Phase 2: Create & Manipulate: As players transition into the Early Train to Compete phase, the focus shifts from executing skills to intentionally creating advantages. Players learn how to manipulate defenders through two-man actions, off-ball movement, proper spacing, and early ball movement while developing the ability to play through second and third actions. Defensively, the emphasis is on communication, help principles, and recognizing how to disrupt offensive advantages. Coaches encourage players to read the game rather than memorize patterns, using competitive, game-like environments that develop intelligent, adaptable decision-makers.
Week 5 Practice / 90 Minute Session
Please Note:The practice is designed to bring value across multiple age levels. You can use this as a foundation to build and develop your own practice. With that being said, we highly encourage you to adjust the drills based on your team’s age and skill levels. Lacrosse Drive should always be used as a starting point — you can make drills easier or harder by changing the constraints.
To make a drill easier, you might Increase the playing area, reduce the number of defenders or rules, add time or space to make decisions
To make a drill harder, you might: Shrink the field or add boundaries, add defenders or touch restrictions (e.g., “one-pass before shooting”), or Limit time or space to force faster decisions
Small adjustments to field size, player numbers, and rules can significantly change the challenge level while maintaining the same core learning goal.
