The Ladder Clear provides a simple structure that gives players clear starting points and responsibilities while still allowing them to read the field, create space, and make decisions based on what the ride gives them. In this series, we’ll break down how to install the Ladder Clear from the ground up, beginning with the basic […]
🥍 The hitch is one of the simplest, and most effective, ways to beat an approaching defender in lacrosse. Instead of trying to dodge a defender who is already set, the hitch takes advantage of the moment when they’re closing out and their momentum is working against them. By selling the shot, freezing the defender, […]
A great shooter isn’t just someone who can shoot hard, they can create space, change angles, shoot on the move, and make quick decisions under pressure. The best goal scorers are dynamic, constantly adapting to the defense while finishing from a variety of positions. In this blog, we’ll take you through some of our favorite […]
Navigating the Lacrosse Offseason Understanding Your Options It wasn’t that long ago, 15 to 20 years ago, that the development path for lacrosse players was relatively simple. Players competed during their spring youth or high school season and then attended one or two camps during the summer to continue building their skills and knowledge of […]
How to Win Playoff Games: Why Man-Up Matters As teams head into league and state playoff games, the margin for error becomes smaller. In tight postseason matchups, one extra-man goal can completely shift momentum and become the difference between advancing or going home. Why man-up matters in playoff lacrosse: Possessions become more valuable Defenses tighten […]
Wall Ball is a MUST for every lacrosse player year-round! This workout can get players up to 900 reps in 30 minutes or less. That’s nearly impossible to replicate during a standard 2-hour team practice. Some of the biggest improvements in lacrosse don’t happen during games or organized practices. They happen when a player grabs […]
💥 10 Essential Lacrosse Drills for “Sixes” Play Sixes lacrosse is built around pace, transition, spacing, decision-making, and two-way play. Because of the smaller roster sizes, quicker restarts, shorter shot clock, and constant movement, players must learn to make decisions under pressure while playing both offense and defense. The best drills that reflect sixes style […]
🥍 A Coach’s Guide to Beating Zone Defense: Systems, Concepts, and Drills Sometimes great defenses will use a zone as their identity, not for any other reason that it works for their Beating a zone defense in lacrosse starts with understanding that the goal isn’t to force plays, it’s to create and exploit space while […]
🤔If you’ve ever said… “We look great in drills but not in games” “Our players’ skills are solid, but too often make the wrong decisions” “We give up too many high % shots on defense, or offensively aren’t getting enough high % shots” You’re not alone. Most teams don’t struggle because of effort or talent, […]
👇 A guide to helping you develop your individual and team defensive play In youth and high school lacrosse, most practices focus on offense, but teams that defend, communicate, and play together win games. Great defense isn’t one player, it’s six players working as one unit. This comes down to two things: Individual defensive skills […]
Mastering the 2 & 3 Player Game (by Brett Garber) The 2-3 Player game is the foundation of modern offense because it helps create advantages and defensive rotations. By using picks, slips, and off-ball movement, players learn how to read the defense, create advantages, and make decisions in real time. Instead of memorizing set plays, […]
If you’ve ever run a youth or high school practice and felt frustrated by long lines, wasted reps, or players zoning out, you’re not alone. The best coaches know that development isn’t just about running drills, it’s about creating an environment where players are constantly engaged, challenged, and thinking about the game. Why Small-Sided Games […]
Get your goalies ready for any practice or game with this progression warm up shown by Head Coach Kyle Smith (UMass) This can be adapted for any age levels, and the drills can be done on their own, or in this progression format. It’s important to note that the players should always emphasize the key […]
Why Youth Lacrosse Should Be Played 3v3 and 4v4 for Boys & Girls (On Smaller Fields) If we truly care about long-term player development, then we have to stop asking our younger players, to compete in a version of the game that is built for high school and college athletes. Position Specific with Full or […]
7 Fun U8 Lacrosse Drills (That Keep Kids Moving) At the U8 level, the best practice plan is simple: keep lines short, keep reps high, and keep instruction light. You want drills that build fundamentals while still feeling like play. The 7 drills below are great options for youth coaches because they combine movement, stick […]
Defense That Moves as One: How to Build an Unbreakable Lacrosse Unit Every coach loves great individual defenders — the ones who move their feet, throw clean checks, and win matchups. But the best defenses aren’t built on individuals. They’re built on connection, trust, communication, and controlled physicality. A truly great defense feels impossible to […]
How to Build Efficient Practices that Teach Players How to Play, Not Just What to Play Why Efficiency Matters in Youth Lacrosse Youth practices are often filled with long lines, static drills, and too much instruction — not enough learning through play. The best coaches know that players don’t develop by memorizing plays, but by […]
If you’ve ever run a youth or high school practice and felt frustrated by long lines, wasted reps, or players zoning out, you’re not alone. The best coaches know that development isn’t just about running drills — it’s about creating an environment where players are constantly engaged, challenged, and thinking about the game. Why Small-Sided […]
The offseason is the perfect time to get better without the pressure of games or tryouts. Whether you’re training solo in your backyard or grabbing a friend for a few reps, putting in smart, consistent work now will set you apart when the season rolls around.