PRACTICE
11 (Scrimmaging/Game Situations)
After a great week of review of the lessons learned during the first half of
the season, you are ready to continue developing the players knowledge of the
game of lacrosse. This practice you will have the players compete in their
first scrimmage.
First 5 Minutes (Review)
Bring all of the players and coaches together. Begin the practice by
reiterating what was conveyed at the end of the last practice. Assess the
progress made toward the goals for your season. Explain the plan for this
practice. Address any questions the players may have.
Next 10 Minutes (Warm-up)
Divide the players into several lines on the midfield line
facing one of the restraining lines. Go through repetitions of the following
between the mid line and the restraining line: 50 percent run with high
knees, butt kicks (lifting the legs up high in the back), side shuffle,
running backwards; then 75 percent run; and 100 percent run.
During the warm-up, pull the goalies aside and have them work with one or
two of the coaches. It is important for the goalies to be properly warmed up
and comfortable taking shots before the real action of practice. Also, it is
a great opportunity for the goalies to get some one-on-one instruction to
help them develop as players. One great drill to work on the hand-eye
coordination for goalies is to have them start by warming up with a regular
stick (instead of the larger goalie head).
Next 30 Minutes (Stick Skills)
Three-Man Weave: Perform the drill as you have in previous practices. Keep
count of the number of drops as the players go through the drill. Encourage
the players to work together and focus to keep the ball off the ground (this
is something we did at Syracuse University and we'd even have drops at that
level!).
Two Man Inside-Outside: Split the players into two lines that start on one
goal line facing the other – the lines should be about five yards
apart. The players hold their sticks in their outside hands and pass the ball
back and forth as many times as possible until they get to the midfield line.
When the players get to the midfield line, they both swing to the outside so
that they are about 15 yards apart. Again with the sticks in the outside
hands, the players go back toward the goal line, making a longer pass on the
move. Repeat this drill and have the players switch lines.
Then do Line Drills.
Next 2 Minutes (Water Break)
Keep your players hydrated with a water break. But have them hustle back to
the field. You can consider having this break during Stick Skills.
Next 10 Minutes (Shooting Drills)
Review the fundamentals of shooting that were learned in previous practices.
Have the players perform the following drills:
Dodge and Shoot on the Run
Inside Shooting
Next 10 Minutes (Stick Protection and Dodging)
Review with the players the different types of dodges and have the players
practice the dodges against the coaches as drilled previously.
Next 2 Minutes (Water Break)
Keep your players hydrated with a water break. But have them hustle back to
the field.
Next 15 Minutes (Scrimmage)
It's important
to get the players on the field in a scrimmage situation. Any game-like
situation aids the players.
Divide the players into two teams at each position. Let the players play in
a controlled scrimmage setting. There will be a lot of different
circumstances to teach as the scrimmage progresses, but it will be a lot of
fun for both the players and coach. Keep score and keep the players engaged.
Right before the end of practice, blow the whistle and tell all the players
to enter the game. Let them enjoy the game for one minute as it was
originally played – it is a fun twist for the young players.
Ending Practice
In your team huddle, review what was learned and congratulate the players
for their hard work. Also, establish the next practice time (or game time, if
you're into your season) with the players and parents, and follow up with an
email.
