KAPRB Blue Demons Lacrosse Coaching Philosophy, Expectations & Tips Spring 2013

Coaching Mission “To instill Honor and Love for the game, while growing youth players to effectively compete at the next level.” US Lacrosse is an excellent resource to learn more – Reference – “Honoring the Game” is the cornerstone to Code of Conduct Rules, Opponents, Officials, Teammates, Self

Honoring the Game “Honoring the Game” goes to the ROOTS of Sportsmanship How We’ll Honor the Game by respecting the following: – R is for Rules - The rules of Lacrosse are what allow us to keep the game fair. Respect for the rules is important, – O is for Opponents Without opponents, we could have no game. A good opponent makes us do our best. – O is for Officials It is very important to respect officials. Often, this can be the most difficult part of Honoring the Game, – T is for Teammates A big part of lacrosse is the team. Being with your teammates should be fun. Later in life you will often be part of a team, and it is important to learn to work together on and off the field. support each other on and off the playing field. – S is for Self Some people only Honor the Game when their opponents do, but I want us to Honor the Game no matter what the other team or its fans do. I want us to be the kind of team that Honors the Game even when others aren’t because we set our own internal standards. And we live up to them no matter what. We have so much respect for ourselves that we would never do anything to dishonor the game.

Expectations of Our Coaches Strong Communication with team and parents Double Goal Coaching Philosophy – Winning ….. But not at all costs – Teaching life lessons (sportsmanship, teamwork, competition) – Honor the Game! Lead by example Prepared with practice plans Positive & encouraging atmosphere – Reference Demand maximum effort from team Reward teamwork, hustle and commitment Everyone has ample playing time Available and approachable

1.Coaches must lead by example. No bad habits. Practice respect and control on the practice field and during games. 2.All Coaches should attend USL Level 1 Clinic 3.ALL COACHES ARE ENGAGED IN EVERY PRACTICE – no standing around, everyone should be helping 4.All Players must be dressed and ready to go at scheduled practice start time! 5.Have a Practice plan - Don’t waste precious practice time. Teach new concepts early in each Practice 6.Consistent lacrosse drills and concepts for all players. Use new skills/drills library - Consistency 7.Keep drills short to minutes at a time. No Line Drills please! 8.Use progression in drills –Add complexity drills until you reach game like situation 9.Build each practice around a theme (i.e. Defense, fast breaks, motion offense, shooting, off-ball, etc) 10.Fast paced practices. Build conditioning into drills. Have multiple groups doing same drill (again, it maximizes touches). 11.Coach on the fly. Pull players aside for a 10 second correction. 12.Demand maximum effort by players & results will follow. It’s one thing that even beginners can control. Use push-ups, running and play time to correct/motivate 13.Over-coach in practice, but not in games. Don’t scream from sideline. Pull players and discretely correct. 14.Organize coaching responsibilities such that you are not always coaching your son. 15.Learn the names of ALL players quickly. Make an effort to talk to players individually, early & often. 16.Team. Team. Team. Anything that interferes with building teamwork is not worth doing. Avoid individual awards, at least not at the lower levels. 17.Praise and reward Teamwork & Hustle. 18.Sandwich criticisms (praise – correction – praise). Keeps emotional tank full. 19.Don’t criticize your son right after a game. Highlight the good. Correct later. 20.Have good “sideline crews” - always a plus and positive for coaching morale. 21.Instill Love and Honor for the Game - Make it fun! Coaching Tips - Ward’s Words of Wisdom

Helpful References Books: “The Power of Double-Goal Coaching” by Jim Thompson 2012 NFHS Boy’s Lacrosse Rules Book (See Rules folder) Websites: For everything Positive coaching philosophy extensive video library for drills & skills more videos on drills & skills more videos on drills & skills

Player/Parent Expectations Accountability – Your son is the primary advocate for himself – No excuses – coaches will provide contact information – Expectations are to Win and have fun doing it! Practice – Be on time & ready to play – Be dressed appropriately - wear Blue Demons uniforms – Have appropriate equipment at all times (helmet must have attached mouth guard) Games – Be on time – the team is counting on you! – Be in designated team uniform – Have all equipment – again don’t forget the mouth guard & water

Player/Parent Expectations Communication – Game and practice schedules will be ed each week – Players/Parents must notify Head Coach if they can’t make a practice or game Schedule – In March we will practice Sat or Sun and also 2 evenings during the week (after daylight savings time begins) – We will practice 2 times a week and usually have 2 games per week in the month of April and May – Players and parents need to understand that practice and games are very important; every effort should be made to attend (of course there will be circumstances out of your control) Code of Conduct – We have all agreed to the Code of Conduct published on the Blue Demons website; it is expected that everyone has read, understands and will abide