2-Hour Women’s Lacrosse Practice Plan: Fast breaks focus
Practice Overview:
This 2-hour women’s lacrosse practice plan is focused on developing effective transition play, a key component in moving the ball quickly from defense to offense. The session includes drills to improve passing accuracy, spacing, speed, and communication during transitions.
Segment 1 (0:00 – 15:00): Warm-Up and Stick Work
Drill: Dynamic Warm-Up and Partner Passing
• Description:
• Begin with a dynamic warm-up to prepare players physically. Include jogging, high knees, lunges, butt kicks, and side shuffles.
• Transition into stick work by pairing players for short, crisp passing. Players should focus on catching and passing quickly while moving their feet.
• Coaching Points:
• Emphasize proper hand placement on the stick and fluid motion from cradle to pass.
• Keep the feet moving to simulate game-like pressure.
• Coaches should watch for proper form and encourage quick ball movement.
Segment 2 (15:00 – 30:00): 3v2 Transition Drill
Drill: 3v2 Fast Break Simulation
• Description:
• Set up a fast break scenario with three attackers against two defenders. Start with the ball in the defensive end, and transition quickly to offense.
• Focus on quick passing and decision-making by the attacking players.
• Coaching Points:
• Encourage attackers to use spacing and speed to their advantage.
• Defenders should communicate and work together to stop the fast break.
• Emphasize the importance of making quick, accurate passes to maintain momentum.
Segment 3 (30:00 – 45:00): Full-Field Passing Drill
Drill: Full-Field Transition Passing
• Description:
• Line up players across the field at different stations (defensive zone, midfield, and attack). The goal is to work the ball down the field in quick passes, transitioning from defense to offense.
• Focus on moving the ball through the air with minimal ground balls.
• Coaching Points:
• Stress the importance of communication and quick decisions in moving the ball up the field.
• Emphasize accuracy over speed to maintain control of the ball.
• Encourage players to find the open player and maintain good spacing.
Segment 4 (45:00 – 1:00:00): 4v3 Transition Drill
Drill: 4v3 Transition Play
• Description:
• Set up a 4v3 drill starting from the defensive zone. Defenders clear the ball and initiate the fast break, transitioning into an offensive situation with four attackers against three defenders.
• Rotate attackers and defenders to ensure everyone practices both roles.
• Coaching Points:
• Offense should use the extra player advantage to create space and high-percentage shots.
• Defenders need to communicate effectively and prioritize slides to cover gaps.
• Encourage fast transitions and accurate passing in the offensive zone.
Segment 5 (1:00:00 – 1:20:00): Small-Sided Transition Scrimmage
Drill: 5v5 Transition Scrimmage
• Description:
• Conduct a half-field scrimmage focused on transitioning from defense to offense. Players must quickly shift from defense to attack and vice versa, emphasizing transitions at all times.
• After a turnover, the team that gains possession must move the ball quickly to the offensive side of the field.
• Coaching Points:
• Encourage players to react quickly after a turnover and transition into their roles.
• Emphasize spacing and positioning during transition phases.
• Coaches should stop play when necessary to highlight key moments and correct errors.
Segment 6 (1:20:00 – 1:40:00): Full-Field Transition Drill
Drill: 6v5 Full-Field Transition Drill
• Description:
• Set up a full-field transition drill where six attackers try to move the ball against five defenders, starting from a defensive clear.
• Focus on quick ball movement through the midfield and into the offensive zone for a shot.
• Coaching Points:
• Players should recognize when to pass and when to run the ball upfield.
• Encourage defenders to work on sliding and covering space during fast breaks.
• Offensive players need to keep the field spread and utilize open passing lanes.
Segment 7 (1:40:00 – 2:00:00): Cool-Down and Review
Drill: Stretching and Team Discussion
• Description:
• Lead players through a 10-minute cool-down session that includes static stretching for all major muscle groups.
• After stretching, gather the team for a review of the practice. Discuss what worked well in transitions and areas to improve for the next session.
• Coaching Points:
• Emphasize the importance of recovery and flexibility to prevent injuries.
• Highlight key takeaways from the practice, such as communication, spacing, and ball movement during transition play.
• Encourage feedback from players and set goals for the next practice.
Additional Notes:
• Equipment Needed:
• Lacrosse sticks, balls, cones, goals, and pinnies for teams.
• Communication Focus:
• Communication is key in transition play, so encourage players to talk constantly during drills, especially when passing or making defensive adjustments.
• Emphasize Speed and Accuracy:
• Transition play relies on moving the ball quickly but accurately. Focus on minimizing turnovers and maintaining possession.
By following this 2-hour practice plan, coaches can help their high school women’s lacrosse team develop strong transition play skills, improve teamwork, and become more effective in moving the ball quickly from defense to offense.
