THE CEDAR GROVE LACROSSE CLUB

Girls Program

Core Values of the Program:

Management and Philosophy

·         All teams (travel or select) at grade levels 5/6 and 7/8 have a similarly structured system of play that is coordinated in a way that players entering the Cedar Grove High School program have learned a style of play that will help them succeed. The club works in cooperation with the CGHS coaches to develop and enhance this curriculum. Coaches at all levels within our programs follow this curriculum, albeit at different levels of rigor and intensity depending on the grade and level of the program.

·         The CGLC subscribes to the teachings of the Positive Coaching Alliance and organizes coaching clinics and training for Cedar Grove coaches. We are also affiliated with US Lacrosse and encourage our coaches to become level 1 certified.

·            There are two kinds of winners in sports. One kind is the team that has scored the most at the end of a game. This is the Scoreboard winner. We want to be a Scoreboard winner and the other kind, a Mastery Winner. A Mastery winner gives consistently great effort, continually learns, and bounces back from mistakes.

·             We can be this more-important kind of winner no matter what the scoreboard says. The more we work at being Mastery winners, the more likely we are to be Scoreboard winners. And the more we work at being Mastery winners, the more likely we are to be winners in life!

To help remember the important parts of mastery, we use the acronym ELM Tree. In ELM, the E is for Effort, the L is for Learning and the M is for Mistakes are OK.

E is for Effort. We’ll give our best effort in every practice and game. It’s more important to me that we try our hardest than if we win. If we win without giving it our best effort, that win doesn’t mean much. But if we play a strong team and try our hardest and lose, I’ll still be proud of our team.

L is for Learning. Let’s continue learning and improving every time we come out here. If we continue to learn, we will get better. Getting better than we are now is more important than whether or not we are better than some other team. We can also think of this as competing with ourselves; if we get better than we used to be, then we are winning that competition.

M is for Mistakes. Nobody likes to make mistakes, but mistakes are part of learning. You can’t learn without making mistakes, because to learn you have to try things that are new and challenging, so of course you are going to make mistakes. On our team, it is okay to make mistakes.

One important thing we will work on all season is Honoring the Game. To help us remember exactly what that means, we will talk about respecting ROOTS.

R stands for Rules. Rules keep the game fair. I want you to play by the rules, even when you think you won’t get caught if you break them.

O is for Opponents. Without opponents, we could have no game. A good opponent pushes us to do our best, so we should be grateful for our opponents. I promise that I will show respect for opposing coaches and teams, and I expect you to do the same.

O is for Officials. Respecting officials can be the most difficult part of Honoring the Game. Officials have a very hard job, keeping the game safe and fair for both teams. Officials are not perfect (just like coaches, athletes and parents!) and sometimes they will make calls that are not in our favor, but I want you to show respect for officials, and I promise that our coaches will, too.

T is for Teammates. A big part of playing our sport is being part of a team. Later in life you will often be part of a team, and it is important to learn to work together. When you are on a team, your words and actions – before, during and after practices and games –reflect not only on you, but also on your teammates and coaches. So treat them as you would want them to treat you. I want you to encourage and 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. We set our own internal standards, and we live up to them no matter what.

If you do these five things, you are Honoring the Game. You and your teammates will get the most out of our season, and you will help advance the great traditions of our sport.

·         The range of programs described above are designed to support the range of attitudes and values on fun and competition. The meaning of “fun” for some girls is a strong social experience and bonding with friends; for others it’s a hard won victory over a top ranked competitor. We appreciate parent efforts to understand what their daughter values and guide her to the program in which she can have the most fun.

·         We recognize that children develop at different rates and levels and their values change over time. We expect movement between the above programs from year to year. A girl who played (travel in 6th grade might play Select in 7th grade, and vice versa.

·         We would like to send as many girls into the high school lacrosse program as possible and recognize that the best way to do that is ensure that they are having fun while learning and getting better.

·         Tryouts and player evaluations are conducted by independent professional trainers (when possible). The CGLC seeks to minimize the potential for parent-coach bias and cronyism in the team selection process.

Player’s Position and Playing Time:

Our program focuses on development.  It is our intention to  teach your child the basics of the game along with the skills and techniques needed to play the game. The skills will be reinforced through practices. Coaches will determine what position each player will play. Players will get fair (not equal) playing time.  Playing time is based largely on a “AAA” criteria based on Attendance, Attitude, and Ability.  It may appear in a given game that players don't get as much playing time as others but I assure you, we work to balance this out over the course of the season, giving every player an opportunity to succeed and contribute to the team in a positive way.

When we are in a position to field Select level teams, the coaches and only the coaches will determine what position each player will play and how much playing time they will see during a game. Players will play in every game as long as they are not suspended for reasons noted earlier.

Each player will be evaluated during practice by the coaches to see where they fit, that will be best for the TEAM. We will preach to the players that effort will affect their playing time. They will make mistakes, we expect that, and they will learn from their mistakes, what we ask is that they demonstrate maximum effort at all times. Each position on the is equally important, please do not ask a board member or the president of the organization about your child’s position on the team or her playing time. They are not coaching the team so they will not have any influence on the coaching staff’s decision. The board gives the coaches control in such matters.

Regarding playing time our guidance to coaches is:

• “AAA”: Players who demonstrate their love of the game and commitment to the team through Attendance in practice, their Attitude (hustle, player coach-ability, respecting everyone), and Ability (developed on and off the practice field), earn their minutes of playing time in games and tournaments.

• Each player may expect a minimum of one quarter playing time in a regular season game.

• At the 3/4th grade level, coaches are encouraged to keep playing time as balanced and equal as possible.

• Schedule games against reasonably matched competitors to avoid blow-outs in either direction.

• Leverage professional trainers and experienced coaches to continuously improve the quality of training and management we can deliver.

All structure is subject to change based on registration and player evaluation.

Player Conduct:

• All players will show respect for fellow players and the coaches at all times. Unruly conduct will not be tolerated at any time. Disciplinary action will be taken if a player engages in conduct that is detrimental to the team such as disrespecting other players or coaches in a physical or verbal manner.  This also extends to officials and game or practice spectators. The disciplinary action taken will be at the discretion of your child’s coaching staff, and if necessary the board of directors. If the offence is severe in nature or continues on a regular basis the player may be subject to a game(s) suspension. All players should act like team players at all times.

• If a player is injured during the week and cannot play in the game or they are suspended because of poor attendance or for disciplinary reasons, they must be present for the game that weekend. If the player does not show up for the game that he is supposed to sit out, he may be suspended the next game also. It is important for a player to come out and support their team even if they are not playing in the game.

• If problems arise with other players (ours or theirs), spectators, officials or anyonewho might be behaving in an inappropriate manner, our players are instructed to tell their coaching staff or a member of the CGLC board of directors and allow an official representative of the CGLC the opportunity to handle and remedy the situation.  It is never appropriate for any of our players to take matters into their own hands and deal with a problematic situation in any way that is less than respectful.

Parent Conduct:

• I am sure we will have no problem with this issue but it has to be mentioned. Parents are asked to refrain from smoking, and are absolutely forbidden to drink alcoholic beverages while at any practice, game, or organizational event (unless alcohol is to be served at a social event where players are not in attendance). If suspected of drinking any amount of alcoholic beverages your child will not be permitted to enter a vehicle that you are driving.

• It is an organizational rule that no “tailgating” take place at any practices, home games, or away games. It is the support of our and all other organizations that we may play that allows us to provide the best possible situation for all players involved.

• Parents are encouraged to root loud and proud for the team and their child. Parents are also asked to refrain from coaching their child from the sideline during practices or games. We want the players to focus on the instructions from the coaches, and what is happening on the field at all times. Yelling instructions from the sideline is distracting. Encourage your child to follow the coaches’ instructions.

• A parent’s role in supporting the team is vital to that team’s success. At some point this year there is a good chance some of you will disagree with one of the coach’s decisions. Please do not talk negatively about the team or the coaches in front of the players. When this happens the entire team is affected and an entire season can be destroyed. Player morale will suffer and there will be no chance of ever succeeding. Please support the team and the coaches by being as positive as you can even if you disagree with our decisions. Remember we are doing what we feel is right for the team and the future of the organization based on our evaluations of players in practice.

• No parents are allowed on the practice or playing field at any time, unless summoned by a coach. At some point during a practice or a game a player may experience bumps or bruises. Coaches are very experienced in detecting if a player is injured or just hurting. In the event a coach determines that a parent is needed to tend to a player’s needs he will solicit you to come out on to the field.

• Parents are asked to respect the boundaries between viewing areas and practice fields:

LRP School– Please stay on the parking lot side of the field.  This is for your safety.

Panther Park – Please utilize the bleachers and not the sidelines

• If a problem or concern arises during the season, The Cedar Grove Lacrosse organization encourages its staff, officials, participants, parents and coaches to follow the “24-hour rule” before communicating the concern. In other words, give it 24 hours and allow the problem or concern to “cool off”. You may be surprised at the results of this approach. Obviously, major concerns should be brought to our attention immediately. Please abide by the rules they set forth on when they will discuss things (i.e. after practice, a night no practice is held, etc.) We ask that you first go to your child’s coach with any concerns that you have. If you are unsatisfied with the outcome or wish to pursue the matter further you can go to any of the Board members.

Please do not let these rules affect your child’s playing time

Coaching

 Your team will play like it practices. Practices need to be at game speed. Be organized. You MUST have a practice plan and stick to it. Utilize your coaching staff to create stations to reduce standing around, get max reps in the time you have for practice Every practice should open with the same routine of a team stretch into line drills. You can then go into the drills you want to work on that practice. Use your coaching staff to divide the players into smaller groups and stations by drill.

Prepare for in game situations and how you will respond to them, especially man up and man down. At the younger levels, you should even practice coming on and off the field through the box. Be organized on game day, see attached game day roster sheet which allows you to keep track of all players on team Be prepared for game situations - man up/man down units Use your timeouts effectively to manage the game. Examples of when to use timeouts are to set up a play on offense or defense, to maintain possession in case your ball carrier gets into trouble, slow the game down, give certain players a breather or to reinforce fundamentals and team play. Have your bench organized, players have full equipment on at all times, stand on the straight line - at the ready to enter the game. They should be watching the game - learning and cheering on their teammates. o Be enthusiastic, motivate your players, be positive  You are the leader of your team - coach, teach and support the players Know your playing surface - if you have upcoming game on grass, practice on grass to better prepare your team. Ground balls and shooting are very different on grass. You should demonstrate the skill that you are teaching, if you need assistance with a demo, we can have the relevant person attend your practice to demonstrate It is key to put your players in position to be successful, don't overtax a player who may not be ready for the assignment, we don't want the players getting discouraged Provide encouragement, players want to be noticed by their coaches. They need positive reinforcement, even if it is to simply say something like "l noticed your effort today, nice work, keep it up!" Offer specific feedback where possible.

Treat all players equally, the players will notice if favoritism comes into play.

. Possession of the ball is critical, value the ball. Ground balls win games

Offense

The ball must move ahead via passing, the ball carrier must have her head up looking to advance the ball. I always like to demonstrate this on the first day of practice each year by having a race between a player with the ball and three players placed ten yards apart from each other and see which ball arrives first. lt is the one being passed, not running Spacing is key, each offensive player brings a defender with him when he moves, in some instances the best play a player can make on offense is to cut away from the ball carrier and take their defender with them and opens up space for the dodger. Attack on offense with a purpose, don't just shoot to shoot and end up passing it to the goalie. Shoot to score, not just to get it on net. Play fast - keep the ball "hot" by moving it. The players need to make their move, look for a pass or move the ball quickly. We want to keep the defense moving and shifting and it will break down and provide us offensive opportunities. Players without the ball must keep their feet moving to get open and present themselves to the ball carrier, it is a big field - use it to offer clean, uncontested passing lanes for the ball carrier.The attack need to mirror other attack members so that there is always a Player at X to hold possession when a shot is taken. Possession of the ball is the key to victory. You cannot score if you don't have the ball.

Dodges:

Teach your team the basic dodges so that each player can develop their skills and their weapons to attack a defender when they have the ball. Stress work with both their right and left hands.

Picks:

They must be set, don't move your feet. The player's feet must be set For 2 seconds, they also cannot shift their bodies, and they must remain still. lt is best to stay set and miss the pick then move and then be called for a violation and a turnover. Picks can be set for the ball carrier or away from the ball to open up the cutter.

Plays

Motion offense based off tri-angle passing patterns

Two triangles are set up - one for the middies and one for the attack. See diagram. Envision the three attackmen connected by a rope. So they rotate together as they spin into the next position. The same for the midfielders. ln our diagram, the rotation for the players goes from spot 1 to 2,2 to 3 and 3 to t.The basic movement starts when the ball gets to Ml, and he passes to 4L, as soon as he passes to AL he cuts hard to the net for a give and give pass back from 4L. The timing is critical for the middies as M2 must rotate out of the crease to open the area for the cutting M1 middie. M2 should rotate to position of M3 and M3 rotates over to the spot vacated by the M1 middie. lf the ML middie is not open on the cut, AL attack simply passes it behind to A2. The middies are rotating with each pass so as to keep the defense moving and to open passing lanes from the attack. The players rotate in a counterclockwise direction, everyone needs to have their heads up and look for the pass, if it is not there, move the ball to the next player. Omaha - iso for designated player, take your time for other players to spread out and take the on ball defender up and away and give room to dodge at full speed. The player should have their favorite and strongest offensive dodge move ready to go here, it is important that the player have a go to move in their arsenal.

DEFENSE

STOP THE BALL!!

A goal allowed is a collective failure of the team, not just one player Our base defense is a man to man/zone hybrid.  Zone assignments with a chaser and double team help coming from the corners of the zone defensive set. Every person on the field is guarding the ball, not just their assigned player or zone. Every defender has to anticipate their teammate getting beat and then needing to sliding in to support them. Once one player slides, it starts a domino effect with slides where we leave the farthest offensive player open. Communication on defense is key; they must talk to each other so they know where their teammates are. They need to know who has "Got Ball" who has “got stick” and who is at the ready to support them with the next slide “Help here!”. All the defenders need to be reminded on a consistent basis that they are ALL guarding the ball. They must have their head on a swivel to be aware of all that is happening. They are not just guarding their man. They need to develop trust in their coaches and teammates that blame will not be assigned if they slide to help and "their" player scores.  That they will not called out. Players are often focused on the player they are guarding not scoring, they need to have their mind adjusted to our style of team defense. We want them to feel comfortable sliding aggressively, knowing the next slides are happening behind them. When you start sliding, a player is left open as you are in essence dedicating two defenders to one offense player, you want the player open to be the farthest away from the ball and net where they can do the least amount of damage.

Get back on defense, protect your house. HUSTLE!!!

Demonstrate how they should run back on defense, teach them about angles - don't run after the ball carrier but run to cut her off, get underneath her, get in front of them and make them change direction. All defenders need to be between their player and the net, be underneath the offensive player. We want to make the offense for our opponent as complicated as possible. We want to set up as many road blocks to the net as we can. A complicated offense is one that has multiple passes and catches and then a contested shot. The goalie is critical to the success of the defense as he calls out the picks/switches as she has the best view of the offense in front of her. Stress for all defenders to have their sticks up at all times, this begins in practice. Left hand on top, this makes it easier for them to mirror the attackers stick (assuming that they are a righty). Challenge every pass, every shot.  Look to deflect, block or otherwise disrupt the attackers pass or shot.  Always push the attacker to your right side.  Force them to play with their “off” hand. NEVER leave the ball carrier until the ball has been passed off or a shot taken.  Once the ball has moved on look to where you can be the most defensive help.  Someone else should be on ball, slides should have been made to adjust to the new ball position.  Fill in the zone at the nearest location and look for cutters. The chaser is a player to literally shadow the ball wherever it goes on the field and hopefully stop the ball carrier from making a good uncontested pass. The chaser does not need to be your best lacrosse player, simply one of your best athletes (there is a lot of running necessary). The rest of your D can be in their regular help zone with the nearest high defender double teaming the ball carrier.  The responsibility of the chaser and the help defender is not to attach the ball carrier but rather to contain them, force them to their off hand, take them away from the scoring zone, and make them move their stick.  They are looking to pounce on a drop, to block or misdirect a pass, to prevent the ball carrier from going to goal.  This is the defense that the high school uses and is a very effective way to isolate the ball and create turnovers.

CLEARS -

You are a player up due to the use of your goalie, someone has to be open. Stopping the offense and gaining possession of the ball is the start of your offense.  You still must transition the ball from the defensive side of the field to the offensive end. A good clear is essential after the hard work of gaining the possession of the ball by the defense. It is also important to note that there is a time limit of 10 SECONDS to clear the ball from the goal circle once it has entered the goal circle (usually through a shot and save).

Every player on the field needs to be focused on the ball and move accordingly. We will establish a patterned clear but we can ensure that the defense will react in a consistent manner to our clear. A common clear is after the goalie makes a save. He needs to yell “CLEAR” as the trigger for the defenders and middies to go their assigned areas on the field. lt is important for players to go their assigned spots so that the goalie can progress through their reads looking for an open player. The Goalies first move should get his head up and look to move the ball quickly. lf no one is immediately open, she can run behind the cage and drop the ball to last defender to start the clear process.

See Clear diagrams for clear plays.

Post-same etiquette:

We will always shake hands with our opponents. The goalie should lead our team, gloves off, stick in left hand and shake hands with your right hand.

No smack talking during handshakes.

You should gather your team after handshakes and address the team and review the game briefly. Go over positive aspects and outline areas that need to be worked on. Do not keep the players long after a game, they are tired and the parents want to get them home. Your next practice is the time to get more in depth on the game review and areas to be improved.

Take a moment after the game to meet with your coaches and write down notes, positive and areas to be worked on. They may have observed something that you missed.

Outline of each position on field:

Attack: Positions referred to as A1, A2, A3, A4

Girls lacrosse refers to these positions as First Home, Second Home, Third Home and Attack Wing.

- Scoring, run the offense - Keeping possession, battle for ground balls and race to end lines on shots

- Need to work with other attack members so that there is always a player at X to hold possession when a shot it taken

- Riding the instant the ball is turned over to the other team

- Help on draws as soon as the ball is in play.

- Help on clear, be spread out from the 50 to their own defensive restraining line and in their assigned locations.  This is so they can grab bad back passes from the opponent's attack, so that there is already a progression of players in space ready to move the ball in transition.

Midfielders: Positions referred to as M1, M2, M3.

Technically there are 5 midfielder, but only 3 can cover the whole field.  1 is restricted to Attack and one is Restricted to Defense.  Girls lacrosse refers to these positions as Attack Wings, Defensive Wings, and the Center. M2 is going to be your center.

- Your best athletes should be playing midfield

- lf you are not playing your best athletes at midfield, you are not assigning positions correctly as they have dual responsibility of offense and defense. lf they are on Attack, they are not impacting the game as much as they would if they played middie.

Defenseman: Positions referred to as D1, D2, D3, D4

Girls lacrosse refers to these positions as Point, Cover Point, Third Man and Defensive Wing.  

- Strong players but still must have foot speed in order to keep up with the swift attackmen.

- Strong stick skills

- Good communication skills

- Understand how to check in order to stay out of the penalty box

Goalie:

- fast reflexes

- team leader on the defense

- you should hear them talking the whole time the ball is in our defensive end telling his defense where the ball is and where picks might be coming from

- long range passer to start the clear and potentially trigger a fast break

- don't assign blame when a goal is allowed. The game is designed for scoring.

SAMPLE PRACTICE PLAN

Warm up & Stretch

Skills Session

Water Beak

Multiple Player Game Situation

Small sided scrimmages

SAMPLE PRACTICE SCHEDULE

5th/6th Grade

6:30 Stretch / Lap

6:35 Passing triangles

6:40 Ground balls

6:45 Cradle runs

6:55 Weave Passing

7:05 Defensive slides

7:25 Offense / Defense

7:40 Clears

7:55 Steal the Bacon / 3v3 or 4v4 Game (maximize player touches)

SAMPLE GAME PLAN

Opponent - Verona

Attack

1.Dye & Brown

2.Garcia & Zeleszko

3.Wolf & Moreno

4.Mc Call

Middfield

1.Maciocci, Green and Carpenter

2.Berwanger, Faziolla and Mulato

3. Anastazi, Tanella and Lopez

Defense

1.Burke & Mandry

2.McElroy & Lynch

3.Killeen & Garcia

Goal

Almodovar

Program Goals and Organization

U11  3rd Grade, 4th Grade

CGLC offers a single instructional program for girls in 3rd and 4th grade. The focus of this program is on teaching the fundamentals of scooping, throwing and catching and the basics of the game.

Fundamental of the 3rd and 4th grade levels:

·         There are no try-outs or cuts at this level – it is open to all. We want as many girls as possible giving lacrosse a try at this age to see if they like it. Girls should get exposure to playing all positions – no specialization.

·         3rd grade practices with 4th grade

·         Primary emphasis on stick work and fun activities that maximize the number of touches and skill advancement of the players. Focus on combining learning of skills and having fun on the field.

·         Teach girls to pick up the ball, hold onto it while moving, and pass and catch.

·         Coaches utilize a progression of skills to be learned and a catalog of age appropriate drills effective in teaching those skills.

·         Games are a combination of in town ‘pick-up’ style scrimmages and games versus other near-by towns such as Verona, Caldwell or Montclair.

·         One tournament / Play date per year when possible.

·         At the end of the season, the 4th grade will be invited to play with the 5/6th grade summer 7v7 team.

All structure is subject to change based on registration and player evaluation.

U13 5th/6th Grade Programs

As described in the introduction, girls in 5th and 6th grade have two levels of play: a Travel Team and a Select Team (when possible).

Fundamentals of the 5th and 6th grade levels:

·         Continued emphasis on fundamentals of the game

·         Introduction of higher level skills and gameplay tactics

·         Begin to specialize into primary and secondary positions

U 15 7th and 8th Grade Travel Programs

The U15 7/8 grade travel program has two levels of play, including Select Teams and a Travel team. Players on the Select Team will play other Select Teams in the JGLA League and in tournaments. Select and Travel players are invited to commit to these programs as a result of try outs conducted in the fall.  Players will sign a commitment letter for select play.

Fundamentals at the 7/8 levels:

·         Teach the team to play as a team, focus on primary position, then secondary.

·         Teach creating space and opportunities on offense, teach both pressure and 8 meter defense, and teach transitional play and checking.

U15 7th & 8th Select Team:

As a result of the fall tryout and selection process, a U15 7th & 8th grade select team will be formed. This team will consist of 18-20 girls including a goalie. Games are scheduled against JGLA “Select teams” and other top teams across the state. The schedule typically includes 10 – 12 games per season, plus 2 – 4 tournaments, and 3 practices per week.  Playing time is based on ability, attendance and attitude (AAA) and is not necessarily equal for all players.

Select Program goals:

·         Focus on being competitive and improvement

·         Build on skills already in place, raises level

·         Standard curriculum, trained coaches

·         Know, and run an offense with a set and roles

·         Know and run a good 8 meter defense with slides

·         Push tempo on transitions

·         Practice special situations

·         Play primary positions until we establish a comfortable lead then try rotation to secondary positions

All structure is subject to change based on registration and player evaluation.

U15 - 7/8 Travel Team

Registration for this program is open to all 7th/8th grade girls who are not on the Select teams. Practices are two or three times per week. Each girl will play in approximately ten to twelve games a season. If we anticipate having a single larger team (~30 players) we will extend the schedule with a player rotation plan. At the coach’s discretion, girls may participate in a “B” division tournament during the season.

7/8 Travel Team goals:

·         Focus on improving

·         Teach players good individual skills

·         Standard curriculum, trained coaches

·         Know and run a basic offense set

·         Know and run good 8 meter defense with simple slides

·         Learn structured transitions

·         Primary and secondary position

·         Introduce special situations

All structure is subject to change based on registration and player evaluation.

Try -outs - When Necessary

Assessments for players in 5th – 8th grade are held in late October/early November (Once the select team program is formed). Check our website home page for details. Registration and a nominal assessment fee ($25) are required to cover the costs of independent trainer/evaluators.

Assessment Methodology

Player evaluations are conducted using a combination of countable/timed events as well as observation in mini-game play situations. Girls may prepare for the countable/timed events by conditioning and practicing their fundamental skills. Following is a list of the typical events that are measured.

Measurable Activities

·         Wall Ball (count):

o    Players have 30 seconds to see how many times they can execute a pass catch against a wall. Measure right hand, and then measure left hand. Players can re-test after all have gone if time permitting.

·         GB Dash (timed):

o    40 yard dash with a ground ball to pick up half way. Player must have ball in stick to cross finish line. Can re-test at the end if time permitting.

·         Box Run (timed):

o    Set up cones in a box 10 yards per side. Player always faces same direction - no stick. Begins with a sprint straight ahead, then shuffles right, back pedals, shuffles left.

·         ZZ Run (timed):

o    Set up cones in a giant slalom fashion from baseline to 50 meter. With ball in stick, player sprints while cradling to finish line. Must have ball in stick to cross finish line.

Mini-Games

General game play: Set up small sided or 7v7 situation and evaluate. Players are ranked on scale from 1 – 5:

·         Overall game play

·         Defense-ability

·         Dodging

·         Cutting

·         Field sense/awareness

General Information for Parents, Coaches and Players

NJ Junior Girls Lacrosse League Rules

See:http://njjgll.org/rules.php for further explanation and examples.

The league follows the current rules as established by US Lacrosse, as modified below for NJJGLL. These rules are written with the safety of all players being of utmost importance.  Girls lacrosse should be fun, challenging and safe.  To that end, the umpires shall have the authority to penalize any foul, unsafe play, or unacceptable behavior not covered specifically in these rules.  Play should be as continuous as possible, and any foul which does not gain an advantage for the offender or her team should result in a “held” whistle whenever possible.

General rule reminders/emphasis points:

• Checking must be away from the opponent's body.  It must be a check and release - immediately bringing the crosse away from the opponent after contact with the head of the opponent's crosse.

• Girls cannot kick the ball (boys can)

• Inside the 8 meter area, defender must be within a stick's length of attacker.  If inside and not covering an attacker for three seconds a foul is called.  The 8 meter arc line counts as in, girls must have feet outside the line if not covering someone.

• Three seconds closely guarded (good defense): No holding the ball for more than three seconds when a defender has two hands on her stick, is within a stick's length, and is in checkable position (in front of or on same side as stick).  Note can't reach across opposite side - that's not legally checkable position.

Wall Ball Drills

Wall Ball drills are the best way for any player to improve stick skills. Try it for one week and you will be amazed at your progress!!

The Basics

1. Find a brick wall - most schools have them.  Franklin courtyard is ideal.  Brick walls are better than smooth concrete walls because of added dimension of occasional unpredictable return.  Pitch-backs are ok but limiting.  Brick walls are best.

2. Start close - about 10 feet away, with your dominant hand, pick a spot about 8' high on the wall and see how many times in a row you can hit that spot and catch the return without dropping.  Throw with enough force to make the ball go in a straight line.

3. Progress to using other (non-dominant) side.  Repeat step 2.

4. Get a friend and invent competitions

Progressions

1. Throw right catch left - throw left catch right - repeat

2. Catch and face dodge

3. Catch and split dodge

4. Catch, throw a fake pass, then sidearm pass

5. Throw off-hand, i.e. if you're a righty, with hands positioned for a right handed throw, put the stick on the left side of your body and throw/catch from there.  Repeat with non-dominant grip from the other side.

6. Use one hand only on the stick to catch and throw (builds wrist and forearm)

7. Do 'quick-stick', i.e. no cradle catch and throw - as soon as the ball hits the net make a throw

8. Typewriter: Shuffle left while throwing and catching, then shuffle back right while catching and throwing - repeat

9. Move farther from the wall, pick a target a little higher up, repeat all of the above and see how good you can get at not missing while progressively getting further from the wall

10. Play Pig/Horse with a friend - pick bricks on the wall to hit.

11. Invent your own drills!

Perform this routine 4 to 5 times a week for 15 to 20 minutes and your stick skills will improve a great deal in a very short period of time.   You will be amazed!

Crank up your stereo or headphones and have some fun!