EDITION 09:

DTA Dispatch

🎙️On The Mics

Since our last Dispatch, we’ve been busy on the microphones breaking down Sections 3, 4 and 5 for Boys and Girls High School Lacrosse across the state. We were fortunate to be joined by guest coaches from Hastings, and East Ridge, Stillwater, Hopkins and Wayzata who all came prepared and help create the BUZZ for the 2026 season!

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. 🥍🔥

🎧 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 2nd Coaches Box Office Hours, and the response was awesome. We broke down and did some chalk talk on Riding, Clearing and Box Management. 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. 🎯

Sneak peak into the first Office Hours👉 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. 🥍🔥

🥍 P-Mac’s Coaches Corner|Grow the Game

Since the DTA Invitational, multiple people have reached out and said something along the lines of, “P-Mac, you’re really growing the game with these DTA Golf events.”

I’ll be honest — when I hear the phrase “grow the game,” I usually roll my eyes a little.

It’s just not a phrase I use. I don’t hashtag it. I don’t talk about it. I just put my head down and get to work.

Between coaching, serving as a youth development director, helping run club teams, recording podcasts, building this newsletter, launching coaches clinics, and now organizing DTA Golf events… I’m not thinking about slogans. I’m thinking about what needs to be done.

But the more I’ve thought about it, the more I’ll say this:

You’re right.

What we’re doing with DTA Golf is growing the game.

Not because we’re running an event.
Not because we’re selling out simulators.
Not because we’re handing out orange jackets.

We’re growing the game because we’re bringing people together.

Coaches. Alumni. Players. Refs. Parents. Supporters.

In person.

Shaking hands. Telling stories. Talking shop. Laughing. Competing. Building relationships that make this lacrosse community stronger than it was yesterday.

That’s what growth actually looks like.

It’s not always a clinic.
It’s not always a tryout.
It’s not always a social media post.

Sometimes it’s four guys in a simulator bay talking about their old high school runs.
Sometimes it’s a youth coach meeting a ref outside of a game environment.
Sometimes it’s alumni reconnecting and realizing they still care deeply about Minnesota lacrosse.

That’s community.

And community is what sustains this sport long-term.

I’m proud of what DTA Nation is building. I’m grateful for everyone who showed up to the Invitational. And I’m fired up for the DTA Open to cap off the 2026 high school, youth, and club seasons.

Another chance to connect.
Another chance to compete.
Another chance to strengthen the fabric of MN lacrosse.

Maybe I won’t start saying “grow the game.”

But we’re doing it.

And we’re just getting started.

— P-Mac

⛳ DTA Golf Events

We had an absolute BLAST at the DTA Invitational last month with DTA Nation!

Perfect conditions. Great swings. Even better people.

Thank you to everyone who came out, competed, networked, and helped kick off the 2026 season the right way. Events like that remind me why we’re building this community — it’s bigger than lacrosse. It’s connection, competition, and culture.

And now…

IT’S TIME.

We’re gearing up for the DTA OPEN — the official capstone event to the 2026 HS, Youth, and Club season.

On Friday, July 31st, we’re taking over Emerald Greens Golf Club for a full day of:

• ⛳ Golf & Competition

• 🤝 Networking with DTA Nation

• 🎯 On-course games & challenges

• 🔥 Exclusive DTA Swag

• 🍖 The Old Southern BBQ Awards Show & Dinner

This isn’t just another scramble. This is The Open.

Get your squad dialed in. Lock in your foursome. Compete for the right to wear the Orange Jacket.

The Details:

📅 Friday, July 31st, 2026
📍 Emerald Greens Golf Club
👥 Teams of 4
🍽 Dinner Included
🏆 Course games + exclusive DTA gear opportunities

Spots will fill — secure yours now:

👉 Registration & Event Website:
https://charitygolftoday.com/event?e=24880&ce=f2f5cb

Let’s finish the 2026 season the DTA way.

T.S Sperides Section

Cabrini Transition Drill

This is a drill that I saw a long time ago on a blog and have stashed away for years.  I just recently brought it back out of the bag and I love it so much.

One of the biggest issues I have reflected on in my coaching is that I do not run enough “even man” transition scenarios at practice.  Most small sided and transition drill are odd man situations with advantage to the offense.  As an Offensive Coordinator by trade, I certainly love this because it makes our offense look good at practice!  But, then we get to games and nobody can win a matchup or create anything because all they have practiced is odd man where they have the automatic open guy.  That is not reality.

Set up your attack/offensive middies in one color, and the Poles/Dmids in a different color. Or, you could just split you team into two equal groups. 

The first rep of this drill is a 3V3 – you can have the “offense” start with a carry.  On the whistle, The three offensive players are sprinting down the field to score while the three defensive players are running to the hole and then playing defense in an “Even” scenario. We might encourage our defenders to sprint in first, to establish position, then find a man, playing defense from the inside out. The intent for the offnense is to go to the cage and get a shot off quickly.

As soon as they shoot, the next rep begins, now we add one to the offense, 4V3, with new players sprinting down from the midfield. The first rep was “Even” now we are in 4V3 “Odd Man”. Again, very quickly push to find quick passes and a shot. Immediately after the shot, now a 4V4 – “Even” look sprinting down from the midfield line to the cage for a quick look.

Immediately, now back to “Transition” as we go 5V4 from the midfield line, followed by 5V5 on the subsequent rep. The final rep of the drill is 6V5 and then we re-set…. and then we reset and start over at 3v3.   

Now if the defense gets a GB, or a take-a-way, or the goalie makes a save we add a clearing element. Otherwise the players need to quickly jog back to the midfield line and get in line after each rep.

I love the aspect of this drill, that the players need to be aware and react accordingly whether we are Even or Odd situation. The drill and the reps should go quickly. In this application we do not want the offense to drag it out, especially when they are in an “Even” scenario. If you find your offense to be stalled in the “Even” scenarios, then just yell “10 Seconds” and count it down.

The most confusing part of this drill for players is that it’s not a stay in “build up” – we get new players going each time we add to the numbers… the first rep is six players in a 3V3, three on offense, three on defense, — the next immediate rep (4V3) is seven NEW different players coming down from the midfield line, four on offense, three on defense… the next quick rep (4V4) is eight NEW different players, four on offense four on defense beginning at the midfield line and so on… all this done on a half field, or if you have a big roster or varsity/JV together and two coaches, you can run simultaneously beginning at the midfield line going each direction.

Each rep begins with new players, so, the first group doesn’t stay in like other build up drills.  They have to run back to the midline and get into line for another round.  This is where it makes things fun/unique… a player could start with a 3v3, hop back in line and get a 6v5 in a matter of seconds.  Kinda like… a real lacrosse game!

To begin the drill, you can have lines/cones, or just two groups split in the middle of the field at the Midfield line. I usually call out “three white, three blue”… then “four white, three blue”… etc… One thing that helps me is to have the next group ‘on deck’ staged and ready to go. So as soon as the players take off from the midfield line, I immediately get the next group out in front of me in appropriate configuration, Even off of a clear get the next groups ready and keep the drill moving quickly…

Try this one out, it gives coaches a chance to work on a TON of concepts in one drill, but, for the players, it feels like they are just “playing lacrosse” – in my opinion, these are the best types of drills.

🥍 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.

🎥 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/

🤝 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

Off the Field with D1 Training Savage

Building Game-Day Stamina for the Lacrosse Season

Lacrosse isn’t just about straight-line speed, it’s a high-intensity, stop-and-go sport that

demands endurance, power, and get out of breaks quickly sprint ability. If you want to

increase your stamina while playing lacrosse, you need to train smarter, not just longer.

Here are the key areas to focus on:

1. Build Your Aerobic Base

Your aerobic system is your engine. A stronger aerobic base allows you to recover

faster between sprints and stay effective deep into the fourth quarter.

How to train it:

 2–3 steady-state runs per week (20–40 minutes)

 Keep the pace conversational

 Gradually increase time, not speed

This foundation helps you handle more intense training without burning out.

2. Train Repeat Sprint Ability

Lacrosse is played in bursts — sprint, cut, defend, recover, repeat. Long-distance

running alone won’t prepare you for that.

Add:

 10–40 yard sprints

 Shuttle runs (5-10-5, 10-20-10)

 6–10 reps with short rest (20–40 seconds)

Focus on maintaining speed even when fatigued. That’s game stamina.

3. Improve Change of Direction Conditioning

Straight-line conditioning doesn’t fully transfer to lacrosse. You need to train lateral

movement and deceleration.

Include drills like:

 T-drills

 Box drills

 Reaction-based cone work

This builds sport-specific endurance while increasing strength in your joints and

reducing injury risk.

4. Strength Train for Efficiency

The stronger you are, the less energy each stride costs.

Prioritize:

 Lower body strength (squats, lunges, RDLs)

 Core stability

 Single-leg work

Stronger athletes maintain speed longer than others because they waste less energy

with each cut and sprint.

5. Don’t Ignore Recovery

Stamina improves when you recover well.

 Sleep 8+ hours

 Hydrate consistently

 Eat enough carbohydrates for fuel

 Include 1–2 lighter training days per week

Overtraining kills stamina faster than under-training.

🤝 Partner with The DTA Dispatch

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📩 Reach out: downthealleypodcast@gmail.com

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

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