P U R P O S E F U L A N D CONCISE

J. M . K E N N E YL A C R O SSE SC O T L A N D – H E A D C O A C H

E D I T O R : L A C R O SS E C O A C H N E W S L E TT E RJ M K L A X @ A O L . C O M

W W W. L A C R O SSE C O A C H . O R G

Scouting

Scouting is an integral part of the game- not an after-thought.

Scouting 101

Scout Yourself First ! Understand your strengths and weaknesses.

How would someone exploit your squad? Use the former head coach ( if not he has not usurped by

the parents*) or a former player.

The Scout must know your tendencies. Must be able to observe the opposition always with a

mind toward your squad. Information is helpful only if it is helpful.

• Example: Team A has a goalie that does not clear well. Team B jumps the Goalie immediately after a save; Your goalie is former all –Long Lsland & QB - must look for the exploitation outlet, not the jump –

• Think ahead.

Scouting 101

Different Coaches – different formats: : some coaches use tape recorders, some utilize

software programs. Others still use paper and pencil. How one takes down the information is less important than the information itself. Do not prepare a radically different game plan – utilize

your basic sets and tweak, not cannibalize your schemes. Too much change will confuse your players. Rather, focus

on aspects of strategy(s) that can take advantage of your opponent.

Be cunning – not a schemer*

Scouting 101

Choose the venue based on schedule: Grass vs. Turf Night game vs. Saturday afternoon Home vs. away –

Know the opposing coach’s philosophy a head of time. Up -tempo? Slow and methodical Transition Trickster ( ball tricks, quick whistle plays)

Scouting 101

Check the local paper/on line sources preliminary information can be gleaned from the papers

before you personally scout; be judicious about the type of information that you glean.

Stats are fine, but a one game statistically basis can be misleading.

Have a team manager or parent cut out any and all opponent newspaper write-ups* as this will provide a more balanced view

Obtain a roster Nowdays – parents demand them at games and most are

on line Have your AD request one – at the beginning of season

Scouting 101

Field Conditions: Obviously, take note of the type of field, the cut of the grass and the size of the field (there is quite a range by HS rule). These will assist in determining speed of the players. Take note as well as the background behind the goals

( it is tough to play at the Carrier Dome as a goalie and I am told that one end is tougher than the other) ,

Location of scoreboard Check and note the lighting – including time of day

sunset of game

Scouting 101

A lacrosse program should have a standard format for scouting. Don’t just send an assistant out with a camera and

blank sheet of paper. Get there early –

Watch warm ups – intensity* Note injured players

Have all the necessary items Notebook Writing Utensils Camera

Good viewing /no distractions

Scouting 101

. Timeouts: Not only should the scout use the time outs to write down their thoughts, but care should be taken to note how the time out was taken

Was it used to stop momentum? Was it used to set up a play? Which one? Was it used effectively ?

Army ,Syracuse come to mind immediately).

Is this a hustling, hard riding opponent? Do they utilize a 10 Man ride? When do they employment

( on a shot? On a ball out of bounds?)

Scouting 101

What to film? Depends – How much are you going to watch? Do you

show your players?* Suggestions

A quarter- 2nd or 3rd – they are in thick of it EMO Faceoff Ride

What to notice? Opener? OB Special set plays

Scouting 101

What to include:

Shooting Chart: All teams have shooting tendencies. A solid scouting report should include the shooting tendencies of your opponent. •Where do most shots initiate?•How accurate are their shootersA simple shooting chart can be developed

Scouting 101

Reporting to the team Create confidence, but don’t oversell.

Much of coaching engenders and demands loyalty from the players. To develop loyalty one must be credible. Therefore do not try to panic or infuse unnecessary worry in your players.

Be realistic – even about winning. Let’s face it, there are some teams that are bigger, faster and better than yours may be – and no amount of scouting insight is going to change that; however, in such cases a good scouting report can help you be competitive.

Don’t Guess! D.M.S.U. Players are always seeking an advantage. If a player asks a

question about a team that you have not seen or know if it happen on the field, don’t pontificate as if you did. “If you didn’t see it, don’t say it.”

Scouting 101

Some scouting reports are too detailed and are left on the locker-room benches due to their over-load of information**

The power of 2 1. What do we need to do to beat this team?

a. Keys to Victory (who gets the ball?) b. What is the focus- what can we do? c. Possible m2m match ups and what it will take to stop your man.

2- What things do we need to cover in practice before we play them? Cover them – Don’t practice until you get things right

– practice them until you can’t get them wront

In (during) game scouting

Use the Assistant Coach/Manager Give them an actual assignment Faceoff moves Identify their rides, clears, EMO

Use your players Scotland vs CW Post.

Scouting 101

Attack Oriented – solid Offensive middiesTransition – do not slide up-field99 weakest link – look to double if below GLEDelay slide to 44Middie on Ride – look to utilize 10 man

The real work comes scouting and in practice

Scouting 101

jmklax@aol.com

www.lacrossecoach.org