Coaching or Playing Xbox?
Are We Training Lacrosse Players to Be Robots?
One of the most frustrating trends in modern lacrosse coaching is the over-reliance on rigid systems and cookie-cutter drills. It seems like everywhere you look, coaches are obsessed with structure—running the same set plays, emphasizing strict formations, and drilling players into the same patterns of movement over and over again. But at what cost? Are we training lacrosse players to be mindless robots, sacrificing creativity and lacrosse IQ in the process?
The answer is yes. Lacrosse is one of the most dynamic, fast-paced sports in the world. It thrives on creativity, quick decision-making, and players who can think on their feet. And yet, too many coaches today seem to think the game can be boiled down to a series of Xs and Os, treating players like chess pieces on a board rather than athletes capable of making spontaneous, game-changing plays.
The Problem with Over-Structured Systems
Systems can be valuable—no doubt about that. A good system can provide a team with a framework to succeed, helping players understand spacing, timing, and how to work together. But when coaches focus solely on implementing and running a system, they risk turning their players into cogs in a machine. Every player ends up doing the same thing, the same way, over and over again.
The problem with this approach is that lacrosse is unpredictable. It’s a game of chaos, where broken plays, loose balls, and defensive breakdowns often lead to the most exciting, game-changing moments. The best players aren’t the ones who simply know how to run a set offense—they’re the ones who can read a situation in real-time and adapt. They can think creatively, improvise, and make smart decisions under pressure.
When players are trained to follow a system to the letter, they lose that ability. They become so focused on doing exactly what the coach wants that they stop thinking for themselves. Instead of developing their lacrosse IQ, they rely on the playbook. Instead of learning how to read defenses, they just look for the next step in the drill.
Where’s the Room for Creativity?
Lacrosse should be fun. It should be about taking risks, trying new things, and having the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them. But if you watch too many teams today, you’ll see players who are afraid to try something different. They’re afraid to dodge in a new way, to make a tricky pass, or to shoot from an unconventional angle. Why? Because they’ve been trained to believe that the “system” knows best.
This mentality stifles player development. Creativity is where true greatness comes from. Think about the best players in the game—Paul Rabil, Lyle Thompson, Michael Sowers. These guys didn’t get where they are by simply running through drills. They got there by pushing boundaries, by playing with flair, and by developing a deep understanding of the game’s nuances. They weren’t robots—they were innovators.
Coaches: It’s Time to Loosen the Reins
Coaches, it’s time to step back. Give your players the tools they need to succeed, but don’t micromanage every movement on the field. Let them figure things out. Allow them to experiment. Foster an environment where creativity and independent thinking are encouraged, not punished.
Instead of running endless drills that mimic your system, introduce more decision-based drills. Create game-like scenarios where players have to make real-time decisions. Teach them to recognize and exploit mismatches, to see passing lanes before they open, and to understand how to break down a defense without needing a specific play call.
Lacrosse players need freedom to grow their own game. Don’t force them into a box. Stop trying to train players to be robots and start developing athletes who can think, create, and thrive in the beautiful chaos of lacrosse.
P-Mac
