Lacrosse Coaching Techniques

Number One: Have Fun!

Coaching lacrosse is not a simple undertaking. This task becomes even more arduous when coaching beginner players, since learning the basics of the game can be more difficult than other sports due to the nature of the equipment used.

However, a coach doesn’t have to go at it alone. There are plenty of excellent lacrosse coaching techniques to help simplify the process. Follow these simple lacrosse coaching techniques for the best possible season for everyone involved.

First and foremost, a coach should always ensure players are having fun. If players are having fun, they will develop more of an interest in lacrosse and their devotion to the sport will continue to grow.

Part of having fun while playing or practicing is being given positive reinforcement and constructive criticism. The coach should always be as positive as possible in their tone, especially when instructing kids on how to improve their performance.

Number Two: Give Everyone a Shot

Nobody likes a coach who plays favorites, and while it may seem tempting to only allow the best on the field, remember what it feels like to be the benchwarmer. When coaching any team sport make sure that every kid gets a chance to play every position. Sometimes a player will have skills in a particular area that aren’t even realized because they never got a chance to try.

However, don’t force the players to play in positions where they don’t feel comfortable. Practice may be a great time for players to try out new positions, but players should never fall too far out of their comfort zones, especially in game play situations. This applies most to the goalie position, which many players may not feel experienced enough for.

Number Three: Teaching New Skills

When demonstrating a new skill or technique, try using these lacrosse coaching techniques that outline the whole-part-whole methodology. First, show the whole concept of the skill by giving it a context within a game play situation. A skill is useless unless the players are able to give it some purpose.

Always tell the players why the technique is being learned, what situations it applies to, and why it’s important to know. Outline what is being accomplished, and why. Demonstrate on the field by using cones or volunteers as the opponents.

Next, focus on just the part of the process that is the skill being learned. Break the skill down into small components, and teach each in detail before proceeding to the next. Repetition is the most important part of this stage, since that is how players build muscle memory. Always make sure players are learning skills slowly and correctly as opposed to quickly and incorrectly. Bad habits, especially those involving the muscles, can be very hard to break.

After each player has a firm understanding of the finer details of the skill, pull back again and place the skill back into context within the framework of a game play situation. Perform the skill in a series of drills, or perform a scrimmage where players are given the task of paying close attention to where that new skill occurs in the game.

A complete online library of over 50 lacrosse coaching drills can be found at: Lacrosse Practice Plans.