Lacrosse Playbook

Playbook 2011 Lacrosse Offensive and defensive plays used in the NCJLA by the U15 Tornados team – Pleasanton Lacrosse Club. This is a balanced offense designed for intermediate to advanced youth lacrosse players. The defensive formations incorporate simple slide defense techniques. Suitable for coaches who want to develop a system to be used year after year. This book is a work in progress that has been developed over 3 seasons. It builds on material developed by current and former PLC coaches and from training workshops. It can be adapted in whole or part to fit most coaches’ needs.

Jeffrey Mills 2/27/2011

Playbook: 2011 Overview Purpose

Welcome to Playbook: 2011! This is the playbook contains rules, offensive and defensive fundamentals, various plays, and other important informationi.

Audience

This is a balanced offense designed for intermediate to advanced lacrosse players. Defensive formations incorporate simple slide defense techniques.

Important

Keep this playbook at home. Do not bring it to school, practice, games, or anywhere. This is for you to study and work with your parents at home. These are the fundamentals and plays that you will use at practice. Please ask a coach or your parents when you have questions.

In this document

Topic Overview of the Game Important Rules, Personal Fouls, and Technical Fouls Symbol Used in Playbook Fundamentals of the Game Dominant Moments vs Dominant Players Specific Situations Offense Essentials Overarching Principles for Offense Offensive Position Names Attackman Midfielder Offensive Formations Offensive Play Sets Defensive Schemes Overarching Principles for Defense Defenseman Goalies Clearing Riding Slide Defense Swarm Ground Ball or 6 Man Ground Ball Man Up and Man Down Defense High Pressure Defense Equipment, Safety and Conditioning Equipment Basics Dehydration and Other Heat Illnesses Concussions Dynamic Warm-Up

See Page 1-4 1-6 1-5 1-12 1-15 1-16 2-2 2-3 2-7 2-8 3-1 4-1 5-2 5-3 5-4 5-5 5-10 5-17 5-19 5-20 Coming Soon!

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Overview of the Game Team

“Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.”

Vince Lombardi “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality.”

Martin Luther King, Jr.

What is lacrosse?

Men's lacrosse is a contact game played by ten players: a goalie, three defenseman, three midfielders and three attackman. The object of the game is to shoot the ball into the opponent's goal. The team scoring the most goals wins. Each team must keep at least four players, including the goalie, in its defensive half of the field and three in its offensive half.

Three players (midfielders) may roam the entire field.

How long is the game?

• Collegiate games are 60 minutes long, with 15-minute quarters.

• High school and youth games are 48 minutes long, with 12-minute quarters.

• Professional games are 60 minutes long.

Note: Each team is given a two-minute break between the first and second quarters, and the third and fourth quarters. Halftime is ten minutes long.

Teams change sides between periods. Each team is permitted two timeouts each half.

Referee, timekeeper and scorer

A referee, umpire and field judge supervise field play. A chief bench official, timekeepers and scorers assist.

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Symbols Used in Playbook Overview

This section explains symbols used in this playbook.

Players

The following symbols are used to show the position of Tornados players and opponent players.

Position Attack

Our Players

Opponent players

Middies Defense Goal

Other

Symbol

Description Player movement during execution of play Ball movement during execution of play Ball

Play calls

The play call is made up of two parts.

1. The Offensive Formation, see page 3-1 2. The Offense Play Set, see page 4-1

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Important Rules, Personal Fouls, and Technical Fouls Start of the game & faceoff

The team winning the coin toss chooses the end of the field it wants to defend first. The players take their positions on the field: four in the defensive clearing area, one at the center, two in the wing areas and three in their attack goal area.

Faceoff positions

• When the whistle blows the 6 players on the midfield line fight for the ground ball – all other players must remain in the box until the referee calls possession.

• Players on the midfield line wings can be on either side of the midfield line, anywhere along the line. Typically if we are winning face offs we position them on the offensive side, and vice versa.

Men's lacrosse begins with a center face-off. The ball is placed between the sticks of two squatting players at the center of the field. The official blows the whistle to begin play.

Each face-off player tries to control the ball. The players in the wing areas can run after the ball when the whistle sounds. The other players must wait until one player has gained possession of the ball, or the ball has crossed a goal area line, before they can release.

Center face-offs are also used at the start of each quarter and after a goal is scored.

Field players must use their crosses to pass, catch and run with the ball. Only the goalkeeper may touch the ball with his hands. A player may gain possession of the ball by dislodging it from an opponent’s crosse with a stick check.

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Important Rules, Personal Fouls, and Technical Fouls, Continued Some key rules

Rule Off sides

Personal fouls

Fouls Slashing

Explanation Each team must have at least 3 players on each half of the field at all times, not counting the goalie. A team is consider as ‘offsides” for failing must keep at least four players, including the goalie, in its defensive half of the field and three in its offensive half.

Out of Bounds The team closest to the ball when the ball goes out of bounds after a after a Shot shot gets the ball.

Illegal Procedure Occurs when a face off player moves before the referee blows the on Face Off whistle, the opposing team is awarded the ball.

Body Checks Permitted if the opponent has the ball or is within five yards of a loose ball. All body contact must occur from the front or side, above the waist and below the shoulders, and with both hands on the stick.

Aggressive body checking is discouraged. If the ball or a player in possession of the ball goes out of bounds, the other team is awarded possession. If the ball goes out of bounds after an unsuccessful shot, the player nearest to the ball when and where it goes out of bounds is awarded possession.

Stick Check The controlled poking and slapping of the stick and gloved hands of the player in possession of the ball.

Crease Violation An attacking player cannot enter the crease around the goal, but may reach in with his stick to scoop a loose ball.

Occurs when… a player's stick viciously contacts an opponent in any area other than the stick or gloved hand on the stick.

Cross Checking a player uses the handle of his crosse between his hands to make contact with an opponent.

Unsportsmanlike any player or coach commits an act which is considered Conduct unsportsmanlike by an official, including taunting, arguing, or obscene language or gestures.

Unnecessary a player strikes an opponent with his stick or body using excessive or Roughness violent force.

Illegal Crosse a player uses a crosse that does not conform to required specifications.

A crosse may be found illegal if the pocket is too deep or if any other part of the crosse was altered to gain an advantage.

Illegal Gloves a player uses gloves that do not conform to required specifications. A glove will be found illegal if the fingers and palms are cut out of the gloves, or if the glove has been altered in a way that compromises its protective features.

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Important Rules, Personal Fouls, and Technical Fouls, Continued Personal fouls (continued)

Fouls Tripping Illegal Body Checking

Occurs when… a player obstructs his opponent at or below the waist with the crosse, hands, arms, feet or legs. any of the following actions takes place: 1. Body checking an opponent who is not in possession of the ball or within five yards of a loose ball.

2. Avoidable body check of an opponent after he has passed or shot the ball.

3. Body checking an opponent from the rear or at or below the waist.

4. Body checking an opponent above the shoulders. A body check must be below the shoulders and above the waist and both hands of the player applying the body check must be in contact with his crosse.

Technical fouls

Fouls Holding Interference

Offsides Pushing Screening Stalling Warding Off

Occurs when… a player impedes the movement of an opponent or an Opponent’s crosse. a player interferes in any manner with the free movement of an opponent, except when that opponent has possession of the ball, the ball is in flight and within five yards of the player, or both players are within five yards of a loose ball. a team does not have at least four players on its defensive side of the midfield line or at least three players on its offensive side of the midfield line.

Occurs when a player thrusts or shoves a player from behind. an offensive player moves into and makes contact with a defensive player with the purpose of blocking him from the man he is defending. a team intentionally holds the ball, without conducting normal offensive play, with the intent of running time off the clock. a player in possession of the ball uses his free hand or arm to hold, push or control the direction of an opponent's stick check.

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Important Rules, Personal Fouls, and Technical Fouls, Continued Terms used by coaches

These terms are some of the most frequently heard commands used by the coaches.

Term V-Cut Get to the hole Who’s Hot? On his gloves Get the ball to X

Down the side Protect the middle

Up and over Hold Fastbreak

Look up

Description To break loose/get open to receive a pass when covered closely by a defender cut in a “V” pattern to quickly break out. This will briefly give you separation and space from the defender.

An instruction encouraging the defense to collapse into the space above the crease area.

A goalie command as to who is the slide man.

A request for the defensive man to use his stick to check the opponent’s gloves.

In lacrosse, the “X” position is the offensive position behind the goal. A coach may have his players “pass the ball to the X”, “move through X”, etc. “X” simply refers to the offensive player who is behind the goal.

A command for the offensive player to pass the ball down the sideline and get the ball to X. It is important in any defense to protect the center of the field.

Always push a middie with possession to the outside lanes. If it is an attack player with the ball, the d-poles should turn the player "inside" once he gets even with the pipe. This guarantees that you won’t give up the topside. This allows the goalie to step out and help or gives time for the slide to arrive. This is better than having to defend a topside shot.

A command indicating the open man on the clear is diagonally opposite the player.

A goalie command as to when the slide man moves to stop an offensive player approaching the goal.

Fast Breaks are a TEAM EFFORT with an extra-man for the offense. Offense must shoot or find open man. Defense must cover the closest threat to score and force the offense to make one more pass. The break starts when a middie or defensive player brings the ball up the field in advance of other defenders.

The term “look up” is used simply to encourage the player to pass the ball up-field rather than run with it. In this case, a player needs to secure the ball and look up to scan the field for the next pass.

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Important Rules, Personal Fouls, and Technical Fouls, Continued Terms used by coaches (continued)

Term No raking and/or “Scoop through the ball”

Ball down

“Possession” or “Release”

“Here’s your help!”

Middie back

On the hop

Description These terms refer to handling ground balls. The most efficient and sure way to pick up a ground ball is to lower the body by bending the knees and “scooping through” the ball. Stopping or clamping the ball with the back of your stick and then “raking” it towards you is far less efficient and sound. You will hear coaches preach “no raking!” during ground ball drills.

There are times in lacrosse where a player will lose the ball from his stick, but due to cradling or traffic he may not realize the ball is no longer in his stick. Teammates, opposing players and coaches will likely all yell “ball down!” to notify all players a ground ball is there for the taking!

In field lacrosse a faceoff is held to start each quarter and after goals are scored. There are six players allowed to participate in the immediate “play” of a faceoff. All other players must wait behind restraining lines until one team has clearly established possession of the ball. Once this happens, the referee and/or coaches will yell “possession blue” (i.e., for the blue team) or “release”, meaning all players on the field are free to join the play (while staying onsides!)

A player anticipating getting a pass from a teammate will tell that teammate “here’s your help”. This helps the player with the ball identify where his teammates may be located.

If a defensive player is running the ball upfield and has a clear path to the offensive zone, he (and coaches and other players) may yell “middie back!”, meaning one midfielder must stay back on the defensive half of the field to meet the 3 player requirement. Often, after passing the ball to an offensive player, this defenseman will run back and exchange places with the midfielder. When the ball is moving from offense to defense or vice versa, players must be aware of the midfield line and whether they are allowed to cross.

It goes without saying, but you’ll hear coaches preach hustle all the time. All players are expected to hustle not only during games and practice drills but in-between practice drills as well.

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Important Rules, Personal Fouls, and Technical Fouls, Continued Terms used by coaches (continued)

Term “Man!” “Ball!”

“Release!”

One more or “uno mas” Poke/slap Triple threat or “be a threat” Get your stick in the box Strong hand / Weak hand Attack the weak side

Description These terms also refer to ground balls. Lacrosse at higher levels of play allows checking of a player within five yards of the ball. Thus a very efficient way for two players on the same team to pick up a ground ball is for one player to go for the ball. This player will yell “ball!” so that his teammate knows two things – to not go for the ball and to look for an opposing player to “box out” – he will yell “man!” since he will be blocking out the “man”. Once the player scoops the ground ball he must tell his teammates to “release!”, that is, let the opposing players continue play. You will hear coaches preach the man/ball/release progression during ground ball drills.

Instructions to make 1 more pass in a sequence to get the ball to the open player or to the attack the weak side of the defense.

A stick check is the controlled poking and slapping of the stick and gloved hands of the player in possession of the ball.

Offensive player positioning stick with the ball high and up near head as if to dodge, pass, or shoot. Stick must be in overhead position and ready to shoot.

These terms refer to a player getting ready to receive a pass or to start a throw. “The box” is the area just to the outside of the players ear (thus the term “third ear”) where the head of the stick should be at the ready position.

These terms simply refer to whether the player is right handed or left handed. Rather than call out these terms for a practice drill (i.e., “use your right hand”) the coach will say “use your strong hand.”

Making an additional pass to move the ball around to the weakest point of the defense.

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Fundamentals of the Game Positions

Four Positions: Goalkeeper (Goalie), Defenseman, Midfielder (Middie) and Attackman (Attack).The Tornados also use a face-off specialist and long stick middie. More information on page 8.

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Important Rules, Personal Fouls, and Technical Fouls, Continued Positions (con’t)

Continued on next page

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Important Rules, Personal Fouls, and Technical Fouls, Continued Field dimensions

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Dominant Momentsii Small actions – big results

Each of you can play a part in making us a dominant team. Accept the challenge. Dominate the moment. A dominant moment is a fleeting thing -- a small bit, lasting for just seconds of a long game -- but each one is critically important for the success of the team. Dominant moments are all about doing the little things right, and allowing the big things to take care of themselves. They are about trusting your teammates and what you have learned in practice, and getting the most out of both. They are about being unafraid when the fickle bounce of a ball puts you in the center of the action, even if that is the last place you really want to be.

Dominate the moment

Everyone watching sporting events is in awe of players who take over the game, who do amazing things with the ball, the ones who teammates look to in the clutch to make the big play. Those great, dominant players are few and far between, and having one or two on a team doesn’t guarantee success. The sports pages are filled with the names of players who put up gaudy statistics, but who play for average or below-average teams.

So while it’s great to have dominant players – and while each of you should aim to develop those skills – the truth is that the team doesn’t need to have that kind of player to succeed. Instead, you aim to have “dominant moments.” When this great game gives you a moment you can dominate, try your best to force your will on the game and make good things happen. If you fail, don’t stop trying and don’t stop pushing yourself to do better; if you succeed, remember that you are only as good as the next opportunity.

Example: Dominant moment in the game

IF you can do this…

Scoop the ball in traffic, protect it, stay calm and pass it to an open teammate Put yourself in a position where you can intercept a pass – or where the opponent must change the play because you’re playing proper defense and they can’t bring the ball in your direction Back up a shot so team retains possession Step in and force a pass by an opposing player running unchecked towards our goal Go to the right spot so that a teammate can pass to you if open or when in jeopardy of losing the ball Be unafraid to be aggressive when the opportunity presents itself, but know to be cautious when the situation calls for it Work hard during practice, pushing to learn from your coaches, teammates and yourself Dominate a moment or two, you will have an impact on the game even if you barely touched the ball.

THEN the result is …

During those 5 or 6 seconds, the actions of every other player on the field depends upon you You have tremendous influence on how the next minute or two of the game will unfold You have given our offense another chance to succeed You have controlled the game without having possession of the ball You have given your team an important opportunity at that instant You will impact the flow of the game at its most critical times You are dominating the moments that provide your best learning opportunities More dominant moments than our opponent, this should lead to a win

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Specific Situations Description

Set Plays and Freelance

1-16

• Know what to do in flag down situation, with an actual flag being dropped.

• Know what to do on a “Man Down – Free Clear” − Situation: The EMO team has received an interference with the goalie call. The MDD is awarded the ball at the midfield. Usually the opponents double the ball • Know what to do on a “Man Down – Clear” − Situation: EMO has lost possession of ball on a shot behind the goal.

• Know what to do “Clearing after a quick restart” − Situation: Ball is in defensive half of field, above restraining line

Type Set Plays

Benefits • Generate shots with outside shooters • Create a look with short time available • Generally going to get a good look

Freelance

• You need to read the defense • Flexible against junk man down defenses • Fun!

Playbook 2011

Weakness • Easy to throw a wrench in them • Can lead to confusion on offense • Takes a lot of time to teach • Must be good outside shooters • Not guaranteed a good look

Offensive Essentials Overview Introduction

This section provides details on elements of lacrosse that are important for the Tornados offense. It includes strategy, philosophy, plays, formations and other offensive principles.

Contents

This chapter contains the following topics: Topic Overarching Principles for Offense Offensive Position Name Dodging Attackman Midfielder Offensive Formations 1-3-2 Circle Offense 1-4-1 2-2-2 Ball Movement Player Movement Setting a Pick Offensive Play Sets Crease Offense Running the Fast Break Extra Man Offense – EMO Gears Fire Bullet Ice

See Page 2-2 2-3 2-4 2-7 2-8 3-1 3-2 3-3 3-4 3-6 3-7 3-10 4-2 4-5 4-8 4-9 4-10 4-11 4-12

Overarching Principles for Offense Key points

2-2

• Offensive positioning and responsibility are based on players’ relationship to the ball. − Are you 1 pass away, 2 passes away • Players should be in constant motion. Catching, throwing and shooting should all occur while moving. − Ball carriers should force defensive slides to gain numbers advantage and high percentage shot opportunities. − Off-ball players need to move without the ball to be a threat, create space, give help and take a defender away from the ball.

• Move the ball − Don’t hold ball, or stay in the same place for more than 3 seconds − Force a defensive rotation (change who has ‘back’ on D) with a pass • Balance the field − Don’t let 1 cover 2 (one of the primary purposes of offensive formations) • Attack the backside of the defense − Take advantage of aggressive defense that is over committing to the ball, or a defense that is not recovering to the hole by moving the ball quickly to the backside (off ball side) of the defense.

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Offensive Position Names Description

To determine offensive positions, begin counting from behind the goal. This example shows a 1-3-2 offensive formation.

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Dodging Importance

Regardless of your position on the field it is important that every player on the field knows the fundamentals a good dodge.

• Roll • Inside Roll • Split • Bull • Question mark • Rocker

Roll dodge

The purpose of the roll dodge is to gain attacking space directly behind your defender. You want to move with speed toward the defender and begin with two hands on the stick in order to remain a threat to pass or shoot. Stick position, you hold the stick parallel to your body and draw the stick into the body with the head of the stick next to your head. The lower part of the head of the stick should be in your shoulder area. Your shoulder and upper arm create a protective pocket for the stick. Your elbows should be up and perpendicular to your body to help keep the stick parallel. The stick should not be pressed against your body.

This is a violation and results in loss of position. You want to keep the stick in front of your body. Your next step is across the path of the defender which places the defender directly behind you and allows you better stick protection and the most direct lines of the goal split dodge. You begin by attacking with two hands on the stick and complete the dodge with the opposite hand on the stick. For example a right-handed player ends with a stick in the left hand. The stick remains parallel to your body and the head of the stick moves across your body from one box area to the opposite box area.

Spilt dodge

Step 1: Create time and space.

Whether you're initiating this dodge from the corner, the sideline or up top, creating space between you and the defenseman is an essential first step. The point of creating space is to enable you to take a run at the defenseman, forcing him to back-pedal. You should be thinking ahead at this point.

Step 2: Build momentum. After you've acquired plenty of room to operate, run as fast as you can directly at the defenseman. "As fast as you can" means as fast as you can, but under control. A slow attackman can run forward faster than the fastest defenseman can run backward. This will create a little defensive tension. The goalie will start worrying about who's sliding. The man sliding will be worried about which way you're going. And the man covering you will just be hoping to keep up with you. At this point, you should be carrying your stick parallel to the ground.

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Dodging, Continued Split dodge (continued)

Step 3: The Fake.

While running at the defenseman, be sure to keep track of the distance between him and yourself. When you are about one-and-a-half stick lengths from the defender, you should initiate the move. You can go right handed if you want.

Push off with your left leg and thrust your right foot out and to the right. It's the lacrosse version of basketball's cross-over. Picture Allen Iverson taking that exaggerated dribble and step to the right. Your step should be exaggerated as well. At the same time, transfer your stick from the two-handed horizontal position to a vertical cradle in your right hand. You can drop your left hand off the bottom of your stick to protect it if necessary. But if you initiate the move far enough away from the defenseman, you should be able to get away with leaving both hands on the stick. As you move right, the defenseman should react accordingly. He'll drop his left foot back, turning his hips to run with you. That's the signal for Step 4.

Step 4: The Split. After thrusting your right leg out, plant hard with your right foot and extend your left leg out to the left. Your momentum should shift quickly from the right to the left. To do this well, it requires a good amount of leg strength and balance. The faster the better. As you explode to your left, transfer your stick across your chest to your left hand, quickly using your now-free right arm to protect it from any desperation checks the defenseman will throw.

Step 5: Accelerate After the split. You should have at least half of a step on the defenseman. It's important to maintain that space. Just because you're finished with the move, doesn't mean it's time to relax. You must continue to accelerate. You can go straight to the goal, or to a chosen spot. Keep your stick in tight but get prepared to pass or shoot.

Decision-making time will come pretty quick. If the slide is there, you'll have to move the ball. If not, you'll have to let it rip.

Step 6: Finish the play. You should almost always be thinking about scoring when you dodge to the goal. But realize that not every dodge needs to end with a shot or feed. Simply by dodging, you're learning about your defenseman and the team defense, and you're putting pressure on the other team. But your first option should be a shot. If you get into good position before the slide gets to you, bury it. If not, move the ball quickly. If nothing pops open in the crease, bang the ball behind or to the next available player. You're running full speed. Your teammates should have a better sense of what's open. After moving the ball, cut through, pick for teammates and stay involved in the offense. Your turn to dodge could be coming at any moment. Be ready.

Continued on next page

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Dodging, Continued Bull dodge

In this dodge, use a quick step to the right followed by a power move past the defender.

View instructional video of this dodge at http://video.kudda.com/media/show/531

Question mark dodge

View instructional video of this dodge at http://video.kudda.com/media/show/536

Rocker dodge

View instructional video of this dodge at http://video.kudda.com/media/show/538

ZigZag dodge

View instructional video of this dodge at http://video.kudda.com/media/show/540

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Attackman Description

The attackman’s (attack) responsibility is to score goals. The attackman generally restricts his play to the offensive end of the field. A good attackman demonstrates excellent stick work with both hands and has quick feet to maneuver around the goal. Each team should have three attackman on the field during play.

Key abilities and skills

Attack players must • Demonstrate aggressiveness and a scoring touch. If you can’t score, you cannot win at lacrosse and the attack player typically dominates in the scoring column • Be able to catch and shoot on the move • Understand and execute the offense in a settled and unsettled situation • Be the first line of defense following a turnover in our offensive end • Execute effective rides to disrupt the opposing teams ability to clear the ball

Attack positions when opponent team has the Ball

When the ball is on our defensive end the attack should be up near the midfield line to assist in clears and in case a pass is missed and the ball rolls toward midfield.

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Midfielder Description

Midfielder’s (middie) responsibility is to cover the entire field, playing both offense and defense. The midfielder is a key to the transition game, and is often called upon to clear the ball from defense to offense. A good midfielder demonstrates good stick work including throwing, catching and scooping. Speed and stamina are essential. Each team should have three midfielders on the field.

Item LSM

Face off specialist DM Key abilities and skills

Description Long stick middie - a ground ball machine, really fast, have endurance, and know how to handle/play with a longstick. LSM's often get caught initiating fast breaks and clearing the ball. So coaches usually put a long stick middie on the wing for the face-off.

Middie specializing to faceoffs.

Defensive midfielder (longstick or short stick)

Our key requirements for Middies: • Make quick and accurate passes to open players even in tight spots • Offensive minded • Well conditioned to move the ball up and down the field • Help clear ball from defensive end • Can move from defense to offense LSMs – Long Stick Middies • Key to defense and transition lacrosse play • Great ball handlers • Can capitalize on unsettled situations • Quickly transition the ball to the offensive end of the field • Play aggressive defense • Quickly and reliably pick-up ground ball

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1-3-2 Offensive Formation Description

Referred to as “Hopkins.” The 1-3-2 motion offense formation (counting the formation from behind the goal) consists of two triangles created by the attack and the midfielders.

Also referred to as “1-3-2 Offense” or “Triangle Offense” or “One” (1 crease player). This formation uses the concept of rotating triangles against a man to man defense. This is how the Tornados setup to run all plays.

Objective

• Execute 3 man plays, triangle rotation, adds crease play

Player positions

• Each player is part of a triangle • X player is good feeder and crease player is a scorer • 2 players (#2 and #5) set out wide

Tips

• Designed to go against defenses that slide from the crease • 3 man plays, triangle rotation, adds crease play to offense • Use against man to man defense • Begins with dodge – (dodge, pass, pass, dodge)

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Circle Offense Formation Description

Referred to as “Orange.” The “Circle” Offense or “Zero” (no crease). This offense provides medium passing distance from player to player. The circle is designed to isolate a select few dodgers on your offense against an aggressive defense.

Figure 1: "Fat 2-2-2"

Objective

• Spread the defense, clear the crease, dodge & dump, pass & cut, possession set, use in EMO situations

Player positions

• Provides the shortest passing distance from player to player • 1 player behind the goal at X • 2 players (#4, #5 & #6) are set up high, about 12 yards from the goal • 2 players are outside 5 yards above the goal line extended

Tips

• This offense creates space and spreads out the defense • Good against aggressive defensive players • This offense creates 1 on 1 situations, so all players can be involved • Can also be run as a fat 2-2-2 formation (crease player #3 moves out high)

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1-4-1 Offensive Formation Description

Referred to as “Maryland.” The 1-4-1 motion offense. Also referred to as “Two” (2 crease players). This offense provides the longest passing distance from player to player.

Importance

• Dodge from top and from X, picks, feed crease, big wing shots

Player positions

• One player behind the goal at the “X” • Two players directly in front of the goal • One player on each wing in front of the goal and 5 – 8 yards from the crease players on the same plane.

• One player directly at the top near the restraining line.

Tips

• Dodge from top and from X, picks, feed crease, big wing shots • Designed to go against defenses that slide from the crease • 3 man plays, triangle rotation, adds crease play to offense • Movement of the ball is around the perimeter looking to pass to the inside to crease players for shot off a pick play.

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2-2-2 Offensive Formation Description

Referred to as “Syracuse.” The 2-2-2 motion offense. Also referred to as “Two” (2 crease players). The 2-2-2 is an effective offense that can have many plays develop out of the formation. Based on “two man plays” with pairs of players working together

Objective

• Spread defense, cause confusion on the crease/screen goalie, dodge from four corners, crease play, and generate shot from topside middies.

Player positions

• 2 players up high near the restraining line • 2 players beside each other or stacked in front of goal, close to crease • 2 players behind the goal line extended

Tips

• Quick ball movement around the perimeter will confuse the defense • Two crease player work together during the outside ball movement so that one crease player can spring free for a quick shot on goal • Use pick on the ball carrier • Use clearing through and mirroring the ball • Use off ball pick • Use various cuts (inside cut, backside cut) • Practice with 4v4 to establish timing on moves

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3-3-3 Offensive Formation Description

Referred to as “Navy.” The 3-3 offensive formation is used a lot for man-up situations.

Good ball movement is the key to this offense. Crease player must be active and ready to receive ball.

Objective

• The purpose of the 3-3 set up, is to get a good outside shot. You should also be trying to get a diagonal pass to one of the wing attackmen, and let him score.

Player positions

• 3 middies are on the top: 1 in upper left, 1 in the middle, and 1 in the upper right.

• 3 attackmen are on the bottom: 1 in the bottom left, 1 on the crease, and 1 on the bottom right.

Tips

• 6 stick handlers on the EMO. • It is important to note that the ball should NEVER be thrown behind the net, as this just wastes time.

• Unless you are running a play, there is no rotation when you use this offense. (NOTE: If you are using this formation when you are man-up, NOBODY should be isoing!)

• Crease player to have his stick up and to be ready at all time for a feed, turn, and shoot move.

• Stretch the defense by making a move to the goal every time you touch the ball in rotation. By becoming a threat, the D is forced to react and will leave some one open every time.

• The off ball wing attack players are responsible for the backup of a missed shot.

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Ball Movement Ball movement in 1-3-2

Ball movement is around to everyone except the crease Middie (4). Pass to crease Middie (4) only when he is open for a shot.

Tips

Tip Adjacent passes

Triangle Cut/Clear Out

Comment Passing to player directly at your left or right. We generally avoid long passes that skip over players next to you or to players at a distance.

Often these player appear open but your pass will be intercepted or dropped by the receiving player.

Each player stays with his triangle as he cuts away or replaces When the ball is carried by another player toward you, you cut away to clear out. When the player adjacent to you in the triangle clears out you replace him Continued on next page

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Player Movement Player movement is key in 1-3-2

Rotate with passer When the ball passes from one triangle to another, the passing triangle rotates with the passer (3) going to the goal for a possible give and go shot.

When the ball passes from one triangle to another, the passing triangle rotates with the passer (5) going to the goal for a possible give and go shot.

Continued on next page

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3-7

Player Movement, Continued Player movement is key (con’t)

Opposite triangle rotates When the ball passes from one player to another, the other triangle rotates.

Both triangle rotates When a player runs with the ball from one spot in his triangle to another, both triangles rotate in opposite directions.

Example: 1 carries the ball to 3, 6 cuts to the goal while 3 clears out for 1.

Continued on next page

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Player Movement, Continued Player movement is key (con’t)

Both triangles rotate When a player runs with the ball from one spot in his triangle to another, both triangles rotate in opposite directions.

Example: 5 carries the ball to position 6, 3 cuts across for the pass while 1 comes around to get the next pass.

Tips

Tip Move with the ball Move without the ball Clear through

Description Begin with strong dodge to the goal – shoot, pass, or re-dodge Create separation, V-cuts, move to open space Players on the wing run completely across the crease to pull the defender away from the middle of the field.

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3-9

Setting a Pick Purpose of pick

Used to help your teammate get open from the defensive player guarding him.

Pick must be standing still or a moving pick violation will be called. Teammate drives his defender into the pick and gets open. Most players have trouble using the pick and leave too big a gap, allowing the defender to get through.

Tips

• Pick player must stand strong and provide an obstacle for defender • Player with the ball needs to cut off a pick. Run defender close-in to defender for pick.

Attempts to brush off defender with pick play.

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Offensive Play Sets Overview Introduction

The section contains multiple offensive plays. Each play is executed using various play formations.

Contents

This section contains the following offensive play sets: Play Crease Offensive Play Running the Fast Break – “L” Running the Fast Break – “Flat” Extra Man Offense – EMO Gears Fire Bullet Ice

See Page 4-2 4-5 4-7 4-8 4-9 4-10 4-11 4-12

Crease Offense Description

The man playing the crease in a 1-3-2, or the two men playing the crease in a 1-4-1 have a key role to play in the offense.

• Crease Position High • Crease Position Low • 2 Man Crease 1-4-1

Crease Position High

Continued on next page

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Crease Offense, Continued Crease Position Low

Continued on next page

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Crease Offense, Continued 2 man Crease 1-4-1

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Fast Break What is a fast break?

A Fast Break occurs typically after a shot in which the goalie catches the ball and feeds a breaking Middie, or the top Middie steals the ball from the opponent near the top of the box.

The benefit of a fast break is that it creates a 4 on 3 offensive situations, forcing the defensive team to leave someone open for a pass or a shot.

Types of fast breaks

The Tornados team will use the following fast breaks.

Fast Break Type Description L or Box The Attack sets up in 3 corners of a box, allowing the person coming down field to take the final corner. This forces the defense to leave someone open.

When the defense slides to pick up the person with the ball, the person with the ball passes to the new open Attack.

Flat The 3 Attack from a line across the front of the goal. As the person with the ball on the fast break approaches the goal, a defenseman will most likely slide. When they slide, the person that was being guarded pops out to catch the pass and shoot.

See Page 4-6

4-6

Continued on next page

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4-5

Fast Break, Continued Running the “L break”

When we (Middie or Defense) are the first player into the offensive side of the field with the ball, creating a 4 on 3 (not counting the goalie) situation.

Player (yellow) with the ball runs as fast as he can to the offensive side of the field yelling “FAST BREAK” so the Attack know to set up.

Continued on next page

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Fast Break, Continued Running the “Flat break�

The 3 Attack from a line across the front of the goal. As the person with the ball on the fast break approaches the goal, a defenseman will most likely slide. When they slide, the person that was being guarded pops out to catch the pass and shoot.

Important

Both the wing Attackman drop below the face of the goal and then pop back up to get open.

As the middle defense slides to pick up the man with the ball, the center Attack pops out with stick on the outside to catch the feed and shoot.

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Extra Man Offense - EMO Description

Tornados will have an EMO team for each game. This team consists of six (6) players selected by the coaches prior to each game. The primary object of this team is to score points during the time period in which we are playing with an extra player.

Goal: Score more than X% of time while in EMO offense

Your job on EMO

In an extra man or man-up situation, do the following: • Quick ball movement – Don’t hold it • Use your strong hand • Back up all shots • Screen outside shots • Skip passes • Reverse the ball • Stay spread – don’t allow one defenseman to cover two players • Attack the seams • Be patient

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Gears Overview

Steps

Objective: Generate shots for 6 or 3.

Can start when ball reaches either top right or top left. The Middie that starts the play (5 or 6) cuts to the goal to get a feed from Attack (give and go). If the feed is not there, set a pick for the other Attack.

Tips: − In this formation, you will execute a “give and go” for a shot on goal. − Opposite rotations on the triangles − Player 1 will pass to player 6 for shot − Player 1 pass to player 3 off of a pick from player 6

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Fire Overview

FIRE can start when ball reaches either top right or top left. The Middie that did not start the play (5 or 6) cuts to the goal to get a feed from Attack. Objective: Topside R/L middie shoots off a pass from player 1

Steps

4-10

Tips: − Player 6 dodges to pass to player 1 − Triangles rotate in same direction − Can begin left or right − Middie starting the play calls “Fire” and raise stick in weak hand to signal to the team that he will dodge from weak hand to strong hand. − Player 2 needs to backup shots

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Bullet Description

Steps

BULLET can start when ball reaches either top right or top left. The crease Middie sets a pick for the Middie with the ball (5 or 6). Middie with the ball uses pick to get open for a shot. Objective: Topside middie works off of a pick to go inside for a shot.

Objective: Topside middie works off of a pick to go inside for a shot.

BULLET can start when ball reaches either top right or top left. The crease Middie sets a pick for the Middie with the ball (5 or 6).

Middie with the ball uses pick to get open for a shot.

Tips: − Player 5 or 6 raises stick to weak side and calls bullet. − Next, hard jab step followed by dodge to strong hand. − Player 5 or player 6 drives his middie into the defender (pick) and gets open for a shot

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Ice Description

ICE starts when ball reaches X Attack. Crease Middie sets a pick for a top Middie. X Attack rolls to feed to Middie coming off the pick.

Objective: Pass to topside middie for shot off of a pick.

Steps

4-12

Tips: − Begins with hard dodge from X with roll or move away from pressure − Crease player (4) sets pick for topside middie − Attack player clears through to pull defender away from crease − 6 uses the pick and goes to the goal for a shot

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Defensive Essentials Overview Introduction

This section covers the fundamentals of defensive play.

Contents

This chapter contains the following topics: Topic Overarching Principles for Defense Defenseman Goalies Clearing Riding Slide Defense Zone Defense Swarm Ground Ball or 6 Man Ground Ball Man Down Defense High Pressure Defense

See Page 5-2 5-3 5-4 5-5 5-10 5-17 5-18 5-19 5-20 TBD

Overarching Principles for Defense Key points

5-2

• Players must communicate − Ball position, who has the ball who is help, who is covering 2, check sticks, clear, etc • Defensive positioning and responsibilities are based on your relationship to the ball. − On ball (playing the ball carrier) – skills are Approach, Footwork, Checks & Holds − Off ball (help position) if 1 pass away, 2 pass away or covering the backside (farthest from the ball). Important skills are communication, sliding, crease coverage • Play defense with your feet and head vs. stick and shoulders − Move your feet and leverage your body position to direct the ball carrier where you want him to go (into your help/slide) • Play from the ‘inside-out’ (stay home)/Extend & Recover − Cover the hole, Extend (push out) on player receiving the ball − Recover back to the hole when your man passes the ball • Attack bottom hand of ball carrier − When approaching a ball carrier, direct checks to his bottom hand to disrupt his rhythm and passing ability.

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Defenseman Description

The defenseman’s responsibility is to defend the goal. The defenseman generally restricts his play to the defensive end of the field. A good defenseman should be able to react quickly in game situations. Agility and aggressiveness are necessary, but great stick work is not essential to be effective. Each team should have three defensemen on the field.

Key abilities and skills

Defensive players must • Demonstrate excellent footwork • Understand defensive formations and field position • Play defense with feet and head

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Goalies Description

The goalie’s responsibility is to protect the goal and stop the opposing team from scoring. A good goalie also leads the defense by reading the situation and directing the defenseman to react. A good goalie should have excellent hand/eye coordination and a strong voice.

Quickness, agility, confidence and the ability to concentrate are also essential. Each team has one goalie in the goal during play.

Key abilities and skills

Goalies, since they see it all, are the leader on defense and must be very vocal calling out where the ball is at all times.

• Ball at X = “Ball Behind”, • Right Wing = “Ball Right” • Top Right Middie = “Ball Top Right” Goalies must • Speak to BOTH the ball and the OFF BALL play.

• CONSTANTLY call off the play you see developing BEFORE it happens.

• Deliver FROZEN ROPE outlet pass. No arc passes

Frozen rope outlet passes

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Clearing Description

Clearing the ball means to get the ball from the defense or the goalie to up field past the midline. Although similar clears can be used for both, it is important to practice out of each situation.

Importance • Goal = 75% success rate on clears • The defense to realize that they have an extra man when clearing the ball and that there should always be an open man.

• 50% of possessions start with a clear • Turnovers while clearing are a killer

Key clearing terms

Keys • Stay spread out.

• Always draw a man when carrying the ball, and then to dump it off.

• Spacing / 7 vs. 6 • Patience / Simplicity

Our team uses the following terms to communicate during clears. Also see the diagram on the next page.

Term Over HO Up Goalie Open the Gate Carry Box It Yellow Slow Break

Tells the player with the ball… to look to throw the ball across the field. Pass to teammate on opposite side of field. Usually straight across the field to throw the ball across the field. High & Opposite. A pass to teammate that is up-field on the opposite side of the field. the next pass is straight ahead to throw the ball to the goalie. Pass ball to the Goalie. to open the Gate. If your teammate is carrying the ball toward you, get out of the way and clear across to the Opposite side of the field taking your defender with you, or thru the Box if you are box side. to carry the ball out and up the field. Wheels. Don’t pass-just keep the ball and run up field and across the midline. to carry or Pass ball across Midline and step into the offensive box within 10 seconds of going over midline. standard call for offense to possess the ball and not run the offense while we are subbing. to complete the clear with clearing players staying on the field and becoming a threat to score as we move the ball Continued on next page

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Clearing, Continued Key clearing terms, continued

Unsettled / InBounds Clears

3-1-3 Clear

5-6

Unsettled / In-Bounds Clear is when the goalie makes a save or the defense steals the ball and has to get it up field to the midfielders.

Situation • Goalie Save • Turnover / Ground Ball

What to do 3-1-3 Use breakout pattern for unsettled clears, see below

MDD Clearing • Goalie save

• Get the ball to an open player • Use the crease to kill time • Have a designated drop zone

Use the following breakout pattern for unsettled clears: • Attack drop to create space, ready for fast break • Middies break up-field with good spacing • Two Defensemen break to the wings using banana cuts • One Defenseman leaks to the top of the box as a safety outlet Start Finish

Playbook 2011

Keys • Expect sudden change of possession • Breakout to open space / spacing • Look back for the ball • Headman the ball

Clearing, Continued Settled / Outof-Bounds Clear

Settled / Out-of-Bounds Clear is when the offense throws the ball out of bounds and the goalie or a defenseman picks it up on the end line or the sideline.

Situation • Ball goes out of bounds • Technical Foul • From a dead-ball situation • After an unsettled clear if nobody is open

MDD Clearing • Deadball

Keys to using “32 Clear”

What to do Use: • 32 Clear • 32 Clear Shallow • 32 Clear Flip • Alley Clear • 3-Back Clear • 4-Back Clear • Ladder • Give the ball to your fastest player and clear out

Keys • Spacing • Simplicity • Communication • Open the gate

For settled situations, use “32 Clear” or its variations to move the ball from defense to offense. Keep these points in mind: • Keep the middle of the field open • Use the middle to run it out / dodge • If a Defenseman or the Goalie carries over, a Middie needs to stay back • If a Defenseman carries toward the midline, M2 or D3 to clear to middle (open the gate) Continued on next page

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Clearing, Continued 32 Clear

Start

Finish

Continued on next page

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Clearing, Continued 32 Clear – Shallow

32 Clear – Flip

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Riding Description

Unsettled Rides / In-Bounds Clear

Keys to unsettled ride

Importance • Goal = 35% • Turnovers result in great scoring opportunities • Failed clears demoralize a team

Situation • Goalie Save • Turnover / Ground Ball

Keys to a Good Riding Team • Hustle and flow to the ball • Force as many passes as possible • Good pursuit angles • Sprint hard to the ball carrier, but under control • Use the sideline as an extra player • Communication, all player on same page What to do • Decide how much pressure to apply with the attackman (i.e. 1 down, 2 down, or 3 down) • Rides Attack apply pressure − 3 down (Red – Press) − 2 down (White) − 1 down (Black) − All drop back to zone (Blue) − Max Ride -10 Man − Hugo Ride

Keys • Middies lock on to opposing teams middies • Middies stay with the breaking middies • Attack - Get in the goalies face • Defensemen - Play upfield from their attackman and shut them off

• Middies - Stay with the breaking middies • Attack - Get in the goalies face • Defensemen - Play up-field from their attackmen and shut them off • Decide how much pressure to apply with the attackmen (ie 1 down, 2 down, or 3 down) Continued on next page

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Riding, Continued Red –Press 3 Down

White – 2 Down

Continued on next page

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Riding, Continued Black 1 Down

Blue Drop Back 33 Zone Ride

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Riding, Continued 1-Down Ride

Step 1 – Shoot on goal, defense clearing (dark)

Step 2 – Middies drop to midfield to ride

Step 3 – D1and D2 to alley, D3 cheating to midline

Step 4 – A1 move to guard goalies at top of crease

Step 5 – A2 & A3 drop to restraint line

Step 6 – With G to D3 pass, A1 moves to cover

Step 7 –

With D3 to D2 pass, A1 drop to cover D1, A3 slides to ball side and A2 drops to cover D2 With D2 to D3 pass, A1 moves to cover

Continued on next page

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Riding, Continued 2 Down Ride (2-1-3 “V” Ride: Out of Bounds Play)

If the ball goes out of bounds on the sideline, insert a separate riding team. If out of bounds on the endline, let the existing attack ride.

Steps

Action Coach yell “213” from sideline. Team moves into formation Two attackman chase, and one drops back in a “V” as the safety.

Lock all middies and defenseman onto their clearing counterparts for the full field; slide only if a shot is imminent in your end.

4 The attack unit pursues the ball until it clears the midline.

Note: For a less aggressive approach, invert the “V” to slow the clear, and run a 1-2-3 ride instead.

Tips

Don't feel your job is done as an attackman when the goalie makes a save. Ride hard until the ball is cleared through the midfield line.

Step 1 2 3

• Be in shape • Know how to break down and play "defense" • Use the sideline to your advantage (force the clearing player in that direction) • Don't go for the clearing players stick head (check his hands) • Be relentless!!!

If you focus on these tips you will probably increase your playing time and you'll be surprised how many easy goals your team will score.

Continued on next page

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Riding, Continued Settled Rides/ Out-ofBounds Clear

Keys to using “33 Zone” in Settled Ride

Term Settled / Out-of-Bounds Clear • Ball goes out of bounds • Technical Foul • From a dead-ball situation • After an unsettled clear if nobody is open

What to do Use: • 33 Zone • Hugo Ride • 10-Man Ride

Keys • Middies – Play 3 across zone • Attack – Any Unsettled scheme or 3 across zone • Defensemen - Play up-field from their attackman and shut them off • Mix up your rides

For settled situations, use “33 Zone” or its variations to move the ball from defense to offense. Keep these points in mind: • Mix up your rides • Attack – 3 across zone just inside the midline. Play any middies in your zone first • Middies – 3 across zone behind the midline. Play the deepest man in your zone • Defensemen - Play up-field from their attackman and shut them off • COMMUNICATE!!!

Zone Ride package: Ride after shot on goal

Continued on next page

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Riding, Continued Steps

Step 1 2 3 4

3-3 Zone ride

Action Coach yell ‘zone’ from sideline. Team moves into base ride package After the shot, all middies must drop back to at least the restraining line — and more likely the midfield line — to prevent a fast break and keep the ball in front of the ride.

Defensemen must lock on and shut off their attackman in the far end. Do not allow a “free” clear. Force their goalie to bring the ball up.

The attack unit pursues the ball until it clears the midline.

Start

Continued on next page

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Slide Defense About

This defense is used to double team the man with the ball to force a bad pass or a ground ball. The slide comes from the crease defensive player. There are 2 cases when we don’t slide from the crease: • When there is no crease player – no one slides • When the Adjacent player cuts across – the defensive player on the cutter slides

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Zone Defense: Tiger formation Overview

In our 2009 season, here is a zone defense that was installed in one practice. The reason that the defense is so easy to install is that it is basically an extension of our basic defense. You can visualize this defense as two slices of pizza (see diagram, below). The trick is that at the point of the pizza facing the goal is the backer for the middies. When the ball goes behind, he plays tight on the crease. The point on the pizza facing away from the goal is the backer for the attack. He plays the crease when the ball is up top and backs the side attack, when they have the ball but he alone always picks up the ball coming from behind at just behind the goal line extended (Figure 11). There is always a backer top (Figure 12) or bottom.

Rules for position

Here are the rules for the positions other than the backer.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

5-18

If the ball is in your area, you play the ball, hard, but you do not go out too far.

If they score from out far, that is the coach’s fault.

If you do not have the ball, you close down the middle.

The players not on the ball are like a fist around whoever is in the middle.

If they score from the middle, that is the players’ fault.

If they score from the outside it is the coach’s fault.

We do not rotate.

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Swarm Ground Balls Description

Every player has a position to play on every ground ball. Every player must sprint to their positions.

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Man Down Defense Description

Two possible man-up offenses and the defensive setup to defeat them.

Defensive setup

1-3-2 Offensive Set • Defense is zone formation, commonly called Box and 1 • Four players forming a box or diamond depending on the offensive formation • One player guarding the crease

1-4-1 Offensive Set • Soft – Shift from a box to a diamond

Continued on next page

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Man Down Defense, Continued Defensive setup (con’t)

Other options

Tornados will play a box and use your extra man to cause confusion.

• Shutoff • End line Backup • Passing Lane • Fast Break Starter

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Equipment, Safety and Conditioning Overview Introduction

This section contains equipment and safety basics along with a set of warm-up exercises.

Contents

This chapter contains the following topics: Topic Equipment Basics Dehydration and Other Heat Illnesses Concussions Dynamic Warm-Up

See Page 6-2 6-3 6-5 6-6

Equipment Basics Description

Item The Crosse

Ball Helmet

Mouthpiece Gloves Rib Pads Shoulder Pads Arm Pads Athletic Supporters and Cups Throat Guard Chest Protector

6-2

Description The crosse (lacrosse stick) is made of wood, laminated wood or synthetic material, with a shaped net pocket at the end. The crosse must be an overall length of 40 - 42 inches for attackman and midfielders, or 52 - 72 inches for defenseman. The head of the crosse must be 6.5 - 10 inches wide, except a goalie's crosse which may be 10 – 12 inches wide. The pocket of a crosse shall be deemed illegal if the top surface of a lacrosse ball, when placed in the head of the crosse, is below the bottom edge of the side wall.

The ball must be made of solid rubber and can be white, yellow or orange. The ball is 7.75 - 8 inches in circumference and 5 - 5.25 ounces.

A protective helmet, equipped with face mask, chin pad and a cupped four point chin strap fastened to all four hookups, must be worn by all men's players. All helmets and face masks should be NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) approved.

Required. While participating, each player shall wear a professionally manufactured tooth and mouth protector.

Protective gloves required.

Required Required Can be elbow pads or arm guards Required to participate in games and practices The goalkeeper is required to wear a throat guard The goalkeeper is required to wear a chest protector

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Dehydration and Other Heat Illnesses Dehydrationiii

Players get dehydrated if they do not replace body fluids lost by sweating. Being even a little dehydrated can make a child feel bad and play less effectively. Dehydration also puts players at risk for more dangerous heat illnesses.

Signs and Symptoms • Dry mouth, thirst • Being irritable or cranky • Headache, dizziness, cramps, excessive fatigue • Seeming bored or disinterested • Player not able to run as fast or play as well as usual Treatment • Move player to a shaded or air-conditioned area.

• Give him or her fluids to drink.

"When can I play again?"

• A player may be active again as soon as he or she is symptom-free. However, it’s important to continue to watch the player.

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps are a mild heat illness that can be easily treated. These intense muscle spasms usually develop after a child has been exercising for a while and has lost large amounts of fluid and salt from sweating. While heat cramps are more common in children who perform in the heat, they can also occur when it’s not hot (for example, during ice hockey or swimming).

Heat cramps can largely be avoided by being adequately conditioned, getting used to the heat and humidity slowly, and being sure a child eats and drinks properly.

Signs and Symptoms • Intense pain (not associated with pulling or straining a muscle) • Persistent muscle contractions that continue during and after exercise Treatment • The child should be given a sports drink to help replace fluid and sodium losses.

• Light stretching, relaxation and massage of the cramped muscles may help.

"When can I play again?"

A child may be active again when the cramp has gone away and he or she feels and acts ready to participate. You can help decrease the risk of recurring heat cramps by checking whether the child needs to change eating and drinking habits, become more fit, or get better adjusted to the heat.

Continued on next page

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Dehydration and Other Heat Illnesses, Continued Heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a moderate heat illness that occurs when a child continues to be physically active even after he or she starts suffering from ill effects of the heat, like dehydration. The child’s body struggles to keep up with the demands, leading to heat exhaustion.

Signs and Symptoms • Child finds it hard or impossible to keep playing • Loss of coordination, dizziness or fainting • Dehydration • Profuse sweating or pale skin • Headache, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea • Stomach/intestinal cramps or persistent muscle cramps

Treatment • Move child to a shaded or air-conditioned area.

• Remove any extra clothing and equipment.

• Cool the child with cold water, fans or cold towels (replace towels frequently).

• Have child lie comfortably with legs raised above heart level.

• If the child is not nauseated or vomiting, have him or her drink chilled water or sports drink.

• The child’s condition should improve rapidly, but if there is little or no improvement, take the child for emergency medical treatment.

"When can I play again?"

A child should not be allowed to return to play until all symptoms of heat exhaustion and dehydration are gone. Avoid intense practice in heat until at least the next day, and if heat exhaustion was severe, wait longer. If the child received emergency medical treatment, he or she should not be allowed to return until his or her doctor approves and gives specific return to-play instructions.

Parents and coaches should rule out any other conditions or illnesses that may predispose the child for continued problems with heat exhaustion. Correct these problems before the child returns to full participation in the heat, especially for sports with equipment.

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Concussions Source

CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/

Fact sheet for players

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6-5

Dynamic Warm-Up What is it?

The dynamic warm-up is a critical part of preparing the body to play lacrosse - whether it is practice or a competition. Dynamic warm-up and flexibility training is an essential element of our pre-practice or pre-competition routine and helps prepare the body for the demands of the lacrosse game. Coaches will take you through a set of exercise designed to: Increases body temperature allowing muscles to work more efficiently.

Gets the heart and lungs ready for vigorous activity.

Stretches muscles actively, preparing them for the forces experiences during lacrosse.

Engrains proper movement patterns and the coordination needed in lacrosse.

Wakes up the nervous system and gets the brain talking with the muscles.

A dynamic warm-up, which involves stretching with movement, accomplishes all of these tasks.

What about “Static stretching?�

6-6

Pre-practice and pre-competition warm-up routines have typically focused on static stretching. While this type of stretching is still important for maintaining flexibility and joint range of motion, it really should be performed after play, not before practice or competition. This is a new way of thinking about stretching and flexibility, but recent research has shown that static stretching can reduce the force and power the muscle can generate and that this impaired function can last for over one hour.

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i

Credits Pleasanton Lacrosse Club Lorne Smith, Warrior Lacrosse US Lacrosse National Convention Joe Kerwin, Head Coach, Notre Dame de Namur University, jkerwin@NDNU.edu ii

Coach Chuck Jaffe

iii

Source: Parents’ and Coaches’ Guide to Dehydration and Other Heat Illnesses in Children - This document was adapted from: Inter-Association task force on exertional heat illnesses consensus statement. June 2003. National Athletic Trainers’ Association. The full document can be obtained at www.nata.org/industryresources/heatillnessconsensusstatement.pdf.

Playbook 2011

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