--- title: First Class Lacrosse Blog | Coaching description: Coaching | Check out the First Class Lacrosse Blog to hear about our latest thoughts, breakdowns and discoveries in the sport of lacrosse. image: https://www.1stclasslax.com/hubfs/Page%20Featured%20Images/FCL%20Blog.png --- [Skip to the main content.](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/tag/coaching#main-content) [![First Class Lacrosse, Deemer Class, Best In Class](https://www.1stclasslax.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2026%20Logo/Primary%20Logo%20with%20Trademark.png?width=990&height=660&name=Primary%20Logo%20with%20Trademark.png "First Class Lacrosse, Deemer Class, Best In Class")](https://www.1stclasslax.com/) [![First Class Lacrosse, Deemer Class, Best In Class](https://www.1stclasslax.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2026%20Logo/Primary%20Logo%20with%20Trademark.png?width=990&height=660&name=Primary%20Logo%20with%20Trademark.png "First Class Lacrosse, Deemer Class, Best In Class")](https://www.1stclasslax.com/) - [About Us](https://www.1stclasslax.com/about) - Events - Best In Class - [Winter 2026 Women's Committed](https://www.1stclasslax.com/best-in-class-committed-womens) - [Winter 2027 Men's & Women's Showcase](https://www.1stclasslax.com/best-in-class-winter) - [Summer 2027 Men's & Women's](https://www.1stclasslax.com/best-in-class) - [Summer 2027 The Approach](https://www.1stclasslax.com/the-approach) - [Summer 2027 BI3 Showcase Men's](https://www.1stclasslax.com/bi3) - [Summer 2027 Sixes Women's](https://www.1stclasslax.com/best-in-class-committed-sixes) - [Fall 2027 BIC Spark](https://www.1stclasslax.com/best-in-class-spark) - [Event Hotel Information](https://www.1stclasslax.com/best-in-class-hotels) - [High School Nationals](https://www.1stclasslax.com/high-school-nationals) - [Summer Camp](https://www.1stclasslax.com/summer-camp) - [Trainings](https://1stclasslax.sprocketsports.com/all-programs/category/1756) - [Athlete Program](https://www.1stclasslax.com/athlete-program) - [Coaches Membership](https://www.1stclasslax.com/coaches-membership-community) - [Media](https://www.1stclasslax.com/media) - [Shop](https://shop.1stclasslax.com/collections/all?utm_source=1stclasslax.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=merch) [Member Login](https://login.circle.so/sign_in?request_host=first-class-lacrosse.circle.so) [Support](https://www.1stclasslax.com/about/faqs) Toggle Menu Toggle Menu ![FirstClass-Logo-web\_7e1a2719-Aug-04-2022-06-00-10-36-PM](https://www.1stclasslax.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/FirstClass-Logo-web_7e1a2719-Aug-04-2022-06-00-10-36-PM.png?width=200&name=FirstClass-Logo-web_7e1a2719-Aug-04-2022-06-00-10-36-PM.png)   [Member Login](https://login.circle.so/sign_in?request_host=first-class-lacrosse.circle.so) [Support](https://www.1stclasslax.com/about/faqs) - [About Us](https://www.1stclasslax.com/about) - Events - Best In Class - [Winter 2026 Women's Committed](https://www.1stclasslax.com/best-in-class-committed-womens) - [Winter 2027 Men's & Women's Showcase](https://www.1stclasslax.com/best-in-class-winter) - [Summer 2027 Men's & Women's](https://www.1stclasslax.com/best-in-class) - [Summer 2027 The Approach](https://www.1stclasslax.com/the-approach) - [Summer 2027 BI3 Showcase Men's](https://www.1stclasslax.com/bi3) - [Summer 2027 Sixes Women's](https://www.1stclasslax.com/best-in-class-committed-sixes) - [Fall 2027 BIC Spark](https://www.1stclasslax.com/best-in-class-spark) - [Event Hotel Information](https://www.1stclasslax.com/best-in-class-hotels) - [High School Nationals](https://www.1stclasslax.com/high-school-nationals) - [Summer Camp](https://www.1stclasslax.com/summer-camp) - [Trainings](https://1stclasslax.sprocketsports.com/all-programs/category/1756) - [Athlete Program](https://www.1stclasslax.com/athlete-program) - [Coaches Membership](https://www.1stclasslax.com/coaches-membership-community) - [Media](https://www.1stclasslax.com/media) - [Shop](https://shop.1stclasslax.com/collections/all?utm_source=1stclasslax.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=merch) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/firstclasslacrosse) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/firstclasslacrosse/) [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-class-lacrosse?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F) [X](https://twitter.com/firstclasslax_?s=20&t=E0teTtYfCs-3LdkMj5A7hw) [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@firstclasslax?sub_confirmation=1) [Tiktok](https://www.tiktok.com/@firstclasslacrosse) # First Class Lacrosse's Blog #### Breakdowns, discoveries, recruiting tips and more. Filter by Tag Show All Best In Class Coaching Defense High School Men's Lacrosse Mental Performance NCAA Offense Recruiting Women's Lacrosse #### Join our Email List! [Sign Up Here](https://1stclasslax.beehiiv.com/subscribe) ### Coaching [![Gold medal shots, great shot selection](https://www.1stclasslax.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Good%20Offense%20Mens%202-high%20(1).gif?width=739&height=415&name=Good%20Offense%20Mens%202-high%20(1).gif)](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/gold-medal-shots) 3 min read #### [Gold Medal Shots: Using Constraints to Shape Shot Selection](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/gold-medal-shots) [![Picture of Matt Dunn](https://www.1stclasslax.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/Dunn%20Headshot.png?width=30&name=Dunn%20Headshot.png) Matt Dunn](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/author/matt-dunn-matt-dunn-graduated-from-the-university-of-maryland2016-and-is-currently-a-professional-lacrosse-playerboth-the-premier-lacrosse-league-pll-for-the-whipsnakes-lc-and): Feb 10, 2026, 4:56:36 PM As coaches we’re always looking for the most impactful concepts to deliver to our players. Not always more information, but better information.... [Offense](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/tag/offense) [Coaching](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/tag/coaching) [Read More](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/gold-medal-shots) [![Kyle Hayes LIU Lacrosse Coach presented for First Class Lacrosse Coach Community.](https://www.1stclasslax.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_3276.jpeg?width=1018&height=763&name=IMG_3276.jpeg)](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/building-your-offensive-system-around-core-principles) 2 min read #### [Building Your Offensive System Around Core Principles with Coach Kyle Hayes](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/building-your-offensive-system-around-core-principles) [![Picture of Matt Dunn](https://www.1stclasslax.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/Dunn%20Headshot.png?width=30&name=Dunn%20Headshot.png) Matt Dunn](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/author/matt-dunn-matt-dunn-graduated-from-the-university-of-maryland2016-and-is-currently-a-professional-lacrosse-playerboth-the-premier-lacrosse-league-pll-for-the-whipsnakes-lc-and): Sep 25, 2025, 8:56:22 AM When we started the FCL Coaches Community, our goal was to create the kind of coaching content we wished existed when we were starting out. This... [Offense](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/tag/offense) [Coaching](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/tag/coaching) [Men's Lacrosse](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/tag/mens-lacrosse) [Read More](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/building-your-offensive-system-around-core-principles) [![](https://www.1stclasslax.com/hs-fs/hubfs/jordan-iverosn-defense.webp?width=570&height=382&name=jordan-iverosn-defense.webp)](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/10-reasons-basketball-is-the-best-off-field-sport-for-lacrosse) 7 min read #### [🏀 10 Reasons Basketball Is the Best Sport for Defenders in Lacrosse](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/10-reasons-basketball-is-the-best-off-field-sport-for-lacrosse) [![Picture of Matt Dunn](https://www.1stclasslax.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/Dunn%20Headshot.png?width=30&name=Dunn%20Headshot.png) Matt Dunn](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/author/matt-dunn-matt-dunn-graduated-from-the-university-of-maryland2016-and-is-currently-a-professional-lacrosse-playerboth-the-premier-lacrosse-league-pll-for-the-whipsnakes-lc-and): Aug 7, 2025, 5:12:55 PM If you’re a parent or coach trying to develop a better lacrosse player, I want to make something clear: playing basketball is not a step back. It’s... [Defense](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/tag/defense) [Coaching](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/tag/coaching) [Read More](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/10-reasons-basketball-is-the-best-off-field-sport-for-lacrosse) [![First Class Lacrosse](https://www.1stclasslax.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(6).png?width=800&height=400&name=Untitled%20design%20(6).png)](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/how-to-use-analytics-lacrosse-reference) 2 min read #### [How Analytics Can Sharpen Your Lacrosse Program](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/how-to-use-analytics-lacrosse-reference) [![Picture of Matt Dunn](https://www.1stclasslax.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/Dunn%20Headshot.png?width=30&name=Dunn%20Headshot.png) Matt Dunn](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/author/matt-dunn-matt-dunn-graduated-from-the-university-of-maryland2016-and-is-currently-a-professional-lacrosse-playerboth-the-premier-lacrosse-league-pll-for-the-whipsnakes-lc-and): Apr 28, 2025, 4:21:51 PM The word "analytics" can feel intimidating at first. You might picture spreadsheets, math formulas, or people rattling off confusing percentages. But... [Women's Lacrosse](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/tag/womens-lacrosse) [Coaching](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/tag/coaching) [Men's Lacrosse](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/tag/mens-lacrosse) [NCAA](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/tag/ncaa) [Read More](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/how-to-use-analytics-lacrosse-reference) [![defender in lacrosse breaking down on the ball.](https://www.1stclasslax.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-04-24%20at%205.58.29%20PM.png?width=1174&height=802&name=Screenshot%202025-04-24%20at%205.58.29%20PM.png)](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/matt-dunn-guide-to-defense) 2 min read #### [A Defender's Guide to Defense](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/matt-dunn-guide-to-defense) [![Picture of Matt Dunn](https://www.1stclasslax.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/Dunn%20Headshot.png?width=30&name=Dunn%20Headshot.png) Matt Dunn](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/author/matt-dunn-matt-dunn-graduated-from-the-university-of-maryland2016-and-is-currently-a-professional-lacrosse-playerboth-the-premier-lacrosse-league-pll-for-the-whipsnakes-lc-and): Apr 24, 2025, 6:29:56 PM This is a noncomprehensive list of things I believe defenders in men's lacrosse should focus on to become better players. Some people might disagree... [Defense](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/tag/defense) [Coaching](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/tag/coaching) [Men's Lacrosse](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/tag/mens-lacrosse) [Read More](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/matt-dunn-guide-to-defense) [![Jesse Bernhardt coaching lacrosse defense drills during a webinar with First Class Lacrosse.](https://www.1stclasslax.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-03-20%20at%208.18.18%20AM.png?width=1130&height=566&name=Screenshot%202025-03-20%20at%208.18.18%20AM.png)](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/jesse-bernhardt-lacrosse-defense-drills) 3 min read #### [Developing Elite Lacrosse Defenders: Tips & Drills from Jesse Bernhardt](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/jesse-bernhardt-lacrosse-defense-drills) [![Picture of Matt Dunn](https://www.1stclasslax.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/Dunn%20Headshot.png?width=30&name=Dunn%20Headshot.png) Matt Dunn](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/author/matt-dunn-matt-dunn-graduated-from-the-university-of-maryland2016-and-is-currently-a-professional-lacrosse-playerboth-the-premier-lacrosse-league-pll-for-the-whipsnakes-lc-and): Mar 20, 2025, 3:03:06 PM Jesse Bernhardt, Maryland's Defensive Coordinator and Associate Head Coach, recently shared his insights on on-ball defense and drills in a detailed... [Defense](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/tag/defense) [Coaching](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/tag/coaching) [Men's Lacrosse](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/tag/mens-lacrosse) [Read More](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/jesse-bernhardt-lacrosse-defense-drills) [![](https://assets.circle.so/jtjhghv4wx7o4vdfbca2b8m64yus)](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/defending-passing-lanes) 4 min read #### [Deep Dive: 3 Ways to Defend Passing Lanes](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/defending-passing-lanes) [![Picture of Matt Dunn](https://www.1stclasslax.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/Dunn%20Headshot.png?width=30&name=Dunn%20Headshot.png) Matt Dunn](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/author/matt-dunn-matt-dunn-graduated-from-the-university-of-maryland2016-and-is-currently-a-professional-lacrosse-playerboth-the-premier-lacrosse-league-pll-for-the-whipsnakes-lc-and): Jan 23, 2025, 10:51:35 AM Defending passing lanes well is a critical facet of team defense. As an off-ball defender, we have to be able to cover more than one player. This is... [Defense](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/tag/defense) [Coaching](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/tag/coaching) [Men's Lacrosse](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/tag/mens-lacrosse) [Read More](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/defending-passing-lanes) [1](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/tag/coaching/page/1) [2](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/tag/coaching/page/2) [Next](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/tag/coaching/page/2) - [Trainings](https://1stclasslax.sprocketsports.com/all-programs) - [Players Membership](https://first-class-lacrosse.circle.so/checkout/player-and-parent-community) - [Coaches Membership](https://www.1stclasslax.com/coaches-membership-community) - [Media](https://www.1stclasslax.com/media) - [Summer 2027 The Approach](https://www.1stclasslax.com/the-approach) - [Summer 2027 Best In Class](https://www.1stclasslax.com/best-in-class) - [Summer 2027 BI3 Showcase](https://www.1stclasslax.com/bi3) - [Summer 2027 Women's Sixes](https://www.1stclasslax.com/best-in-class-committed-sixes) - [Fall 2027 Women's Spark](https://www.1stclasslax.com/best-in-class-spark) - [Fall 2027 Showcase](https://www.1stclasslax.com/best-in-class-fall) - [High School Nationals](https://www.1stclasslax.com/high-school-nationals) - [Summer Camp](https://www.1stclasslax.com/summer-camp) Recent Blogs [Featured Blog Image](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/best-in-the-west-2029-2030-2031-standouts) ###### [Best in the West 2029, 2030 & 2031 Standouts](https://www.1stclasslax.com/blog/best-in-the-west-2029-2030-2031-standouts) Best In Class headed west for our inaugural Best in the West event in San Marcos, California.... 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