Coaching Prep for 2025: The Playbook
How to Create a Team Playbook: Your Guide to Organizing Systems, Strategies, and Terminology
A well-structured playbook is the foundation of a successful lacrosse team. It provides players with a clear understanding of offensive sets, defensive schemes, transition strategies, and special teams' play. Whether you’re coaching a youth team or a high-level program, having a defined system will ensure your team is on the same page. Here’s how to create an effective team playbook that maximizes player development and game performance.
Step 1: Define Your Team Identity
Before diving into X’s and O’s, determine your team’s identity. Ask yourself:
What is our style of play? (Fast-paced, methodical, defensive-minded?)
What are our team strengths? (Athleticism, stick skills, depth?)
How do we want to be known? (Disciplined, physical, high-IQ team?)
Your playbook should reflect your philosophy and team strengths while setting the tone for the season.
Step 2: Organize by Phases of Play
Break your playbook into sections so players and coaches can reference specific situations easily. A well-structured playbook should include:
1. Offensive Systems
Base Offense(s) (e.g., 2-2-2, 1-4-1, Motion, Pairs, etc.)
Set Plays (From settled offense, man-up, and quick restarts)
Transition Offense (Fast breaks, slow breaks, early offense concepts)
Riding Strategies (10-man ride, drop-back ride, zone ride)
2. Defensive Systems
Base Defense (Man-to-man, Zone, Hybrid, etc.)
Slide Packages (Crease slide, adjacent slide, coma slide)
Clearing Systems (Single middie, LSM clear, slow clear)
Special Defenses (Shut-offs, zone/man hybrid, backer zone)
3. Special Teams
Extra Man Offense (EMO sets, movement principles)
Man-Down Defense (Rotation systems, quick recovery)
Faceoff Strategy (Set plays off the draw, wing play, counter strategies)
Step 3: Use Consistent Terminology
Every coach has their own language, but consistency is key. Establish clear and simple terminology that all players understand. Example:
"Red" = Double team now
"Green" = Go to the goal
"Fire" = Immediate slide
"Bump" = Exchange positions with a teammate
Make sure your terminology is easy to recall in-game situations.
Step 4: Incorporate Visuals and Diagrams
Players learn differently—some need to see it on paper, others need live reps. Using diagrams, video clips, and interactive tools can be a game-changer.
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Step 5: Make It Accessible
A playbook is only effective if your players use it. Here’s how to keep it accessible:
Print hard copies for easy reference.
Store it digitally with coaching software or team apps.
Include video clips or GIFs demonstrating key concepts.
Quiz players on terminology and assignments in team meetings.
Step 6: Update Throughout the Season
Your playbook should evolve as the season progresses. Add new plays based on opponent scouting, tweak strategies that aren’t working, and reinforce successful concepts. Keep your team engaged by challenging them with adjustments and counters.
Final Thoughts
A great playbook is more than just a collection of plays—it’s a blueprint for team success. By building a well-organized, easy-to-understand playbook, you ensure that every player understands their role and responsibilities. Whether it’s a preseason install or in-season adjustments, having a clear system in place will give your team the best chance to compete at a high level.
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