PRACTICE
6 (Odd-Man Drills)
This practice will present a great opportunity to explain how to
successfully take advantage of odd-man situations.
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 and 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.
Here's another quick stationary stretch:
Stand straight and bend the right arm with the elbow touching the back of
the head. Grab with the left hand and pull toward the left shoulder. Hold for
a 10 count, then mimic with the other arm. This stretches the shoulder
joint.
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 begins. Also,
it is a great opportunity for the goalies to get some one-on-one instruction
to help them develop as players.
Next 25 Minutes
(Stick Skills)
Bring all of the players into a huddle again. Have the players explain the
keys to passing and throwing. Reinforce whatever points the players miss.
Then perform the following drills:
Line Drills: Break the
players up into an even number of lines (it would be ideal to have about six
players in each line). One line should be on the midfield line and the other
line should be on one of the restraining lines (repeat this across the width
of the field for each grouping of two lines). Line drills provide the
opportunity for players to practice stick skills while in motion. After the
lines are set up, demonstrate with the coaches how the drill will work. Begin
with right-handed passing on the move. Remember to have players call for the
ball and present a target.
One player will begin the drill by running toward the other line with the
ball. The first player in the other line will begin running towards the
player with the ball and receive a pass from that player. Then the player at
the front of the opposite line will run toward the player with the ball and
will receive a pass. This continues to repeat as players get repetitions
passing and catching.
After the players get a lot of reps
throwing right-handed, have them switch to left-handed. Then have the players
catch with their right hand, switch hands and throw left-handed. Lastly, have
the players catch with their left hands, switch hands, and throw with their
right hand. Continue to have the coaches demonstrate each time you introduce
a new wrinkle.
Three-Man Weave: Line the players up in three equal lines on one of the goal
lines – one line in the middle of the field and the other two about
10 yards apart on both sides facing the other end line. This drill involves
three players passing the ball while running up to midfield. The first
players at the beginning of the three lines step out first. The player in the
middle line starts with the ball and passes it to the first player in the
line to the left (the player in the line at the left is cutting diagonally
across the field toward the far sideline when he receives the pass). The
player from the left line then passes to a cutting player from the right line
(the player in the right line is moving up the field as the first pass takes
place and then is cutting diagonally toward the left sideline when he
receives the pass). The key to this drill is that the players follow their
passes. So after the middle line passes to the left line, the person from the
middle line will become the player on the left side of the three-man group.
The group weaves in and out as they pass up the field.
Since this is the first time running this drill, be sure to
demonstrate with the coaches. In addition, start the lines close together to
minimize the amount of running and the length of passes until the players are
used to the drill.
Have the players repeat the weave back and forth a few times down
the half field. Then have the players weave with ground balls. This is a
great drill to simulate game situations (the team runs down the field while
moving the ball).
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 and have the players
explain the keys to shooting. Separate the players into two groups and take
each group to one end of the field. Then take time to go through the drills
from a previous practice. They are as follows:
Catch and Shoot: Players are in two equal
lines – one on the right of the net and one on the left about 10
yards above the goal line. Two coaches are the feeders and are located on the
goal line on both sides of the net with all of the balls. One player at a
time cuts toward the coach, receives a pass and shoots the ball into the net.
Then that player goes to the back of the line. The drill is repeated with the
other players in line.
Shooting on the Run. Running up on goal for a shot.
Next 2
Minutes (Water Break)
Keep your players hydrated with a water break. But have them hustle back to
the field.
Next 25 Minutes (Odd-Man Drills)
During the last practice, the players were introduced to the
Numbers Drill and a brief explanation of odd-man situations in the game of
lacrosse. Take some time to explain and demonstrate to the players the
following keys to any odd-man situation: the advantage of an extra man on
offense, the concept of drawing the man and dishing the ball, the importance
of staying spread out to make it more difficult for the defense to cover.
Then it is time to demonstrate with the coaches how to take advantage of
different odd man situations. Start by showing a 2-on-1, then a 3-on-2, then
a 4-on-3, etc. After questions are addressed, it is time for the players to
work on the ideas that were just explained:
2 v. 1 Drill: Create three lines of players – two offensive and
one defensive at the top of the restraining box and have the players play in
a 2-on-1 situation. Remember to reinforce what was explained to the
players.
3 v. 2 Drill: It's the same concept as the 2 v. 1 Drill except you start
with five lines. It will be important to stress spacing as more players are
involved in the offense.
Ending Practice
By now you're seeing definite improvement in your players. In your team
huddle, review what was learned and congratulate the players for their hard
work. Also, establish the next practice time with the players and parents,
and follow up with an email.
