Phi-Lacrosse-ophy Podcast

In this episode of the Ecological Lacrosse Podcast, Jamie Munro and Mike O'Neill discuss the transformative impact of the Constraints Led Approach in coaching women's lacrosse. They explore how this method enhances player development, adaptability, and overall enjoyment of the game. The conversation covers various topics, including effective practice planning, the importance of picks in offense, and strategies for adapting to different defensive styles. O'Neill shares insights from his experience coaching at Kent Denver School and running the Concept club program, emphasizing the significance of creating a fun and engaging learning environment for players.

In this episode of the Ecological Lacrosse Podcast, Jamie Munro and Alex Sarama delve into the principles of coaching through the lens of ecological dynamics. They discuss the significance of internal versus external feedback, the importance of intentionality in coaching, and how to use external cues to enhance player deception. The conversation also covers the concept of affordances in sports, the necessity of principles of play, and how to create effective training environments that foster player development.

In this conversation, Jamie Munro and David Farrokh delve into the intricacies of ecological dynamics in sports, exploring how understanding these concepts can enhance coaching practices. They discuss the importance of the action-perception relationship, the role of constraints and affordances, and the significance of deception in competitive scenarios. The dialogue emphasizes the interconnectedness of individual actions within team dynamics and the necessity of shared affordances for effective collaboration in sports. In this conversation, Munro and David Farrokh explore the intricacies of offensive strategies in sports, focusing on the importance of recognizing patterns, affordances, and the principles of play. They discuss how variability in training can enhance players' adaptability and decision-making in competitive situations. The dialogue emphasizes the contextual nature of skills and the dynamics of interaction in sports, highlighting the need for coaches to understand these concepts to effectively guide their players.

In this episode of the Ecological Lacrosse Podcast, Jamie Munro and Matt Rowley discuss the evolution of a principles-based offense in lacrosse. They explore how unpredictability, off-ball actions, and player autonomy contribute to a more dynamic and effective offensive strategy. The conversation delves into the importance of creating space, timing off-ball cuts, and the role of constraints in practice to enhance player development. They also emphasize the significance of team culture, accountability, and the joy of practice in fostering a successful lacrosse program.

In this episode, Jamie Munro and Deemer Class delve into the ecological dynamics of lacrosse, focusing on talent evaluation, principles of play, and the importance of adaptability in players. They discuss how to assess players beyond physical attributes, emphasizing decision-making, off-ball intelligence, and the ability to capitalize on advantages. The conversation also touches on the challenges of coaching and the need for specific feedback to help players improve their perception and decision-making skills on the field.

In this episode of the Ecological Lacrosse Podcast, Jamie Munro and Mikey Thompson delve into the principles of coaching lacrosse through the lens of ecological dynamics and the constraints-led approach. They discuss the three types of constraints—individual, environmental, and task—and how these influence player development and team dynamics. The conversation emphasizes the importance of variability in practice, the role of communication in fostering shared affordances, and the need for adaptability in both players and coaches. The episode concludes with reflections on the evolving nature of coaching and the continuous learning journey for coaches and players alike.

In this episode of the Ecological Lacrosse Podcast, Jamie Munro and Princeton Assistant Coach Jim Mitchell discuss the evolution of coaching through an ecological approach. They explore the dynamics of offense and defense, the importance of principles of play, and how to create a better experience for players. The conversation delves into the constraints that can be used to enhance ball movement, the significance of variability in player development, and the need for adaptability in a fast-paced game. They also touch on the importance of capitalizing on advantages and maintaining them throughout the game.

In this episode, Jamie Munro and Inside Lacrosse CEO Terry Foy discuss the complexities surrounding the NCAA roster cap in lacrosse, its implications for recruiting, and the evolving landscape of Division 1 men's lacrosse. They highlight key players to watch for the upcoming season, explore significant storylines, and delve into coaching philosophies and the importance of developing lacrosse IQ in young players.

In this episode, Chris Wojcik, the Offensive Coordinator at Notre Dame, discusses the principles and strategies behind the team's successful lacrosse offense. He emphasizes the importance of synergy, possession, spacing, simplicity, and deception in creating a free-flowing and unpredictable offensive style. Wojcik shares insights on teaching these principles to players, the significance of timing, and the evolving understanding of offensive outlets. In this conversation, Jamie and Coach Wojcik delve into the intricacies of lacrosse offense, emphasizing the balance between dodging, ball movement, and unpredictability. They discuss the importance of creating variability in offensive structures and the role of actions and spacing in enhancing offensive effectiveness. Chris shares his journey into ecological dynamics, highlighting how this approach has influenced his coaching philosophy. The discussion culminates in the significance of principles of play and lacrosse IQ, underscoring the need for adaptability in coaching and player development.

In this episode of the Ecological Lacrosse Podcast, host Jamie Munro speaks with High Point Head Coach John Crawley about the principles of ecological coaching in lacrosse. They discuss implementing constraints in practice and developing individual skills through variability. The conversation highlights the significance of principles of play, creating advantages, and the evolution of coaching philosophy over time.

In this conversation, Jamie Munro and Tim McCormick discuss the ecological approach to coaching lacrosse, emphasizing the importance of observation, making practice enjoyable, and creating representative learning environments. They explore how competition and variability enhance skill development, the significance of patience in coaching, and the role of constraints in teaching athletes. The discussion highlights the need for coaches to embrace messiness in the game and to understand the concept of affordances in fostering athlete growth. In this conversation, Tim and Jamie explore the concepts of opportunities for action in sports, the importance of affordances in practice design, and the nuances of zone offense. They discuss the ecological approach to feedback, emphasizing the difference between internal and external feedback mechanisms. The dialogue highlights the significance of understanding principles of play and the need for coaches to create environments that foster learning and adaptability in athletes.

In this episode of the Ecological Lacrosse Podcast, Jamie Munro interviews Tim McCormack, Head Women's Lacrosse Coach at Johns Hopkins University. They discuss the ecological approach to coaching, emphasizing the importance of observation, creating enjoyable practice environments, and understanding principles of play. The conversation covers various topics including the role of competition, functional variability, affordances in sports, and effective feedback methods. Tim shares insights from his coaching experience, highlighting how an ecological perspective can enhance athlete development and overall team performance.

In this conversation, Jamie Munro and Lars Tiffany explore the intersection of ecology and lacrosse, focusing on the evolution of defensive strategies in response to changing offensive tactics. They discuss the importance of adaptability, communication, and innovative techniques in both offense and defense, emphasizing the need for coaches to foster a fluid and responsive game environment. The dialogue highlights the significance of understanding ecological principles in coaching and the necessity for teams to evolve alongside the game.

Summary In this conversation, Jamie Munro and St. Margaret's Episcopal School Coach Brian Kelly discuss the evolution of coaching in lacrosse, including the influence of Canadian box lacrosse, the importance of skill acquisition, and the application of ecological dynamics in practice. They explore the significance of one-handed play, shot selection, and the power of constraints in coaching. The discussion emphasizes the need for variability in practice to better prepare players for game situations, as well as creative constraints that can enhance learning and performance. Finally, they touch on strategies for riding and clearing, highlighting the challenges faced by coaches with smaller rosters. In this conversation, Jamie Munro and Brian Kelly explore innovative coaching strategies in lacrosse, focusing on ecological dynamics and the constraints-led approach. They discuss the challenges and benefits of coaching small teams, the importance of contextual learning, and how to creatively implement constraints to enhance player development. The dialogue emphasizes adaptability in coaching and the significance of decision-making in gameplay, providing practical insights for coaches at all levels. Takeaways Coaching is an evolving process that requires adaptability. Box lacrosse serves as a practical example of constraints in skill development. One-handed play can be effective and is often overlooked in training. Getting to the middle of the field is crucial for scoring opportunities. Scoring constraints can make practice more competitive and engaging. Incorporating variability in practice helps players adapt to game situations. Creative constraints can incentivize desired behaviors in players. Understanding principles of play is essential for effective coaching. Riding and clearing strategies are critical yet often neglected in practice. Small-sided games can enhance riding and clearing skills. Ecological dynamics emphasizes learning in context rather than isolation. Decision-making is crucial for winning games. Players should be allowed to play and learn intuitively. Constraints can guide players to discover skills organically. Variability in practice leads to better adaptability in players. Coaches should focus on principles of play rather than rigid techniques. Creating competitive environments fosters learning and engagement. Adjusting constraints in real-time improves coaching effectiveness. Fun and creativity in practice lead to better player motivation. 00:00 Introduction to Coaching Evolution 12:06 The Power of Constraints in Coaching 18:01 Creative Constraints and Game Flow 30:10 Innovative Strategies for Small Teams 39:09 The Importance of Contextual Learning 44:29 Creative Constraints in Coaching 52:29 Developing Coaches Through Adaptability

In this conversation, speed coach Tony Holler discusses his approach to speed training and the principles behind his 'Feed the Cats' philosophy. He explains how he has applied these principles to sprint-based football and how it has become a movement in the sport. Holler emphasizes the importance of specific and high-quality training, as well as the role of rest, recovery, and sleep in athlete performance. He also discusses the significance of measuring and testing speed, and how improving maximal speed can enhance overall athletic performance. Holler challenges the traditional focus on weightlifting in the weight room and highlights the importance of sprinting for speed development. The conversation explores the role of mechanics and training methods in improving speed and performance. Tony Holler emphasizes the importance of the nervous system in sprinting and highlights the need for consistent sprinting practice. He challenges the belief that mechanics alone can make an athlete faster, stating that consistency and sprinting fast are key. The Atomic Workout, a 15-minute speed workout, is introduced as a practical way to improve speed. The conversation also touches on the significance of rest, recovery, and sleep in optimizing performance.

In this conversation, Jamie and Michael Sowers discuss various lacrosse teams and players, focusing on Princeton lacrosse and the Waterdogs. They talk about the offensive strategies and innovations of Princeton, including the use of different positions and overwhelming opponents with multiple offensive options. The conversation then shifts to the Waterdogs and the recent coaching changes, with Coach Copeland leaving and Coach Tierney and Coach Sheridan joining the team. They discuss the qualities and skills of their teammates on the Waterdogs' offense, including Zach Currier, Connor Kelly, Ethan Walker, and Ryan Conrad. They also delve into Sowers' training regimen and the use of contextualized environments for skill development. They explore the concepts of deception and variability in training, as well as the role of two-man game and off-ball play. The conversation highlights the importance of being intentional in training and the benefits of the CLA (Constraints Led Approach) in improving lacrosse skills.

Ecological Psychology Phd studdent and Director of Strategy for Transforming Sports Gray Thomas joins Jamie to discuss the concepts of ecological dynamics and constraints-led approach in coaching, emphasizing the importance of adapting behavior based on the relationship between the player, environment, and task. The conversation explores the challenges of adopting an evidence-based approach in youth lacrosse and the need for coaches to focus on time on task and small-sided activities. The 80-20 split between contextual activities and stick work drills is discussed, along with the importance of changing and officiating constraints. The conversation concludes with the significance of understanding the phases of the game and the principles of play as the true fundamentals of lacrosse.

This episode of the Phi-Lacrosse-Ophy podcast features Quarterback Coach and Strength & Conditioning Coordinator Danny Shaechter, who is an expert in throwing mechanics. Learn how to generate more power and accuracy when shooting!

Heading into their 2024 season opener, Harvard Head Coach Gerry Byrne joins Jamie on the show to discuss some of the concepts he's been thinking about as he prepares the Crimsom for the Spring season.

Delaware Offensive Coordinator Matt Rewkowski joins Jamie to talk about player development, using constraints as opposed to skeleton drills, variability, and man-up situations.

This podcast talks about the mental side of the game, and why every player can use sports psychology. Mental Performance Consultant Jess Hanson and Jamie talk about having a growth mindset, mindfulness, visualization, and more!

Virginia Head Coach Lars Tiffany joins Jamie to discuss how the Virginia offense will look this year, how they play picks and communicate, how to add new wrinkles to drills you've been doing for a long time, baiting, riding/clearing, the Munro drill and more!

Lafayette Head Coach Pat Myers joins Jamie on this week's podcast to discuss his takeaways from the IMLCA Convention, girl's lacrosse, offensive concepts he's excited about, communication, drills he really likes, and the mental health of coaches.

Lafayette Head Coach Pat Myers joins Jamie on this week's podcast to discuss his takeaways from the IMLCA Convention, girl's lacrosse, offensive concepts he's excited about, communication, drills he really likes, and the mental health of coaches.

Johns Hopkins Assistant Coach and Offensive Coordinator John Crawley joins Jamie on the show to discuss his lacrosse journey and mentors, his offensive philosophies, the Hopkins offense, experimenting in practice, and more!

PLL Archers midfielder and Toronto Rock forward Tom Schreiber joins Jamie to talk about what it was like winning the PLL Championship, his Archers team, dodging, deception, box lacrosse and more!

In this episode, Army Offensive Coordinator Justin Ward stops by to talk to Jamie about his lacrosse journey, what he's learned from his mentors, the Principles Based Offense, player development, man-up philosophies, and how he evaluates recruits.

Hobart Offensive Coordinator Stephen Brundage stops by the Phi-Lacrosse-Ophy podcast to talk about his lacrosse journey, offensive concepts, how his philosophies have evolved, and what he looks for in recruits.

Colgate Assistant Coach and Offensive Coordinator Colin Munro stops by the podcast to chat with Jamie, who also happens to be his dad and former coach! They take a deep dive into Colin's lacrosse journey, especially his background in box lacrosse, and how that has shaped him into the coach he is today.

Boston University Assistant Coach and PLL Chaos defenseman Jack Rowlett joins the Phi-Lacrosse-ophy podcast to talk about his lacrosse journey, defensive philosophies, and more!

Princeton Offensive Coordinator Jim Mitchell joins Jamie to talk about his lacrosse journey, PLL Lacrosse, his offensive philosophy and how it has evolved, the Principles Based Offense, the Constraints Led Approach, and more!

In this podcast, Jamie catches up with Vermont Head Coach Chris Feifs. They discuss how he has changed as a coach since taking over the reigns of the Catamount program, his offensive and defensive philosophies, the PLL, and what makes Vermont a great place to go to school.

Air Force Assistant Coach Will Corrigan stops by the show to talk with Jamie about his lacrosse journey, player development, and his offensive philosophies.

In this episode, Jamie talks with first year head coach Sean Kirwan about last year's Virginia offense, who he's hired on his Big Green staff, his priorities and focus this summer, his vision for Dartmouth lacrosse, why he took the job, how he wants to develop players and more.

We kick off season 6 of the Phi-Lacrosse-Ophy podcast with Notre Dame Assistant Coach Chris Wojcik. Jamie and Woj discuss the offensive principles that helped Notre Dame win the 2023 NCAA National Championship, the evolution of the 2 man game, developing dodging and shooting, how he recruits IQ, accomplishing fluency and more!

In their final podcast of the season, Jamie and AT give their analysis of Championship Weekend and their predictions for who's going to win the Tewaaraton.

In this episode, Jamie and AT discuss the 2023 NCAA Division I Quarterfinal games and preview the semifinal games.

Jamie and AT break down the NCAA tournament games from last weekend and give their picks for the quarterfinal matchups!

In this podcast, Jamie and AT discuss the 2023 NCAA first round matchups.

In this episode, Jamie and AT discuss some of the games from last week, as well as their thoughts on who's in and who's out of the NCAA Tournament.

In this podcast, Jamie is joined by LacrosseReference.com Founder Zack Capozzi. Zack has brought the analytics used in other sports to lacrosse. Find out how you can use analytics to help your game! Zack also shares his opinion on RPI, NCAA selection criteria, the PLL keeping track of passing stats, and more!

PLL Chaos Coach Andy Towers and Jamie Munro discuss the latest NCAA DI Men's Lacrosse news and review last week's matchups. Recorded April 17, 2023

Back by popular demand! the In-Season podcast with Jamie Munro and Andy Towers! Don't miss this first episode of the 2023 season as things heat up in NCAA Division I lacrosse action!

Amherst College Head Coach Sean Woods joins Jamie to talk about his player-driven philosophy and the Amherst brand, their offensive philosophies, what they emphasize on defense, being "multiple", their non-negotiables, how he continues to evolve as a coach, and recruiting.

In this episode, Jamie talks with Wesleyan Head Coach John Raba about his lax journey, Wesleyan's zone defense, how he breaks down the year, the importance of the weight room, key principles on offense, the NESCAC season, recruiting and more!

Jacksonville Head Coach John Galloway chats with Jamie about how he's getting his team ready to play their best in May, making film interactive and positive, creativity, diversion, deceptive shooting, analytics, grad transfers, what he's learned from his mentors, end of game situations and more!

In this episode, Jamie talks to Boston University Head Coach Ryan Polley about implementing concepts through the Fall and pre-season, what a typical week looks like for BU Lacrosse, how their schemes evolve throughout the season, his approach to player development, teaching dodging, how he would describe BU's style of play on both sides of the ball, and what he looks for in recruits.

Yale Head Coach Andy Shay visits the show and talks about how the book The Talent Code has changed how the Bulldogs practice and drill, their unique peer-led approach, defensive philosophies, long dodging vs short dodging, Yale's 2023 squad and more!

On this episode, Colleen chats with Princeton Associate Head Coach Kerrin Maurer. They discuss her lacrosse journey, what Princeton's offense is going to look like this year, Princeton's practices, reading defenses, the importance of film, draws, the Tiger's defense, culture, and one thing she wishes she knew as a player. She also gives lots of great recruiting advice!

In this podcast, Jamie chats with first year Utah Head Coach Drew McMinn about his transition to Utah from Robert Morris, how his experience at RMU - a team with a lot of Canadians - shaped him as a coach, how he looks at player development, how he develops skill, counting reps, mini games, 2 man actions, his defensive philosophy, and what he looks for in recruits.

In this podcast, Jamie catches up with Virginia Head Coach Lars Tiffany. They discuss his "8 great books" program, how he became a better coach by doing more asking and not as much telling, the importance of the grease board, his thoughts on Maryland's offense last year, drifts, the power of "getting a chunk", dodging poles, being deceptive defensively, Invert defense, what it has meant to him to be the head coach of the Haudenosaunee National Team, and Ricky Miezan.