Washington College, Non-Traditional Fast Breaks
My head is still kind of spinning following my first podcast with Head Coach Jeff Shirk, Washington College. Coming off of a great 2014 season, a trip to the DIII Semi’s, 18 wins, and 50 shots a game, I learned a lot, and got me thinking even more…
As we were talking about transition drills in lacrosse practice, Coach shared this drill which is also a really unique look they utilize on their fast breaks. Coach Shirk gives the credit to Coach Daly at Tufts for the concept, and they have kind of modified it with their own twist…
Let me also say that for the old timers, five or seven years ago, many teams were experimenting with placing or ‘popping’ an attack player behind to ‘X’ during fast breaks, but you really do not see it nearly as much in today’s game due to the fact that in transition (3V2, 4V3) most coaches now want all players in front to be in a position to shoot. I know I have subscribed to the everybody in front theory in transition, especially smaller numbers, 3V2 and 4V3.
To begin, think of this as a twist on the traditional “L” fast break drill you ran for 20 minutes every day in high school. It is a 4V3 Break, or in this case a 4V3 Transition Lacrosse Drill. We have three defenders set up, or entering the field to get positioned above the crease, (thus the traditional “L” or triangle concept.) We have a Middie carrying from the midfield line, and three attack men in the drill. Coach was quick to point out that the concept is the same at Washington College for a Pole or LSM carrying on a break.
In this case, the three attack players are positioned horizontally slightly above GLE. But I believe the most interesting twist on the traditional coaching philosophies comes in regard to Middie, Pole or LSM carrying the ball.