4 minutes left — GO." "Penalty on blue — man-down NOW." "Tied, 30 seconds — GO." Forces real-time decision-making.
1:25–1:30
Cool-Down & Debrief — Stretch. "We practice every situation so nothing surprises us on game day. Pressure is a privilege." Break on "BTB!"
Key Coaching Points
- Composure wins close games — panicked teams make mistakes
- Clock awareness: every player must know the score, time, and situation
- When protecting a lead, turnovers are the enemy — take care of the ball above all else
- Overtime is won by the team that executes one play perfectly
Common Mistakes
- Taking quick shots when leading and trying to eat clock
- Fouling when protecting a lead — discipline wins, penalties lose
- FOGO rushing in overtime instead of executing his best technique
21
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Equipment
Balls (20)Goals (2)Cones (20)Goalie gearPinnies (4 colors)
Schedule
0:00–0:10
Dynamic Warm-Up + Music — Play music on a speaker. High energy warm-up. Competitive stretching: who can hold the longest plank? Loser's group does 10 push-ups. Set the tone: today is about competing and having fun.
0:10–0:25
Competitive Relay Races — 4 teams. Relay 1: Sprint + ground ball scoop + sprint back. Relay 2: Cradling obstacle course (weave through cones, switch hands). Relay 3: Pass-and-catch relay (each player must complete a catch before the next player goes). Losing team each round does 10 push-ups. Winning team chooses the next relay challenge.
0:25–0:40
1v1 King of the Hill — Bracket tournament. Each player draws a matchup. 1v1 from the top of the box, live to goal. Winner advances. Loser goes to the losers bracket (everyone keeps playing). Semifinal and final in front of the full team. Coaches commentate like it is a championship game. Crown the King of the Hill.
0:40–1:00
4v4 Tournament — 4 teams of 4. Round-robin format. 4-minute games. Small field (half of a half-field). No goalies — shoot at an open net. Physical, fast, competitive. Winning team goes undefeated or wins a championship game at the end. Losers run, winners celebrate.
1:00–1:20
6v6 Celebrate Every Goal — Full 6v6 with a rule: after every goal, the entire scoring team celebrates. Specific celebration for each goal: first goal = team chest bump, second = group jump, third = dance. This builds team chemistry and joy. Play for 20 minutes, keep score, but the emphasis is on energy and confidence.
1:20–1:25
Team Challenge: Perfect 10 — Entire team stands in a circle. Must complete 10 consecutive passes without a drop. If someone drops it, restart. Clock is running. Team record to beat. If they hit 10, go for 20. This builds collective focus and accountability.
1:25–1:30
Cool-Down & Debrief — Stretch in a circle. Coach speaks: "Confidence comes from preparation and from each other. We are ready. We trust each other. Now we go prove it." Break on "BTB!"
Key Coaching Points
- Confidence is built, not found — today's purpose is to build it through competition and success
- Celebrate effort and toughness, not just goals — the hardest worker gets the loudest recognition
- Team chemistry matters in tight games — players who like each other play harder for each other
- Fun and competition are not opposites — the best teams compete joyfully
Common Mistakes
- Letting the energy drop — keep the music on, keep the competitions flowing
- Only recognizing the best players — find something to praise in every player today
- Making it too serious — this is a confidence-building day, not a correction day
22
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Equipment
Balls (20)Goals (2)Cones (6)Goalie gearPinnies (2 colors)Scoreboard/timerWhistle (ref)Camera
Schedule
0:00–0:10
Pre-Game Routine — Dynamic warm-up as if it is game day. Jog, stretch, 2-line passing, shooting on goalies. Replicate the exact pre-game routine you will use on tournament day. No deviations.
0:10–0:15
Pre-Game Speech — Deliver full Pre-Game Speech (see Coach Scripts). Set the tone. Name the starters. Call the first face-off FOGO and play. This is as real as it gets before game day.
0:15–0:35
First Half (Two 10-min periods) — Full 10v10. Real face-offs. An assistant coach acts as referee — calls penalties, manages substitutions. Scoreboard runs. Coaches on the sideline call plays, call rides, call timeouts. Treat every whistle like a real game. First half ends, teams go to separate areas.
0:35–0:40
Halftime — Deliver halftime adjustments. If winning, give Halftime Winning speech. If losing, give Halftime Losing speech. Make 1-2 tactical adjustments. Hydrate. Get back on the field.
0:40–1:00
Second Half (Two 10-min periods) — Continue the game. Inject situations: call a penalty in the 3rd quarter, force EMO/Man-Down. If the game is close in the 4th, let the tension build. Coach manages clock, substitutions, and timeouts as he would in a real game.
1:00–1:10
Post-Game — Bring both teams in. Deliver Post-Game speech (win or loss version). Highlight key plays and key players. Be specific: "Number 12, your slide in the 3rd quarter saved a goal. That is BTB defense." General team assessment: what we did well, what we fix.
1:10–1:25
Film Review (if time) — Show 3-4 clips from the simulation. One offensive execution, one defensive breakdown, one transition play, one special teams play. Quick hits — 30 seconds per clip, 30 seconds of coaching. Players see themselves in a game context.
1:25–1:30
Cool-Down & Final Message — Stretch. "That was our dress rehearsal. Game day will feel exactly like this — because we have already done it. We are ready." Break on "BTB!"
Key Coaching Points
- Every detail matters: replicate the pre-game routine, the speeches, the halftime, the post-game
- The assistant coach as referee adds realism — players must adjust to whistles and calls
- Halftime adjustments should be practiced — keep them short (2-3 changes only)
- Post-game specificity is critical — name players and plays, not generalities
Common Mistakes
- Treating it like a scrimmage instead of a game simulation — the details matter
- Coaches not managing the sideline (substitutions, timeouts) — practice your coaching too
- Halftime speech running too long — you have 5 minutes, use them wisely
Phase 5 — Championship Prep (Plans 23-25)
23
▾
Equipment
Balls (20)Goals (2)Cones (8)Goalie gearPinnies (2 colors)WhiteboardFilm clips (tablet/phone)
Schedule
0:00–0:10
Dynamic Warm-Up — Standard warm-up. Light and focused. No heavy conditioning — save legs for the tournament.
0:10–0:30
Mental Walk-Through: Every Situation — No sticks. Team sits in a circle. Coach walks through every situation verbally: "It is 4th quarter, we are up 1, they have the ball at midfield. What do we do?" Go around the circle — every player answers. Situations: settled offense (what play?), settled defense (where is the slide?), face-off (who is on?), EMO (what formation?), man-down (what call?), clearing (what is the read?), riding (what is the call?). This is the ultimate comprehension test.
0:30–0:45
Best-Execution Film Clips — Show 5-6 clips from previous practices and scrimmages where the team executed perfectly. A perfect slide. A beautiful play call and finish. A clean clear under pressure. A face-off win to fast break goal. Let the team see themselves at their best. "This is who we are when we execute."
0:45–1:05
Install Adjustments — Based on scouting, make 2-3 small adjustments to the system. Example: if the opponent's goalie is weak high, tell shooters to go high. If the opponent's FOGO uses a motorcycle, teach the counter. Walk through adjustments 3 times each. Jog speed 3 times. Do not overload — small adjustments only.
1:05–1:20
6v6 Light Live — Full 6v6 at 80% speed. Run every play once: DUKE, RED, BLUE, FAST, FLIP. Run slide package once. Run EMO once. Run man-down once. One face-off. One clear. This is a systems check — does everything still work? Fix any final kinks. No full contact — save bodies for game day.
1:20–1:25
10 Face-Off Reps — FOGOs get 10 live reps. Final tuning. Track results. Reinforce confidence: "You have been winning face-offs all season. Trust your hands."
1:25–1:30
Cool-Down & Championship Speech Preview — Stretch. Give a preview of the championship mindset: "Everything we have built — every drill, every rep, every practice — comes down to this. We are prepared. We are confident. We are BTB." Break on "BTB!"
Key Coaching Points
- This is a sharpening practice, not a teaching practice — polish, do not rebuild
- The mental walk-through reveals who truly understands the system
- Film of their own success builds belief — let them see themselves winning
- Light live ensures the body is ready without risking injury
Common Mistakes
- Going too hard physically — save the energy for the tournament
- Overloading adjustments — 2-3 max, or nothing sticks
- Coaches showing anxiety — your calm confidence transfers to the team
24
▾
Equipment
Balls (20)Goals (2)Cones (8)Goalie gearPinnies
Schedule
0:00–0:10
Dynamic Warm-Up — Light and easy. No sprints. Jog, stretch, loosen up. Focus on mobility — hips, shoulders, ankles. This is a maintenance practice, not a conditioning session.
0:10–0:25
Shooting & Passing — Partners at 15 yards, 50 catches each hand. Then shooting: 5 shots from each position (top, wing, crease). Make it fun — shooting competitions, trick shots allowed on the last round. Build confidence with every made shot. Goalies get a full warm-up — they need to feel sharp.
0:25–0:40
4v4 Fun Energy — Small-sided games on a compressed field. No positions, no systems — just play. 4v4, first to 3 goals. Winners stay on. Music playing. Coaches play too if numbers allow. This is about joy and confidence — not correction.
0:40–0:50
10 Face-Off Reps — FOGOs only. 10 live reps. Light and technical. No full-speed battles — just clean reps. Wings practice their reads. Confidence-building: highlight every clean win.
0:50–0:55
Tournament Format Talk — Bring team in. Explain the tournament format: bracket structure, game times, warm-up schedule, meeting point, uniform requirements. Answer questions. Eliminate uncertainty — the team should know exactly what to expect.
0:55–1:00
Cool-Down & Closing — Stretch in a circle. "We have done the work. Every practice, every drill, every rep has led to this. There is nothing left to teach. You are ready. Trust yourself. Trust your teammates. Trust the system. Go be the best." Break on "BTB!"
Key Coaching Points
- 60 minutes only — do not overwork the body the day before competition
- Energy and confidence are the goals — every drill should end with players feeling good
- The tournament format talk eliminates anxiety — uncertainty creates nerves
- Coaches: your energy today sets the tone for tomorrow. Be positive, confident, and composed.
Common Mistakes
- Going too long or too hard — 60 minutes max, light intensity
- Introducing new concepts — this is not the time to teach, it is the time to believe
- Coach showing nervousness — players mirror your energy, so bring calm confidence
25
▾
Equipment
Balls (10)Goals (1)Cones (4)Goalie gear
Schedule
0:00–0:10
Light Warm-Up + Visualization — Walk and jog only. Dynamic stretching. Then: 2 minutes of silence. Every player closes his eyes and visualizes his best play. Visualize the face-off win. Visualize the perfect slide. Visualize the goal. See it before you do it.
0:10–0:20
Pre-Game Script — Walk through the first 5 minutes of the game in slow motion. Face-off: FOGO knows his technique, wings know their reads. If we win: fast break or settle? If we lose: ride or fall back? First offensive possession: what play? First defensive set: where is the slide? Walk every scenario at half speed. No contact, no intensity — just mental clarity.
0:20–0:30
Light Shooting + Goalie Warm-Up — 5 shots from each player. Emphasis: hit the target, feel the ball leave the stick cleanly. Goalies get a full warm-up with close-range shots and then live shots from 12 yards. This is about feel, not fitness.
0:30–0:40
Team Ritual — Every team needs a ritual. It could be a team chant, a captain's huddle, a specific handshake, or a moment of silence. Whatever your team's ritual is, do it now. This is the last thing they do before taking the field. It connects them. It reminds them who they are and what they have built together.
0:40–0:45
Championship Speech — Deliver the full Championship Speech (see Coach Scripts). This is the moment. Every word matters. Look every player in the eye. Tell them what they have earned. Tell them to leave nothing on the field. Break on "BTB!" — and go win.
Key Coaching Points
- 30-45 minutes only — this is a mental preparation session, not a physical one
- Visualization is a proven performance tool — take it seriously
- The pre-game script eliminates first-possession jitters — players know exactly what to do
- The team ritual builds identity — it is the last emotional anchor before competition
- The Championship Speech is the culmination of everything — deliver it with conviction
Common Mistakes
- Running too long — keep it under 45 minutes, period
- Skipping visualization — it feels silly, but it works. Make them do it.
- Giving a flat speech — this is your moment too. Bring everything you have.
10
Coach Scripts
Ten word-for-word scripts for the defining moments of the season. Memorize the spirit, not the exact words. Deliver with conviction. Look every player in the eye. Mean every word.
01
Opening Day Speech
▾
[Team gathered, no sticks, full attention]
Look around. Look at the guys standing next to you. By the end of this season, these are the guys you will go to war with. But right now, you are just a group of players wearing the same jersey. My job — our coaching staff's job — is to turn this group into a team. And not just any team. A BTB team.
[Pause, make eye contact]
Let me tell you what that means. BTB is not a recreation league. This is not a place where you show up, go through the motions, and collect a participation trophy. This is a program that demands your best — every single day. We are going to push you harder than any other program on Long Island. We are going to coach you harder, drill you harder, and compete harder. And if you commit to that process, you will become a player that no one on this island wants to face.
[Raise voice slightly]
Here is what I expect from you. Show up early. Stay late. Wall ball every day — no exceptions. When a coach corrects you, do not make excuses — fix it. When a teammate makes a mistake, pick him up — do not tear him down. When the drill gets hard, go harder. When the game gets tight, be the guy who wants the ball.
[Lower voice, serious]
There are three things that will get you benched in this program: a lack of effort, a bad attitude, and selfishness. I do not care how talented you are. Talent without effort is wasted potential. If you bring effort, attitude, and selflessness every day, you will play. If you do not, someone else will.
[Final, with energy]
We are BTB. We are built to win and designed to develop. The work starts now. Let us go.
02
Offensive Install Speech
▾
[Before first offensive system practice]
Today we install our offense. And I need you to understand something before we start: this system works. It works because it is built on trust, spacing, and ball movement — not on one guy trying to be a hero. The offense does not depend on one player being great. It depends on six players being connected.
[Direct]
When you trust the system, the system creates open shots. When you trust the guy next to you, the ball moves faster than the defense can react. Our offense is designed to make the defense wrong. Every pick, every cut, every skip pass is designed to put a defender in a position where he has to choose — and whatever he chooses, we have the answer.
[Serious]
But here is the deal. The system breaks down when someone decides he does not need it. When a midfielder holds the ball for 8 seconds looking for his own shot instead of making the extra pass. When an attackman stands on the crease instead of cutting. When someone ignores the play call and freelances. That is when we look like a pickup team instead of a program.
[Finish strong]
I need your buy-in today. Not tomorrow, not next week — today. Trust the system. Trust your teammates. Make the extra pass. Move without the ball. Take the shot the defense gives you, not the one you want. If we do that, we will be the hardest offense on Long Island to defend. Now let us get to work.
03
Defensive Install Speech
▾
[Before first defensive system practice]
Defense wins championships. I know you have heard that before. But I need you to actually believe it. Because it is true. The team that controls the defensive end controls the game. Offense gets the highlights. Defense gets the wins.
[Intense]
Here is what BTB defense looks like. It is six guys who communicate on every possession — loud, clear, constant. It is a slide that arrives on time, every time, because the crease defender trusts that the fill is coming behind him. It is a close defenseman who takes pride in making his matchup's life miserable for four quarters. It is a goalie who sees the field, directs the traffic, and makes the save when we need it.
[Point to each defender]
This is not individual defense. This is team defense. You are not out there alone. When you get beat — and you will get beat, every defender does — the slide is there. When the slide comes, the fill is there. When the fill comes, the rotation covers down. We recover as a team. No one gets hung out to dry.
[Lower voice]
But that only works if everyone does their job. If one guy is late to his slide, someone scores. If one guy does not communicate, someone is open. If one guy gives up on the play, the whole defense collapses. Defense requires trust, effort, and discipline. Bring all three, and we will be the toughest defense anyone plays against this season.
[Clap, get moving]
Defense wins championships. Let us go build one.
04
Face-Off Install Speech
▾
[Before first face-off practice]
What is the most important play in lacrosse? A goal? A save? A ride? No. It is the face-off. Every single possession starts at the X. The team that wins the face-off battle controls how many opportunities each team gets. If we win 60 percent of our face-offs, we get 60 percent of the possessions. That is how you control a game.
[To the FOGOs]
To our face-off guys: you have the most important job on this team. I do not care if you never score a goal. If you win face-offs, you are the most valuable player on the field. You control the game. You give our offense the ball. You take it away from their offense. That is power. Own it.
[To the wings]
Wings: your job is simple but critical. Read the face-off, react to the ball, and win the ground ball. First man to the dirt wins. You do not guess — you read. Clamp goes center, you crash. Plunger goes forward, you release. Get low, get your hands dirty, and come up with the ball.
[To the whole team]
We practice face-offs every single day. Ten minutes minimum. Our FOGOs will take 50 dry reps and 10 live reps every practice. By the end of this season, we will own the X. Every possession starts here. Let us go take them.
05
Pre-Game Speech
▾
[In the huddle, right before taking the field]
Listen up. You have done the work. Every practice, every drill, every wall ball session, every film study — it was all for this. Right now, right here. This is why we train. This is why we push ourselves when nobody is watching. Because when the whistle blows, the work speaks for itself.
[Make eye contact around the circle]
Here is what I need from you. Play for each other. Not for yourself, not for the scoreboard, not for the parents in the stands. Play for the guy standing next to you. When you dodge, know that your teammates are cutting, picking, and spacing for you. When you slide, know that the fill is coming behind you. When you go to the face-off X, know that your wings are ready. We are connected. We play as one.
[Raise intensity]
Execute what we practiced. Run our offense. Play our defense. Win the face-off. Ride hard. Clear smart. And when the game gets tight — because it will — I want to see who wants it more. I want to see who is willing to lay it all on the line. That is what separates good from great.
[Calm and firm]
We are BTB. We are prepared. We are together. Hands in. BTB on three. One, two, three — BTB!
06
Halftime — Winning
▾
[Team gathered at halftime, leading]
Good half. We are doing a lot of things right. Our offense is moving the ball, our defense is sliding on time, and we are winning the face-off battle. That is the result of preparation.
[Shift tone — serious]
But we are not done. Not even close. The most dangerous thing in lacrosse is a comfortable lead. The moment you relax, the moment you think this game is won, that is when the other team comes back. I have seen it a hundred times. A team goes up, stops playing with urgency, and watches the lead disappear.
[Tactical]
Here is what we adjust. First, keep pushing the pace — do not slow down. If we have a fast break, take it. Second, on defense, tighten up the crease denial — they got two looks inside that I did not like. Third, face-off guys, stay aggressive. Do not change what is working.
[Final push]
Play the third quarter like we are down by one. That is the mentality. No letup. No cruise control. Finish what we started. Let us go.
07
Halftime — Losing
▾
[Team gathered at halftime, trailing]
Take a breath. Relax your shoulders. Look at me.
[Calm, measured]
We are down. I am not going to sugarcoat it. We are not playing our best lacrosse right now. But here is what I know: we have practiced playing from behind. We have practiced situational lacrosse. We know what to do. The score does not define us — our response defines us.
[Tactical adjustments]
On offense: we are holding the ball too long. Move it. Trust the system. The open shot is one more pass away. On defense: our slides are a half-second late. Crease defender, be ready to go before the dodge starts. On face-offs: we need to win the next three. That changes the momentum.
[Building energy]
I believe this team is better than what we showed in the first half. I believe every player in this huddle has another gear. And when we play with composure, effort, and trust in each other, there is no team on this field that can beat us.
[Strong finish]
The comeback starts right now. First possession of the third quarter — that is where we turn this game. Be aggressive. Be disciplined. Play for each other. Hands in. BTB on three.
08
Post-Game Win
▾
[After a win, team circled up]
That is what BTB lacrosse looks like. You earned that. Every single one of you. The guys who scored the goals, the guys who made the slides, the guys who won the face-offs, and the guys who cheered from the bench — everyone contributed.
[Specific recognition]
I want to call out a few plays. [Name specific players and plays — a clutch save, a key face-off win, a perfect slide, a selfless extra pass.] Those moments won this game. Not talent. Execution. Preparation. Teamwork.
[Refocus]
Now here is the part you might not want to hear. We are not done. One win does not make a season. Celebrate tonight — you earned it. But tomorrow, the work starts again. The team we play next does not care about today's score.
[Close]
Stay hungry. Stay humble. Trust the process. I am proud of you. Hands in. BTB on three.
09
Post-Game Loss
▾
[After a loss, team circled up, heads down]
Heads up. Look at me. Everyone.
[Steady, not angry]
That was not the result we wanted. It hurts. It should. If it did not hurt, you would not care enough. And this team cares. I saw it in the fourth quarter when we were fighting to come back. I saw it on the face-off X. I saw it on the defensive end. You care. That is the foundation of everything.
[Honest assessment]
But caring is not enough. We need to be honest. We turned the ball over too many times. We gave up second-chance goals on the crease. Our rides lost discipline in the second half. Those are fixable problems. Every single one. And we will fix them this week.
[No excuses]
Here is what we do not do. We do not blame the refs. We do not blame the field. We do not blame each other. We own this loss as a team. The best teams lose, learn, and come back better. That is what we are going to do.
[Lift them up]
I still believe in this team. One loss does not change who we are. Go home, rest, and come back ready to work. We get better tomorrow. Hands in. BTB on three.
10
Championship Speech
▾
[Before the biggest game of the season]
Come in tight. Closer. I want every one of you to hear every word.
[Quiet, building]
Do you remember the first day of this season? I stood in front of you and told you what this program demands. Effort. Attitude. Accountability. I told you we were going to build something special. And look where we are. Right here. The biggest game of the year. You earned this. Not me. You. Every wall ball session. Every ground ball in practice. Every film study assignment. Every sprint when your lungs were burning. Every time you picked up a teammate. It all led here.
[Eye contact, intense]
This game is not about talent. The other team has talent. This game is about who trusts each other more. Who slides harder. Who fights for every ground ball. Who makes the extra pass when the easy play is to force a shot. Who stays composed when the crowd is loud and the game is tight. That is us. That is what we built.
[Rising]
I do not want you to play tight. I do not want you nervous. Play free. Play fast. Play together. Trust the system. Trust your brothers. When you step on that field, you carry every player in this program with you. Every practice. Every sacrifice. Every moment that made us who we are.
[Final — everything you have]
Leave nothing on that field. Nothing. When the final whistle blows, I want you to know — in your heart — that you gave everything you had. That is the BTB standard. That is who we are. Now let us go write our story. Hands in. BTB on three. One — two — three — BTB!
11
Player Development Tracking Sheets
Printable tracking sheets for player evaluation, attendance, film study, goal setting, face-off specialist development, and coach self-evaluation. Print on white paper for pen-and-paper use.
Individual Skills Checklist
BTB Boys Academy · Player Evaluation
| Skill | Date | Rating (1-5) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stick Skills | |||
| Passing — Right Hand | |||
| Passing — Left Hand | |||
| Catching — Right Hand | |||
| Catching — Left Hand | |||
| Ground Balls | |||
| Dodging | |||
| Roll Dodge | |||
| Face Dodge | |||
| Split Dodge | |||
| Bull Dodge | |||
| Shooting | |||
| Overhand — Right | |||
| Overhand — Left | |||
| Sidearm | |||
| Behind-the-Back | |||
| Quick Stick / Crease Finish | |||
| Defense | |||
| Defensive Stance / Footwork | |||
| Body Checking | |||
| Stick Checking (Poke/Slap/Lift) | |||
| Stick Protection | |||
| IQ & Intangibles | |||
| Communication | |||
| Off-Ball Movement | |||
| Game IQ / Decision Making | |||
| Effort / Hustle | |||
Practice Attendance Log
BTB Boys Academy · Season Tracker
| Player Name | W1 | W2 | W3 | W4 | W5 | W6 | W7 | W8 | W9 | W10 | W11 | W12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P = Present · A = Absent · T = Tardy · X = Excused
Film Study Completion Tracker
BTB Boys Academy · Weekly Film Assignments
| Player Name | Wk1 | Wk2 | Wk3 | Wk4 | Wk5 | Wk6 | Wk7 | Wk8 | Wk9 | Wk10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Y = Completed · N = Not Completed · Record quiz score (1-5) in cell
Season Goal Sheet
BTB Boys Academy · Individual Player Goals
| Player Information | |
|---|---|
| Player Name | |
| Position(s) | |
| Graduation Year | |
| Individual Goals | |
|---|---|
| Goal 1 (Skill) | |
| Goal 2 (Fitness) | |
| Goal 3 (Mental/IQ) | |
| Team Goals | |
|---|---|
| Team Goal 1 | |
| Team Goal 2 | |
| Mid-Season Check-In | |
|---|---|
| Date | |
| Goal 1 Progress (1-5) | |
| Goal 2 Progress (1-5) | |
| Goal 3 Progress (1-5) | |
| Adjustments Needed | |
| End-of-Season Reflection | |
|---|---|
| Date | |
| Goal 1 Final (1-5) | |
| Goal 2 Final (1-5) | |
| Goal 3 Final (1-5) | |
| Biggest Improvement | |
| Offseason Focus | |
Face-Off Specialist Log
BTB Boys Academy · FOGO Development Tracker
| Date | Practice W | Practice L | Win % | Game W | Game L | Win % | Technique | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FOGO: _________________ Techniques: Clamp / Plunger / Motorcycle / Rake / Jump
Coach Self-Evaluation Form
BTB Boys Academy · Post-Practice Assessment
| Practice Info | |
|---|---|
| Date | |
| Practice Plan # | |
| Focus Area | |
| Category | Rating (1-5) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Practice Execution | ||
| Energy & Enthusiasm | ||
| Player Engagement | ||
| Teaching Clarity | ||
| Individual Feedback | ||
| Positive Reinforcement | ||
| Time Management | ||
| Game-Day Preparation |
| Reflection | |
|---|---|
| What went well? | |
| What would I change? | |
| One improvement for next practice | |
12
Film Study Assignments
A 10-week progressive film study curriculum. Each week has a focus, viewing assignment, analysis questions, and a deliverable. Film study is not optional — it is how we develop lacrosse IQ.
Week 1
Fundamentals — Passing & Catching
Assignment: Watch one full quarter of a Division I college lacrosse game. Focus exclusively on passing and catching.
Watch For: Hand position on the pass. Follow-through toward the target. How players catch on the run — soft hands, giving with the ball, immediate cradle. Quick-stick release speed.
Questions: (1) How many passes were one-handed vs two-handed? (2) Did you see any drops? What caused them? (3) Identify one elite passer — what made him stand out? (4) How did passing speed differ between settled offense and transition?
Deliverable: Write 3 sentences: one thing learned about passing, one about catching, one thing to work on in your own game.
Week 2
Dodging — Setting Up the Move
Assignment: Watch 3 college dodging highlight reels. Pause and rewind each dodge at least once.
Watch For: How the dodger sets up the move — change of speed, body position. Dodge technique (roll, face, split, bull). What happened after — shoot, pass, or turnover?
Questions: (1) Identify the technique in 5 examples. (2) What was the setup move? (3) Strong hand or weak? (4) How did the defense react?
Deliverable: List 5 dodges: technique, setup, and result for each.
Week 3
Defensive Positioning — Slides & Communication
Assignment: Watch one full half. Focus only on the defense — ignore the ball carrier, watch off-ball defenders and the goalie.
Watch For: Off-ball positioning relative to ball and man. Slide triggers. Communication cues (body language, pre-positioning).
Questions: (1) Count slides in the half — how many on time vs late? (2) Identify one breakdown — what caused it? (3) How did the goalie direct the defense? (4) Post-slide recovery or goal?
Deliverable: Draw the slide package observed (crease slide + fill). Describe the rotation.
Week 4
Face-Off Film — Technique & Wing Play
Assignment: Watch a college face-off highlight compilation. At least 15 face-offs.
Watch For: FOGO technique (clamp, plunger, motorcycle, rake, jump). Wing reactions — crash vs release. Ball direction per technique.
Questions: (1) Most common technique? (2) Identify 3 face-offs where wing play determined the outcome. (3) Any false starts? (4) Did FOGOs change technique in close games?
Deliverable: Chart 10 face-offs: technique, result, wing play, outcome.
Week 5
Settled Offense — Creating the Shot
Assignment: Watch one full quarter focused on offensive possessions. Diagram at least one play.
Watch For: Formation (1-4-1, 2-3-1, etc.). How the shot was created — dodge, pick, feed, skip pass. Pass count before the goal. Shot location.
Questions: (1) What formation? (2) Diagram one play start to finish. (3) Possessions ending in shot vs turnover? (4) Highest-percentage shot and why it was open.
Deliverable: Draw one offensive play. Label players, movements, shot location. Explain what made it work.
Week 6
Transition — Fast Break Decision-Making
Assignment: Watch a full game. Track every transition opportunity (fast break, early offense). Focus on 4v3 and 3v2 situations.
Watch For: Ball speed up the field after saves/turnovers. First decision: pass or carry? Who scored in 4v3 and why? Defense recovery time.
Questions: (1) How many transition opportunities? How many goals? (2) Key decision that created each transition goal? (3) Failed transitions — too slow, bad pass, or D recovered? (4) Describe one 4v3 play's decision-making.
Deliverable: Track 5 transition opportunities: situation, key decision, outcome.
Week 7
Man-Up / Man-Down — Ball Movement Patterns
Assignment: Search for college EMO/man-up highlights. Watch at least 5 man-up possessions.
Watch For: EMO formation. Ball movement pattern. When the shot was taken — what pass created it? Man-down rotation.
Questions: (1) EMO formation used? (2) Passes before the shot on each possession? (3) Which was the "money pass"? (4) What did the man-down defense do right when they killed it?
Deliverable: Describe the ball movement pattern for the best EMO goal. Passes, shot location, defensive mistake.
Week 8
Clearing — Goalie Decisions & Outlet Timing
Assignment: Watch a full game focused on every clearing situation after saves/turnovers.
Watch For: Goalie's outlet speed. Clear direction — strong side or weak? Fast break push or settled formation? Ride pressure.
Questions: (1) Successful vs failed clears? (2) Goalie's first look each time? (3) One disrupted clear — what went wrong? (4) One clean fast-break clear — what worked?
Deliverable: Track 8 clears: first pass, direction, fast break or settled, result. Calculate success rate.
Week 9
Full Game Analysis — Possession Tally
Assignment: Watch a complete college game. Track every possession for both teams.
Watch For: Total possessions. How each ended: goal, shot on goal, turnover, penalty. Face-off wins. Clear success rate.
Questions: (1) Which team had more possessions? Did they win? (2) Shooting percentage per team? (3) Turnovers per team? (4) Face-off correlation to final score? (5) Single biggest factor in the outcome?
Deliverable: Create a stat sheet: possessions, goals, shots, turnovers, face-off wins, clears, penalties. One-paragraph analysis of why the winner won.
Week 10
Self Film Review — Grade Yourself
Assignment: Watch your own game or scrimmage film. The most important assignment of the season.
Watch For: Your positioning on every play. Your effort level — sprinting or jogging? Your communication — talking or silent? Your decision-making — right reads or wrong?
Rate Yourself (1-5):
- Positioning: Right spot on every play? (1 = rarely, 5 = always)
- Effort: Sprint on every play, transition, ride? (1 = coasted, 5 = relentless)
- Communication: Talk on D, call for ball, direct teammates? (1 = silent, 5 = constant)
- Lacrosse IQ: Smart decisions with and without the ball? (1 = poor, 5 = elite)
Deliverable: Your 4 ratings and one specific change for the next game. Be honest. Film does not lie.