Don Zimmerman 3-Pack

with Don Zimmerman,
UMBC Head Coach;
3X NCAA Championship Coach

Moving from a play-oriented approach to a set-oriented game has been a good move for Coach Zimmerman and his program. Zimmerman lays out the pros and cons of both styles of play here. For example, an experienced team may lend better to a freelance style than a play system. In certain game situations plays can be beneficial in the right spot. FEMO is the fake extra man offense used to practice against the man down unit. Zimmerman diagrams the 3-on-3 formation, in which high percentage shots are the goal. The 2-3-1 and 1-4-1 sets are diagrammed also. The garbage drill helps shooters to get low and through the ball and utilize the wrist shot. The back up, back in drill develops the ability to stop hot ground balls behind the net. Four lines of offensive and defensive players make up the implosion drill. Other drills are three man short, man up face off, and man up ride. From the 2-3-1 set the change of formation play is shown using practice video.

38 minutes. 2007.

with Don Zimmerman,
UMBC Head Coach;
3X NCAA Championship Coach

The Deuces offense spaces the field well to create good dodging lanes from all four corners. Three sets of two players work together in pairs. Typically two players will be behind, two on top and two in the crease. A strength of the offense is using the pick, where one player in the pair frees his teammate. This creates confusion and indecision in the defense. By reading the defenders movement, the offensive player can spring free of the defender. Another teaching technique is the front swing. Zimmerman feels the game is all about deception, and the Deuce is full of deception. The player with the ball is taught to sprint into, through, and out of the pick. Once out of the pick, the man with the ball heads straight to the goal with his stick in feeding position. The second pair is known as the inside men and key techniques are demonstrated to enhance their productivity in the Deuce. Inside men maintain balance by staying opposite of the dodger. The third pair is known as the men up top. When out front, players are always ready to score. By being inside the restraining line, these two players present a dangerous threat to the defense. The straight-line principle is a concept that can really help young players. The Deuces offense will get your team high percentage shots while attacking from the inside and outside!

42 minutes. 2007.

with Don Zimmerman,
UMBC Head Coach;
3X NCAA Championship Coach

Offensive Skill Development is a 'treasure trove' of essential lacrosse skills taught by one of the top coaches, and formerly one of the great players, in the game today! Zimmerman covers holding the stick properly and receiving the pass - ground balls are the key to the game; Zimmerman: "players today cradle the ball too much!" Three parts of fielding the ground ball are presented, including top hand pick up. Cradling should be held to a minimum and the stick should be in the loaded position. Zimmerman also covers dodging north and south. The split dodge incorporates change of speed and direction, use of hips and a focus on the defender's hips. Other moves are the face dodge and roll dodge. Other skills presented include: Shooting (hand placement and shoulder position) and cutting without the ball.

31 minutes. 2007.

See all the items in this series!

• Extra Man Offense
• 2-2-2 'Deuces' Offense
• Offensive Skill Development