Amy Bokker: Practice Progression to Teach the Ride

with Amy Bokker,
Ohio State University Head Women's Lacrosse Coach;
former Stanford University Head Women's Lacrosse Coach;
6 Conference Championships and 8 NCAA Tournament appearances over her 11 seasons at Stanford;Assistant Coach and Defensive Coordinator for the US Women's National Lacrosse team;
serves on the Positive Coaching Alliance's National Advisory Board;
2x Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Coach of the Year

In today's game, slowing down transition is an important aspect lacrosse. More time spent on trying to clear the ball means less time the opposing team has in the offensive zone. This video featuring Coach Amy Bokker and her assistants breaks down components to their ride in a series of drills and culminates with live-game footage.

Bokker and her staff break down four drills that focus on individual and team skills to build a solid team ride. Bokker starts with individual drills that focus on how to approach a player moving toward you, footwork, and proper hand positioning. Next, you'll see 1v2 drills focused on teamwork and how to double when a player is approaching you in the transition game. The Split Field Drill is the final drill that puts all the drills together.

The Split Field Drill

The Split Field drill is where everything comes together. It provides all the components you look for in a drill: teamwork, communication, and situational play. The drill starts by dividing the field in half from the crease to the midline. The goalie clears the ball to a low defender, which starts the 4v3 drill. The goal of the drill is to shorten the field and contain the clearing player into a double team. Coach Bokker and her assistants do a great job explaining the key points of the drill so you can implement it with your own team.

Video Breakdown

The video ends with a game footage breakdown of successful team rides. These clips provide you with great insight on how everything comes together into one team concept during live play.

This is a great video to help you develop your ride. Bokker and the lacrosse entire staff do an exemplary job of outlining an aggressive ride that will slow down transition and help your players look for takeaway opportunities.

49 minutes. 2021.