From one of the most successful coaches in NCAA history, the only total lacrosse instructional for high-end championship play at every level Filled with his beloved personal style and know-how, Carl Runk’s Coaching Lacrosse goes beyond X’s and O’sto give you expert guidance forinspiring excellence in your team. Packed with illustrationsand diagrams, this handbook covers all thefundamentals and equips you with drills and strategiesfor firing up your players. Carl Runk has compiled an impressive 289 collegiate-level victories as a head lacrosse coach at both Towson University and the University of Arizona. He lives in Maryland, where he is currently coach of the 2004 Maryland state champions. Carl Runk has compiled an impressive 289 collegiate-level victories as a head lacrosse coach at both Towson University and the University of Arizona. He lives in Maryland, where he is currently coach of the 2004 Maryland state champions. CARL RUNK'S COACHING LACROSSE Strategies, Drills & Plays from an NCAA Tournament Winning Coach's Playbook By CARL RUNK The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Copyright © 2009 McGraw-Hill All right reserved. ISBN: 978-0-07-158843-0 Contents Chapter One Offense IN THE EARLY '70S I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO BE selected to coach the South Team in the classic North-South seniors lacrosse game held at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Dick Edell, then head coach at the U.S. Military Academy, was selected to coach the North. It was a time when this game received tremendous public exposure and was highly popular with the fans. The night before the big game, the senior players, both North and South, were honored by the city of Ithaca at a downtown evening banquet. Besides the entourage of lacrosse affiliates and officials, the mayor of Ithaca and city council members were also in attendance. After dinner, Richie Moran, longtime successful coach at Cornell University, gathered Dick Edell and myself to a meeting, informing us that we would have to go up on stage and introduce the players of our respective teams. I thought he was kidding, but he was dead serious. "Richie, you want me to introduce these players, and I don't even know their names!" "You've got about five minutes to learn 'em," he responded. I had no idea how I was going to handle this situation and literally hit the panic button. Finally, an assistant coach informed me that I could use the banquet program, which included each player's name, college, and position. Thank the Lord! Here was a solution to a possibly most embarrassing situation. Dick Edell was to go onstage first and introduce his team, which meant at that time, I could study the program and give the impression I knew what the hell I was talking about. With a new surge of confidence, I stood at the base of the stage ready to introduce my team when called on. In his closing remarks, Edell suddenly paid tribute to the team manager of the North squad, introducing him to the crowd. I wanted to run up onstage and rip his heart out. Everything was going great until he did that. I had about thirty seconds to find out the name of our team manager so I could introduce him after the players. I quickly asked those around me for the name of our manager, but no one knew. As I was introduced and walking up on stage, I passed Edell. He was my last chance. "Rich, what's the name of my team manager?" "Oh, your team manager's name is Mel Fernwacker." "Thanks, buddy, you saved the day." After introducing my South squad, I announced to the crowd: "I would, at this time, like to introduce you to a young man who for the whole week has helped our squad above and beyond the call of duty. A devoted man who catered to our every need. Ladies and gentlemen, the team manager of the South squad, Mr. Mel Fernwacker. Mel, would you please stand to be recognized!" Everyone in the banquet hall was looking around for Mel, but no one stood up. "Mel, are you out there?" Finally, a young man in the back stood up and said, "Coach Runk! I went through hell this week trying to get you everything you needed ... chewing tobacco ... special drinks ... setting up the field for your secret practices in the pouring rain ... and you don't even know my name!" Well, the crowd laughed unmercifully, and when I looked over to find Rich Edell, he was kneeling on the floor with his head in his hands, covered by a handkerchief and laughing his ass off! For a person who thrives on kidding and fooling people, I have never been so embarrassed in all my life. The big turkey really got me! And I never got the chance to meet Mel Fernwacker! Basic Principles Each coach, first and foremost, must take into consideration the offensive potential he has available. There is no reason to employ a system that is unproductive or not conducive to the players' abilities. A common breakdown in coaching is to engage an offense that is destined to miss the mark of success. It may be an of