with Casey Brodersen,
Bryant University Associate Head Coach;
has helped lead the Bulldogs to 5x Northeast Conference titles, 4x NCAA Tournament appearances, and the 2014 NCAA Tournament quarterfinals;
was team captain and MVP at Keene State College (2009)
Under the tutelage of Bryant's Associate Head Coach Casey Brodersen, face-off specialist Kevin Massa finished his college career in 2015 holding seven NCAA records. Among those records: the all-time Division I leader for career ground balls, ground balls per game, and face-off wins.
Possessing a face-off specialist of that caliber can be a massive weapon for any lacrosse team, and in this video, Coach Brodersen provides many of the drills and skills he used to propel Massa to such a high level of achievement. You'll get a variety of exercises that focus on the small details that can win your squad a higher percentage of face-offs.
A total of 10 drills/concepts are included in this video and build from basic techniques to full-fledged game situations. Each drill can be tailored to fit the skill level of your players. Brodersen's drills use common items (folding tables, for example) that wouldn't require spending money on extra items to make the drill work.
The Clamp
Face-offs are very technique-oriented, and Brodersen breaks down the clamp in a way that is easily replicated in practices. He presents each step slowly and gradually works up to game pace. You'll also see how to build on the technique as your athlete increases in ability, strength and speed. Brodersen also details the right and wrong way to perform the associated footwork and stickwork. Game footage is provided and will allow you to relate the practice technique to a live game scenario.
Pop With Cones
Brodersen shows how you can incorporate cones to make technique work more game-like. In this drill, the player must stay fully engaged because as they are rotating, the coach calls out directions and selects a specific colored cone. This corresponds to the cone the athlete must exit to as they also perform the rotation and pop technique.
Bench Press Walks
This segment incorporates many of the techniques that are taught during the clamp section, while also incorporating items to make sure the players stay low to the ground and maintain proper technique. As players move through the tables, the coach calls out a direction for them to pull, making the athletes think and react instead of just going through the motions.
The added utilization of still shots and game film adds another dimension to this video that makes it more relatable to live situations. Coach Brodersen does a great job pointing out things to look for as a coach and how to correct common errors, all while providing you with ideas on how to make sure your players are utilizing proper technique. This all-encompassing video provides the insights, and answers, to the question:"how can I win more face-offs?"
80 minutes. 2019.