Creating a Game-Like Environment 

What does Game-like actually mean?  First, it is creating a situation that occurs in a game.  Many coaches get so caught up in the “Part-Whole” method of development trying to master small parts, that they lose sight of the importance of the context that actually makes a situation Game-like.  

For example, is a 1v1 Game-like?  The actual dodging and defending is realistic (kind of) but without the context of defenders trying to help stop a score and other offensive players working together to produce a score, it is not Game-like.  Without sufficient context, an environment cannot be Game-like.

One key for coaches in creating Game-like Environments  is finding the balance between context and reps.  Of course a full field game would be the ultimate in context but there aren’t a lot of chances for players to touch the ball.  On the other hand, wall ball can provide the ultimate in reps, but it lacks all context and therefore can’t make you better at playing the game.  Each coach must dial up and down the context depending on the skill level and age of the team.  

The important part of creating The Game-like Environment is to make it competitive and to have minimal interference from the coach.  Lacrosse games are not controllable situations.  Lacrosse games actually seem to spin out of control sometimes, they slip away from you (the coach) and when it comes down to it, the players must make the plays and execute the decisions in games mostly by themselves.  

We must make our practices Game-like through both context and competition.

All coaches know very well that athletes love to compete, but too often coaches prefer repping drills because competitions are often messy creating the feeling the team could accomplish more in a drill where the coach can perfect the situation.  Unfortunately, when we (as coaches) perfect the rep with our voices or our scripting, it is like Fool’s Gold.

How many times has your team successfully executed in practice, but failed to to do so in the game?

The Game-like Environment approach is simple: morph any drill into a game by creating a scoring system that rewards the winner and or has a consequence for the loser.  In the Practice Drills/Games section below you will find many examples that will help you build your own Game-like Environments.

As the coach it is your responsibility to prepare and organize your team to be ready to compete.  You must also develop your players. Nothing will help your team improve more than your players continuing to improve!  Last, but not least is, the importance of providing a great experience for your players.  Would your players come to practice every day if it was voluntary?

The JM3 Team Development Model will allow you to achieve the goal of developing your players, developing your team, and providing an incredible experience in an incredibly efficient, effective and rewarding way!