tips for 7 on 7 play
Dust off the stick we are going to a 7 on 7 fall lax tourney! Sounds like fun, right?
I've been doing these for several years now and always have some fun.
Here's a news flash, if your in the north country it will be cold, maybe wet, and the players will be rusty. Combine that with the small fields and seven man format and you may create some potential misery.
Here are a few quick pointers to make it a success.
1. Pick your team carefully.
A team of players who can actually make some practices and will work hard is the key. "Fifty percenters" are probably not the best pick for a one day event that could feature 4 or 5 short, tough games. Get the guys that you know will crank it up if you can.
2. Get a strong goalie if possible.
They will see plenty of shots with the short field minus one long stick. Sorry but I suggest leaving the "I'm still learning" kid at home. Get him to work on his game in winter leagues or next spring. You will need a stopper to make up for that long slide that never comes.
3. Dress warm in cold climate.
Make sure players bring plenty of dry clothing changes, hats, sweats, blankets, whatever it takes. A great team can easily lose a game if they are wet and freezing. We bring warming tents and healthy food for breaks between games. Trust me it helps. For you guys in warm weather, we hate you, don't forget the sun screen.
4. Get in some practices prior to the event.
A lot of lacrosse players "retire" in May or June. A few play summer league or travel, but chances are you may have some guys who haven't touched a stick in months. I do three 2 hours practices, focusing on a ton of touches. Use long passing drills, a ton of shooting, and a lot of odd man looks like 2v1's, 3v2's, and 4v3's.
5. Have a game plan.
7 on 7 features a ton of fast breaks and a lot of two man games. The offensive and defensive sets become 4 v 4's. Run plays from a 2-1-1, a 2-2 with 2 behind , 2-2 topside. Take the time to pencil in some motion offense plays on a legal pad and see if you can create some looks. Pick and rolls, off ball screens, and give and go's work well in a 4v4 scenario. I stress having all 4 players on offense be in scoring position whenever possible.
6. Make it fun.
I have never heard of a 7 v 7 national champion. Have fun. Nothing is worse than an adult supervisor or volunteer coach losing his cool at one of these events. Keep the freaking out to a minimum. Its fall ball, its supposed to be fun and its the greatest game in the world.
-coachB
I've been doing these for several years now and always have some fun.
Here's a news flash, if your in the north country it will be cold, maybe wet, and the players will be rusty. Combine that with the small fields and seven man format and you may create some potential misery.
Here are a few quick pointers to make it a success.
1. Pick your team carefully.
A team of players who can actually make some practices and will work hard is the key. "Fifty percenters" are probably not the best pick for a one day event that could feature 4 or 5 short, tough games. Get the guys that you know will crank it up if you can.
2. Get a strong goalie if possible.
They will see plenty of shots with the short field minus one long stick. Sorry but I suggest leaving the "I'm still learning" kid at home. Get him to work on his game in winter leagues or next spring. You will need a stopper to make up for that long slide that never comes.
3. Dress warm in cold climate.
Make sure players bring plenty of dry clothing changes, hats, sweats, blankets, whatever it takes. A great team can easily lose a game if they are wet and freezing. We bring warming tents and healthy food for breaks between games. Trust me it helps. For you guys in warm weather, we hate you, don't forget the sun screen.
4. Get in some practices prior to the event.
A lot of lacrosse players "retire" in May or June. A few play summer league or travel, but chances are you may have some guys who haven't touched a stick in months. I do three 2 hours practices, focusing on a ton of touches. Use long passing drills, a ton of shooting, and a lot of odd man looks like 2v1's, 3v2's, and 4v3's.
5. Have a game plan.
7 on 7 features a ton of fast breaks and a lot of two man games. The offensive and defensive sets become 4 v 4's. Run plays from a 2-1-1, a 2-2 with 2 behind , 2-2 topside. Take the time to pencil in some motion offense plays on a legal pad and see if you can create some looks. Pick and rolls, off ball screens, and give and go's work well in a 4v4 scenario. I stress having all 4 players on offense be in scoring position whenever possible.
6. Make it fun.
I have never heard of a 7 v 7 national champion. Have fun. Nothing is worse than an adult supervisor or volunteer coach losing his cool at one of these events. Keep the freaking out to a minimum. Its fall ball, its supposed to be fun and its the greatest game in the world.
-coachB
posted by 313 LACROSSE at
9:04 PM
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