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Down The Alley Podcast
 

EDITION 08:

DTA Dispatch
 

đŸŽ™ïžOn The Mics

Since our last Dispatch, we’ve been busy on the microphones breaking down Sections 1 and 2 for Boys and Girls High School Lacrosse across the state. We were fortunate to be joined by guest coaches from Northfield, Farmington, Minnetonka, Orono, Hastings, and East Ridge, who brought real insight, honest perspective, and a whole lot of local buzz from their sections.

Huge thank you to all of our guests for sharing their time and knowledge — we know DTA Nation loves getting a pulse on what’s happening in every corner of Minnesota lacrosse, straight from the coaches in the trenches.

This series rolls on. Every Friday, we’ll continue dropping section-by-section breakdowns leading up to the high school season — storylines, contenders, sleepers, and everything in between. Lock in, tune up, and let’s get ready for spring. đŸ„đŸ”„

🎧 Listen Now: Down The Alley on Apple Podcasts or find us wherever you get your podcasts.
 

📩 The Coaches Box – Online Coaches Community

“The Coaches Box” (yeah
 that space our players always end up standing in 😅) is where we’re building a home for lacrosse coaches who want to keep growing. We’re curating our favorite drills, schemes, practice plans, culture pieces, and game prep tools from 30+ years of combined coaching experience — all in one place to help you sharpen your craft, boost your program, or simply bring fresh ideas into your practices.

We just wrapped up our first Coaches Box Office Hours, and the response was awesome. Huge shoutout to everyone who jumped in, asked great questions, and helped set the tone for what this community is all about — honest conversation, shared learning, and getting better together. 🎯
👉 https://www.youtube.com/live/-jpFSpwMfck?si=d7kH10SJQGh_gol7

Moving forward, all future Office Hours will be exclusive to subscribed members of The Coaches Box.

The Coaches Box is a paid community, but at $5/month, we’ve intentionally kept it affordable and accessible for coaches at any level who want to connect, learn, and prepare themselves (and their programs) for a successful 2026 season.

If you’re looking for a place to:

  • Talk ball with other invested coaches

  • Learn new ideas and trends

  • Stay sharp heading into the season

This is it.

Join The Coaches Box here:
https://stan.store/36Lacrosse/p/lacrosse-coaches-community

We’re adding new content every week and can’t wait to connect with you inside The Coaches Box. đŸ„đŸ”„
 
 

đŸ„ P-Mac’s Coaches Corner|Game of Runs

Earlier this week we jumped on the mics with Hastings Head Coach B-Willy for our Section 3 episode (dropping Friday, Feb 20 👀).

One thing he said stuck with me:

“Lacrosse is a game of runs
 but I’m not sure we’re seeing that mentality as much anymore.”

He mentioned that sometimes when a team gets down 3–4 goals, you can almost feel them start to mail it in.

That hit me.

Because in lacrosse?
A few goals is nothing.

In hockey? Different story.
In football? Clock becomes your enemy.
In lacrosse? You’re one faceoff, one defensive stop, one EMO goal away from flipping the script.

It’s a high-scoring, momentum-driven sport. And momentum is fragile.

🎿 The Olympic Reminder

I’ve had the Olympics on in the background lately and the ski racing events are WILD.

These athletes are flying 60–80+ mph down a mountain on two skis.

They land weird.
They lose an edge.
They get bounced off line.
They lose momentum.

And you know what they don’t do?

They don’t stand up and say, “Welp, there goes the podium.”

They regain balance.
They re-attack the hill.
They stay aggressive.

And somehow
 they’re still standing on the podium at the end.

That’s elite competitive mindset.

đŸ„ I Saw It Firsthand

Earlier this month I made the trip to watch my sister and Eastern Michigan take on Marquette.

Each team went on multiple 3-goal runs.

It was electric.

No one blinked.
No one folded.
They just responded.

That’s what makes lacrosse so fun — and so dangerous — for teams that mentally check out.

💡 The Coaching Point for 2026

As we prep for the 2026 season, here’s the message:

You are never out of it.

Down 4? That’s two possessions and a ride.
Down 5? Win a faceoff, get a stop, score in transition.
Down 3 late? Push pace, pressure out, make them uncomfortable.

Momentum isn’t magic.
It’s created by response.

The best teams aren’t the ones who never get knocked off balance.
They’re the ones who regain their edge and re-attack the hill.

Let’s build teams this spring that expect runs — and know how to answer them.

Because lacrosse is a game of runs.

And if your group believes that?

You’re never out of it.

— P-Mac
 

⛳ DTA Golf Events

We are gearing up for the DTA Invitational on Feb 21! I can’t wait to spend the day with DTA Nation swinging the clubs, talking lax, networking with our community and getting fired up for the 2026 lacrosse season!

Stay tuned, on March 1st (Our next DTA Dispatch) I will be sharing details about the DTA Open!

 

T.S Sperides Section

“The Power of Yet”

I was in my daughter’s elementary school classroom and I saw a poster on the wall that caught my eye. 

It said “The Power of Yet” with a few lines below

Adding yet, to any limiting statement, completely changes the sentiment of it. It assumes and gives power to future potential and hope for a better outcome if we stick with it 

This is an extremely powerful mental tool for youth athletes as they are developing their mindsets and habits but I am starting to buy into the idea that this is just as powerful for us adults as well 

As coaches, adding "yet" to statements as we work with and lead our teams over the course of a season gives hope and motivation to continue building good habits, sticking to the process, working hard and seeking self-improvement. 

I think we all saw our former Vikings signal caller, Sam Darnold, win the superbowl last weekend with the Seattle Seahawks.  He has certainly had his bumps along the way, but, maybe all he had to say was "I haven't won a Superbowl....yet"

And now... he has
 

đŸ„ 36 Lacrosse

Preparing You for the 2026 Season

At 36 Lacrosse, our mission is simple: develop players, empower coaches, and elevate programs. Whether you’re a high school staff, youth association, or individual coach or player, we provide year-round resources designed to help you prepare, perform, and grow.

What We Offer:

🏑 Teams & Training
High-level team environments and skill development built around strong fundamentals, IQ, and accountability.

🧠 The Coaches Box
An interactive online coaches training platform featuring film breakdowns, live Zoom sessions, guest speakers, and practical installs you can apply immediately to your program.

📅 High School Off-Season Captain’s Practices
Structured, coach-led sessions focused on leadership, culture, skill development, and preparing your captains to lead your team the right way.

👟 Association Player Clinics
Age-appropriate clinics designed to improve stickwork, decision-making, and confidence—while keeping the game fun and competitive.

📋 Association Coach Development
On-field and classroom education for youth and high school coaches, helping align teaching, terminology, and long-term player development across your program.

đŸŽ„ Film Sessions (Players or Coaches)
Detailed film review sessions to break down concepts, tendencies, and teaching points—customized to your team, players, or staff.

Whether you’re looking to sharpen your system, develop your leaders, or build a stronger foundation across your program, 36 Lacrosse is here to help you prepare for the 2026 season.

Whatever you need to help you, your program, or your staff take the next step — 36 Lacrosse has you covered.

If you are looking to take your game to the next level check out www.36Lacrosse.com

All service offerings: https://36lacrosse.com/services/
 

đŸ€ Partner Spotlight: Turn Athletic

Turn Athletic is a trusted partner of Down The Alley, providing custom uniforms, team apparel, and fan gear built with attention to detail from design to delivery. From early concept meetings to the final unboxing, Turn works closely with programs and organizations to ensure every piece reflects their identity, culture, and standards. If you’re looking to outfit your team, staff, fans, or company with high-quality, modern gear that performs and looks the part, Turn Athletic is a partner we confidently recommend.

Turn just hooked us up with DTA Golf Merch and Team36 with apparel and uniforms and he knocked it out of the park!

Check out Turn Athletic at www.TurnAthletic.com
 

đŸ€ Partner with The DTA Dispatch

Want to reach the heart of Minnesota’s lacrosse community? Become a sponsor of The DTA Dispatch and get your brand in front of players, parents, and coaches across the state.

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  • Trusted source for lacrosse insights, training tips, cooking and eating guidance at home and on the road when traveling to club lacrosse tournaments

đŸ“© Reach out: downthealleypodcast@gmail.com

Down The Alley
Fueling Minnesota Lacrosse | Delivered on the 1st & 15th

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Down The Alley Podcast

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