Coaching Education

Skilled coaches are a vital resource for the Association. Knights Lacrosse encourages you to get involved with coaching at any level, whether in House League or Competitive levels.

The Association offers Coaching Clinics throughout the year. Refer to the Clinics page throughout the year for updates.

Tip of the Week

Pick and Roll Power Play

When running this power play, players must be aware that other opportunities will present themselves depending on how the defense reacts.

Tip of the Week
  • Top man (X-1) passes to corner man (X-2)
  • Corner man (X-2) passes to crease man (X-3)
  • Corner man (X-5) engages defender O-2 to assist with the pick and roll
  • Top man (X-1) cuts in and sets pick on defender O-2 and the rolls to the net for return pass
  • Crease man (X-3) passes to top man (X-1) for shot on goal.

Competitive Head Coaches: Application

The Nepean Knights Minor Lacrosse Association is now accepting applications for their competitive teams (tyke to intermediate) for the 2011 season. Anyone interested in coaching this year should contact Rob Tait at directorcompetitive@knightslacrosse.ca.

Coaching Tips

Better coaches means better, more skilled players. Below is a list of links to sites outlining practice drills and coaching tips. Throughout the year, coaching tips will be highlighted for you.

The Canadian Lacrosse Association (www.lacrosse.ca) offers many coaching tips and is in the process of creating a coaching online program. The Ontario Lacrosse Association (www.ontariolacrosse.com) also offers excellent tips in team building and focusing on player development.

Coaching Books

There are a number of valuable coaching books on the market. However, be sure to distinguish between Box and Field lacrosse books. Box and Field lacrosse use very different strategies and approaches. As a general rule of thumb, Canadian books will address Box lacrosse and American books will refer to Field lacrosse.

Jim Hinkson is a Canadian author from Whitby, Ontario, one of the great Canadian lacrosse hotbeds. Hinkson’s books on lacrosse are a great start for anyone looking to understand the game.

Below is a short list of books that we can recommend:

Box Lacrosse

  • Lacrosse For Dummies, by Jim Hinkson
  • Lacrosse Fundamentals: Third Edition, by Jim Hinkson
  • Box Lacrosse: The Fastest Game on Two Feet, by Jim. Hinkson
  • Lacrosse Team Strategies, by Jim Hinkson
  • Lacrosse Fundamentals, by Jim Hinkson

Field Lacrosse

  • The Lacrosse Training Bible: The Complete Guide for Men and Women, by Vincent Perez-Mazzola
  • The Confident Coach's Guide to Teaching Lacrosse: From Basic Fundamentals to Advanced Player Skills and Team Strategies, by Daniel Morris and Michael Morri
  • Lacrosse: Technique and Tradition, by Neil A. Grauer, David G. Pietramala, and James T. Van Rensselaer
  • Lacrosse for Girls and Women, by Anne Lee Delano
  • Sports Illustrated Lacrosse, Second Edition: Fundamentals for Winning, by David Urick

Training

  • Lacrosse: Official Athletic College Workbook, by Charlie W. Kadupski
  • The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Lacrosse, by Robert G. Price and Maryanne Haselow-Duli

About the Game

  • Lacrosse: A History of the Game, by Donald M. Fisher
  • Lacrosse Legends of the First Americans, by Thomas, Jr. Vennum
  • American Indian Lacrosse: Little Brother of War, by Thomas Vennum
  • Lacrosse Warrior: The Life of Mohawk Lacrosse Champion Gaylord Powless, by Wendy A. Lewis
  • Indoor Lacrosse: The Story of the Major Indoor Lacrosse League, by Jim Huelskamp
  • Weekend Warriors: Men of the National Lacrosse League, by Jack McDermott

Coaches Code of Conduct

In addition to the proper coaching certification, every NKMLA coach and assistant coach are required to sign and adhere to the following Code of Conduct. (download pdf).

  • Winning is a consideration, but not the only one, nor the most important one. Care more about the child than winning the game. Remember, players are involved in Lacrosse for fun and enjoyment.
  • Be a positive role model to your players, display emotional maturity and be alert to the physical safety of players.
  • Be generous with your praise when it is deserved; be consistent and honest; be fair and just; do not criticize players publicly; learn to be a more effective communicator and coach; don't yell at players.
  • Adjust to personal needs and problems of players; be a good listener; never verbally or physically abuse a player; give all players the opportunity to improve their skills, gain confidence and develop self-esteem; teach them the basics.
  • Help in improving the performance of the game officials; they are learning the game as well. Be supportive not critical. Attitude you show toward the game officials is passed onto your players.
  • Organize practices that are fun and challenging for your players.
  • Familiarize yourself with the rules, techniques and strategies of Lacrosse; encourage all your players to be team players.
  • Maintain an open line of communication with your players’ parents.
  • Explain the goals and objectives of your association.
  • Be concerned with the overall development of your players.
  • Stress good health habits and clean living. To play the game is great, to love the game is greater.

I, as a coach, have read and agree to abide to the best of my ability by the Nepean Knights Minor Lacrosse Association coaches code of conduct for the ______ season.