Jake DeCola: Keys to Create an Aggressive Transition Offense

with Jake DeCola,
Albion College Head Coach;
4x Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association titles (2015, 2016, 2017, 2021);
four straight NCAA Tournament appearances (2015-2018)

High tempo transition lacrosse is an exciting and oftentimes high scoring brand of lacrosse. It requires skill sets that need to be improved every day, and your team culture and an up tempo mentality need to be reinforced in order to have success in the transition game.

In this video, Jake DeCola breaks down the mentality required by both coaches and players to have success in the transition game. He explains what his expectations are of his players, and how he gives them a system that empowers them to make decisions and take ownership of the game.

Practice Drills

An attacking transition style of offense creates many scoring opportunities and puts pressure on opposing teams. Many times, it also takes opponents out of their own style of play. In order to teach transition concepts, Coach DeCola presents practice drills, such as Hopkins 55 and Block Mayhem, that reinforce making good plays and reward attacking open space at a more frenetic pace of game play.

Transition Adjustments

The particular offensive adjustments that need to be made for a successful transition game are covered in video clips and in the drills presented by DeCola. He explains the applicable concepts that he teaches his midfielders and attackmen as they relate to this style of play.

Coach DeCola does a great job of breaking down the mentality and culture required by coaches and players to play fast and keep pushing forward. There is no doubt that playing fast in transition leads to early offense and takes advantage of an unsettled defense. This video will teach you the traits necessary to have success and implement this style of play in your program.

47 minutes. 2021.