The Ride: Lacrosse Podcast

Jim Stagnitta, Head Coach of the Maryland Whipsnakes, joins The Ride to discuss his over 30-plus year journey in lacrosse. Topics include leadership lessons he’s learned at various stops in his career, youth player development and current state of the club and tournament landscape. Finally, we wrap by recapping the Whipsnakes’ 2025 season and looking ahead to their 2026 campaign.

Eric Ruppel, Head Coach of Emory & Henry and Mexican National Team, joins The Ride to discuss the current Olympic and Worlds format, building E&H a day after Hurricane Helene, and updating lacrosse from the stone ages in Strength and Conditioning practices.

Paul Richards, Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator for University of Richmond, joins The Ride to discuss the DNA of Defensive Culture, 3 core principles, the 2025 quarterfinal against Cornell, off-season player development, and more!

Elliot Bender (aka TheBoxLacrosseGuy) joins The Ride to discuss melding Box lacrosse principles into the field game. Other topics include, shooting techniques, 2 man game tips, and playing "paranoid" on the field.

Chris Burke, defensive coordinator at Hampton University, joins The Ride to discus a wide range of topics including Perimeter Midfield Defense, the influence of his Military Background on his Coaching Philosophy, bringing Intensity and Violence to practice, and how Hampton can notch their first win in program history in 2026.

Ryan Lanigan, Defensive Coordinator at Sienna, joins The Ride to discuss the correct way to teach sliding and recovering, the benefits of the V-hold, defensive strategies, footwork on approaches and how to foster player development.

Coach Kyle Hayes, Offensive Coordinator for LIU, joins for an insightful conversation on offensive player development, principles of offensive play and the path from playing in college to becoming a coach. They discuss the importance of creativity in offense, the art of breaking bad habits, effective recruiting strategies, and the significance of a strong riding and ground ball swarm mentality. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome05:15 Coaching Journey and Imposter Syndrome09:22 Recruiting and Building a Brand27:24 Fall Season and Offensive Principles39:13 Key Concepts in Lacrosse Offense39:30 Breaking Down ROA: Range, Open, Angle42:45 Gap Theory and Creating Space44:27 Attacking Vertical Space46:35 Swarm Mentality in Lacrosse49:36 Effective Riding Techniques01:00:28 Balancing Creativity and Structure in Offense01:07:55 Favorite Drills and Practice Techniques01:12:43 Final Thoughts

Tom Mariano, Head Coach at Pace University, joins The Ride to talk the importance of skill development, practice planning as he delves into his extensive experience and innovative methods. Learn about his journey, from coaching college teams to international squads like Korea, and gain insights into motivational strategies, practice drills, and how to foster a love for the game. Whether you're a coach, player, or enthusiast, this episode is packed with invaluable advice and real-world anecdotes that highlight the nuances of developing successful and passionate lacrosse athletes.Tom Mariano Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/tom_marianocoach/

Anthony Kelly, Head Coach of the California Redwoods, discusses various aspects of coaching, team building, and league dynamics. He shares insights on the importance of feedback, and rolling out new initiatives like reading 'The Energy Bus' by Jon Gordon for team motivation. Kelly emphasizes a focus on culture, especially for a team with both seasoned players and rookies, and highlights the importance of close communication, team bonding activities, and strategic decisions in achieving success. Additionally, Kelly touches on topics such as Ohio State's lacrosse achievements, the impact of the NIL on college recruiting, and the benefits of box lacrosse for player development. The conversation ends with insights into the faceoff position and a notable incident involving an in-game interview.

In this episode of The Ride, we sit down with former UVA associate head coach, Kip Turner. Topics include, what are the Top Traits of Great Goalies, UVA's rise and struggle in 2025, modern day recruiting, and more!Timestamps00:00 Welcome and Introduction01:39 Life After Coaching at UVA06:29 Advice for Aspiring Athletes and Parents09:03 Recruitment Insights and Challenges16:12 Managing Team Dynamics and Player Development21:09 Reflections on the 2025 Virginia Season28:26 Coaching Strategies for Goalies30:49 Mindset: The Key to Success33:28 Traits of an Ideal Goalie41:21 Zone Defense: Pros and Cons43:29 Back-to-Back Championships50:24 Transition Play and Team Mentality52:28 Face-Off Guy vs. Great Goalie53:49 Thoughts on the PLLConnect with Us:   - Instagram: [@theride.talk](⁠https://www.instagram.com/theride.talk/⁠)  - YouTube: [@TheRideTalk](⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TheRideTalk⁠)  - Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen!Loved this episode? Share it with a fellow lacrosse fan and help us grow the community! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—we’d love to hear your thoughts!

In this episode of The Ride, host Zach Quezada sits down with Zack Capozzi, the mind behind Lax Reference, to discuss the growing role of data and analytics in lacrosse. They explore trends in the 2025 season, the importance of shooting efficiency, and how coaches and players can use stats to their advantage. Zack also shares insights into how his platform is changing the way teams approach the game. Topics Discussed: Introduction to Lax Reference and its mission to improve lacrosse analytics. Why traditional stats like goals per game might be overrated. The critical role of shooting efficiency and its impact on winning. Challenges in analyzing defensive performance due to limited data. Exploring high school adoption of advanced analytics. How the shot clock era has reshaped lacrosse strategy. Underrated stats every coach and player should pay attention to. Using data to improve player development and game strategies. Timestamps: 00:00 Sneek Peek 00:47 Welcome to the 2025 Season 01:07 Introducing Lax Reference 02:12 Exciting Start to the Season 03:14 Deep Dive into 2025 Season Trends 06:25 Recap of 2024 Highlights 10:51 Challenges in Lacrosse Data 17:24 Lax Reference: Tools and Insights 21:25 Adoption and Growth of Lax Reference 25:54 High School Lacrosse Data 29:01 Overrated Stats in Lacrosse 32:09 Underrated Stats in Lacrosse 32:42 Shooting Efficiency and Its Impact 34:15 Turnover Rate: A Deeper Look 34:52 Total Numbers vs. Ratios 38:44 Player Engagement and Aggressiveness 40:12 The Role of Data in Game Plans 46:18 The Evolution of Lacrosse with the Shot Clock 47:42 Specialty Stats: Faceoffs and EMO 54:41 The Importance of True Faceoff Win Rate 56:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Key Quotes from the Episode: "Friends don't let friends cite goals per game. What you really should be focusing on is increasing the chances of scoring on any possession." – Zack "The most correlated stat with winning isn't just shooting percentage—it's how often your misses were off the cage versus saved." – Zack "It's not about looking at turnovers or goals alone; it's about understanding efficiency and how opportunities were created." – Zack Resources Mentioned: Lax Reference Website – Explore analytics and insights for NCAA lacrosse. Lax Reference Newsletter – Weekly storytelling and analysis based on lacrosse data. Hudl – A common tool for video review and stat tracking in high school sports. Connect with Us: Follow us on Instagram and Twitter for updates. Subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. If you found this episode insightful, share it with your teammates, coaches, or fellow fans! Don’t forget to subscribe to The Ride for more deep dives into the world of lacrosse. Join the conversation on social media and let us know your favorite takeaways from this episode!

In this episode of The Ride, we sit down with Terry Foy CEO of Inside Lacrosse to discuss Terry’s journey and his role in shaping the sport’s media landscape. If you're a fan of lacrosse or passionate about sports storytelling, this episode is a must-listen!Topics Discussed:  - Terry Foy’s background and journey in the lacrosse world  - The role of media in the evolution of lacrosse  - Challenges and opportunities in sports journalism  - The growing influence of analytics in lacrosse  - The future of the sport and where it’s headed  - Advice for young athletes and aspiring sports journalists  Timestamps00:00  Coming Up in this Episode00:44 Welcome Back to The Ride02:06 Interview with Terry Foy Begins02:37 Discussing Lacrosse Seasons and Challenges06:51 Growth and Coverage of Lacrosse10:24 Youth Participation and Future Growth23:05 Role of US Lacrosse and Local Growth27:13 Inside Lacrosse History and Personal Journey34:25 Reflecting on Loyola's Pride34:58 Journey to Inside Lacrosse35:55 Economic Challenges and Company Evolution37:58 Staffing and Growth Strategies40:06 Impact of the Pandemic on Lacrosse47:41 Podcasting and Audience Engagement50:15 The Rise of Lacrosse Podcasts56:01 College Lacrosse Insights01:01:31 High School Lacrosse HighlightsKey Quotes from the Episode:  - "Lacrosse isn’t just a game; it’s a community that shapes people in ways they never expect." - Terry Foy  - "The future of sports media is about more than just coverage—it’s about storytelling and engagement." - Terry Foy  - "Athletes today have more opportunities than ever, but it’s about how you leverage them that makes the difference." - Terry Foy  Resources Mentioned:  - *Inside Lacrosse* - [Website](https://www.insidelacrosse.com) - A leading source for lacrosse news, analysis, and community engagement.  - *Terry Foy’s Twitter* - [@TerenceFoy](https://twitter.com/TerenceFoy) - Follow Terry for the latest insights into the lacrosse world.  Connect with Us:   - Instagram: [@theride.talk](https://www.instagram.com/theride.talk/)  - YouTube: [@TheRideTalk](https://www.youtube.com/@TheRideTalk)  - Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen!Loved this episode? Share it with a fellow lacrosse fan and help us grow the community! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—we’d love to hear your thoughts!

In this episode, Spencer Ford, the newly appointed GM of the Chaos Lacrosse Club, discusses his transition to the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) and his strategies for building a championship-caliber team. Ford delves into his approach to constructing a balanced roster, emphasizing both talent and chemistry. The conversation covers his past experiences in professional lacrosse and how they've shaped his ethos as a GM. Ford provides insights into the differences between the Major League Lacrosse (MLL) and the PLL and shares his thoughts on the growth of professional lacrosse. Additionally, he discusses his coaching philosophy, focusing on ball movement and spacing, as well as life lessons from his playing days. The episode concludes with Ford’s perspectives on the future of the game, his relationship with the fans, and some personal anecdotes from his lacrosse journey.00:00 Introduction and New Role Announcement00:21 Roster Construction and Initial Moves03:57 Connecting with Fans and Regional Impact06:03 Comparing MLL and PLL08:33 Future Strategies for PLL12:50 College Lacrosse Insights16:58 Personal Reflections and Coaching Experiences20:00 The Art of Assisting in Lacrosse22:38 Scouting and Defensive Strategies23:27 Techniques for Effective Feeding28:18 Offensive Principles and Ball Movement30:44 Challenges in Professional Lacrosse36:33 Insights from a Pro Career41:45 Favorite Drills and Game Strategies

In this episode of “The Ride”, host Zach Quezada sits down with lacrosse legend Tom Marechek. They dive into Tom’s journey from his early days playing box lacrosse in Canada to his collegiate success at Syracuse and his professional career with the Philadelphia Wings. Tom shares his insights on deception in shooting, the importance of self-practice, and reflections on some of the most memorable games of his career. They also discuss Syracuse's current lacrosse season, the evolution of the game, and what makes a winning team.  Topics Discussed  - Tom Marechek’s Early Lacrosse Journey – Growing up playing box lacrosse in Canada and learning the fundamentals.  - The Art of Deception in Shooting – Techniques for manipulating goalies and improving shot placement.  - The Importance of Self-Practice – How individual work outside of team practices can elevate a player’s skills.  - Syracuse Lacrosse – A deep dive into the team’s current season, standout players, and what’s needed for success.  - Memorable Championship Moments – Breaking down Syracuse’s 1989 and 1990 championship seasons, including key matchups and rivalries.  - Transition to the Professional Level – Marechek’s time with the Philadelphia Wings and his experience in the NLL.  - International Rivalries – Competing for Team Canada and the legendary USA vs. Canada matchups.  - The Culture of Winning – What separates great teams from the rest, and how team dynamics contribute to championships.  Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Importance of Self-Practice00:43 Welcome to The Ride with Zach Quezada02:15 Interview with Lacrosse Legend Tom Marecek04:28 Tom Marecek's Early Lacrosse Journey07:06 Mastering Deception and Shooting Techniques18:00 Syracuse Lacrosse: Current Season Analysis28:53 Tom Marecek's Syracuse Experience33:25 The Importance of Riding in Lacrosse33:46 Memorable Moments from the 89 and 90 Seasons34:07 Facing Johns Hopkins: A Freshman's Perspective36:35 Championship Game Highlights39:26 Unheralded Heroes of the Team45:26 The 90 Championship Game: A Different Experience47:31 Transition to Professional Lacrosse53:58 Winning Culture and Team Dynamics57:05 International Lacrosse Rivalries01:01:00 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsKey Quotes from the Episode "If you really wanna raise the bar for yourself, you have to get in the backyard, get out there, wall ball, and just put in the extra reps." – Tom Marechek  "Deception is showing where the ball is, but not giving it away to the goalie. You move your head, shoulders, and body—not just your stick." – Tom Marechek  "We had a winning culture at Syracuse. Everyone bought in. Everyone knew their role. That’s what made us great." – Tom MarechekConnect with Us  📧 Email: zachtheride@gmail.com  🎧 Subscribe to "The Ride: Lacrosse Podcast" on your favorite podcast platform.  📱 Follow us on social media for episode updates and behind-the-scenes content.  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theride.talk/If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with a fellow lacrosse fan! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and let us know who you’d love to hear on a future episode of "The Ride"! 

We sit with Mark Millon, former MLL and NLL legend, to discuss his journey from college to professional lacrosse, the evolution of player development, and insights into the modern game. Mark shares stories from his career, lessons on training the next generation of athletes, and his perspective on the current and future landscape of the sport. Whether you're a player, coach, or fan, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways on skill development, mindset, and the beauty of lacrosse.  Topics Discussed  - Winning a championship with the Philadelphia Wings and the lessons learned from that journey  - The evolution of player development and the importance of self-driven training  - Specialization vs. versatility in lacrosse and how young athletes should approach the game  - The significance of playing multiple sports to build athleticism  - The role of club teams and camps in a player's growth  - The necessity of being a two-handed player and how it impacts the modern game  - The transition from college to professional lacrosse and adapting to the box game  - Riding, transition play, and what makes an elite offensive player  - Coaching philosophies, favorite drills, and game strategies  - The PLL’s growth and what’s next for professional lacrosse  Timestamps00:00 Winning the Championship Against All Odds00:53 Discussing UVA Scrimmages and Team Performance02:02 Player Development and Specialization in Lacrosse05:18 The Importance of Being a Two-Handed Player10:02 Balancing Lacrosse and Other Sports for Young Athletes12:16 The Role of Clubs and Camps in Player Development17:42 Insights on the 2025 Lacrosse Season21:21 Transitioning from College to Professional Lacrosse30:16 Mastering Ambidexterity in Lacrosse31:44 The Hardest Skill in Lacrosse33:54 Offensive Techniques and Strategies38:39 The Importance of Off-Ball Movement39:24 The Pick Game and Offensive Variability45:12 Transition Game and Riding49:16 Mark's Lacrosse Journey and Business56:45 Coaching Insights and Favorite Drills59:23 Final Thoughts and Game StrategiesKey Quotes from the Episode"A champion is made in his yard. It’s not even with a trainer. It’s just doing the work on your own. That’s where the great ones are made." – Mark Millon  "If you’re growing up in the U.S. and not playing box 200 times a year, you should probably focus on being two-handed. It gives you a massive advantage." – Mark Millon  “Transition goals are huge – they’re easier, they fire up the crowd, and they make a difference in tight games." – Mark Millon  Resources Mentioned  -Millon Lacrosse Camps - https://www.instagram.com/millonlacrossecamps  - Millon Events – https://www.instagram.com/millonevents- Project 9 Lacrosse – A high-level training experience for elite high school players  - The PLL (Premier Lacrosse League) – https://www.premierlacrosseleague.comConnect with Us Follow *The Ride Podcast* on Instagram for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more:  📷 The Ride Podcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theride.talk  📷 Mark Millon Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/markmillon Listener Call to ActionIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your fellow lacrosse fans! Join the conversation—what are your thoughts on player development and the modern game? Let us know in the comments or on social media! 

In this episode, we sit down with Zach Thomas, Offensive Coordinator and Assistant Coach at Christopher Newport University. We discuss the evolution of CNU's lacrosse program, innovative coaching strategies, and the principles that define their success. From breaking down a 10-man ride to emphasizing reads in offense. Zach shares a wealth of knowledge applicable to both players and coaches.Topics Discussed  The journey of transforming CNU into a top-tier Division III lacrosse program.  Implementing the 10-man ride and its tactical benefits.  Principles of offense: possession, ball movement, spacing, and deception.  The role of film study in player and team development.  Recruitment strategies and the importance of versatility in players.  Navigating overtime strategies and high-pressure scenarios.  How sub-games and matchup changes create offensive opportunities.  Key Quotes from the Episode   "We want our guys to be as dangerous as possible and always a threat on offense." – Zach Thomas   "The 10-man ride is about trust—it starts with elite communication and believing in the system." – Zach Thomas   "Deception is the number one thing we're working on for personal development right now." – Zach Thomas  Resources Mentioned  - ScoreBreak: https://www.scorebreak.io   A platform for film study and direct player feedback.  - Jamie Munroe's Lacrosse Teachings   Connect with UsFollow us onInstagram for updates.Subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, subscribe to the podcast, and leave us a review! Got thoughts or questions about this episode?

Jack Posey, is a current defender for the Chaos LC in the PLL. Jack shares his journey from being undrafted to making an impact in professional lacrosse, delving deep into the nuances of defensive techniques, training philosophies, and his role at the Lacrosse Barn—a premier training facility in Texas. This episode is packed with insights on player development, the importance of angles, and actionable advice for aspiring athletes. Topics Discussed: Jack Posey’s journey from college lacrosse at Penn State to the professional level. The concept of angles and their critical role in defensive lacrosse. Training philosophies: how to blend athletic development, skill building, and failure management. Insights into the operations and impact of the Lacrosse Barn in Dallas. The significance of defensive technique and contact in lacrosse. Lessons learned from legendary coaches Jeff Tambroni and Andy Towers. The importance of self-analysis for players and how to cultivate it. Key Quotes from the Episode: "If an offensive player can get to your chest, that's an advantage to them. As a defender, you have to dictate when and where that happens." – Jack Posey "Playing defense is about turning a speed game into an angle game—that’s where the advantage shifts to you." – Jack Posey "Coach Towers’ policy is honesty, and I’ve never met someone who stayed more true to that." – Jack Posey Timestamps: 00:00 Sneak Peek 00:42 Welcome to The Ride 02:14 Introduction and Initial Thoughts on Lacrosse Skill Sessions 03:03 Overview of the Lacrosse Barn 04:03 Defensive Training Philosophy and Techniques 05:47 The Importance of Proper Technique and Training 07:22 Dallas Lacrosse Scene and Community 11:12 Influence of Jack Rowlett and Training Insights 13:50 Advanced Defensive Techniques and Training Methods 26:35 Coaching Philosophy and Player Development 32:11 Understanding Offensive and Defensive Angles 33:45 Session Structure and Failure Management 35:20 Encouraging Self-Analysis in Players 36:50 Advanced Defensive Techniques and Approaches 49:05 Navigating the Back of the Cage 52:54 Lessons from Coaches and Teammates 59:34 Looking Forward to the Upcoming Season Resources Mentioned: The Lacrosse Barn: Premier lacrosse training facility in Dallas, Texas. PLL Chaos: Jack Posey’s professional team. Coach Nick Tintle: Renowned lacrosse skills coach and director at the Lacrosse Barn. Jack Rowlett: Jack’s mentor and one of the top defenders in professional lacrosse. Connect with Us: Website: www.theridepodcast.com Instagram: @theridepodcast Twitter: @theridepod Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend who loves lacrosse or is looking to improve their game! Don’t forget to rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform—your feedback helps us grow and continue bringing you valuable content.

In this compelling episode of The Ride, host Zach Quezada sits down with Coach Tom Gravante, a lacrosse legend who spent 28 years as the head coach at Mount St. Mary’s and is now an assistant coach at Bucknell. Joining them is Mark Hargrave, a former player for Coach Gravante who shares his perspective on Gravante’s indelible impact. Together, they delve into stories of resilience, team culture, and the life lessons learned on and off the field. From championship wins to overcoming personal challenges, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Topics Discussed Coach Gravante's Lacrosse Journey: Transitioning from player to coach and the lessons learned along the way. Building a Winning Culture: The philosophy behind creating a team environment that fosters resilience and success. Adapting Through Challenges: Transitioning roles and strategies to overcome adversity. Recruiting and Player Development: Insights on finding the right players and cultivating their potential. Memorable Games: Reflections on milestone victories against Richmond and Virginia. Life Beyond Lacrosse: How the values of the sport translate to personal and professional resilience, including Coach Gravante’s battle with cancer. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview 00:21 Setting Up the Interview 01:46 Coach Gravante's Humble Beginnings 01:46 Transition to Bucknell 02:14 Coaching Philosophy and Strategies 04:26 Building a Winning Culture 22:31 Recruitment and Player Development 26:56 Memorable Seasons and Key Players 36:01 Personal Reflections and Legacy 45:52 A Freshman Year Story: Overcoming Challenges 46:38 The Importance of Footwork and Training 47:08 Recruiting Insights: Hands, Feet, and Hips 49:20 Multi-Sport Backgrounds and Athletic Development 50:53 Coach's Battle with Cancer: A Testament to Resilience 56:50 Coaching Philosophy and Memorable Quotes 01:02:48 Reflecting on Memorable Games and Strategies 01:13:20 Thoughts on NCAA Policies and Roster Limits 01:17:14 Favorite Drills and Coaching Techniques 01:25:56 Final Thoughts and Farewell Key Quotes from the Episode “If losing doesn’t hurt, you’re going to be a loser the rest of your life.” – Coach Tom Gravante “What are you doing when the coach isn’t watching? That’s where champions are made.” – Coach Tom Gravante “Be the hammer, not the nail.” – A Gravante-ism cherished by his players Resources Mentioned Bucknell University Lacrosse Program: Bucknell Athletics Mount St. Mary’s Lacrosse: Overview of Coach Gravante’s legacy and achievements. "The Ride" Podcast Archives: Previous episodes featuring inspiring lacrosse stories and lessons. Connect with Us Instagram: @TheRidePodcast YouTube: @TheRideTalk Subscribe: Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. Listener Call to Action If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend who loves lacrosse or needs a dose of inspiration. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review on your podcast platform of choice—your support helps us grow and reach more listeners! Also, join the conversation on social media using #TheRidePodcast to share your favorite moments from this episode.

Join Zach Quezada as he sits down with the legendary Chazz Woodson, former MLL All-Star and current head coach of Hampton University's lacrosse program. In this engaging conversation, Coach Woodson shares his journey from player to coach, his offensive philosophies, the challenges and rewards of building Hampton’s program, and how he instills creativity and discipline in his players. Discover insights into leadership, player development, and the future of HBCU lacrosse. Topics Discussed - Coach Woodson’s Lacrosse Journey: From MLL star to Hampton University head coach. - Hampton’s Program Growth: Recruitment strategies, team culture, and overcoming challenges. - Creative and Purposeful Play: How Coach Woodson balances creativity with discipline in coaching and play. - Memorable Plays and Techniques: Analyzing Coach Woodson’s iconic goals and his approach to diving finishes. - Leadership and Team Dynamics: Strategies for building a cohesive, motivated team. - The Future of HBCU Lacrosse: Why Hampton’s program is shaping the sport. Key Quotes from the Episode 1. "Dodging isn’t about getting around somebody. Dodging is about getting from point A to point B." – Chazz Woodson   2. "We’re trying to change the culture of the team—how we operate, represent ourselves, and build something impactful." – Chazz Woodson   3. "You have to execute the simple things at an extraordinarily high level before you can master the creative plays." – Chazz Woodson Connect with Us - Follow us on Instagram: @TheRidePodcast - Subscribe on Spotify: The Ride Podcast - Visit our Website: www.theridepodcast.com Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend who loves lacrosse or leadership insights! Don’t forget to subscribe to “The Ride” and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Join the conversation on Instagram and let us know your favorite takeaway from Coach Woodson’s story.

Eric Dunne, Head Coach of Farmingdale (NY) and a University of Albany Alum, joins Zach to discuss teaching effective defensive checks, the importance of scouting, insights gleaned from top college coaches, and the impact of the Thompson brothers and Jake Piseno on the game. Coach Dunne reflects on his experiences, from state finals victories to tough losses, and shares his favorite drills and defensive strategies.This episode is packed with inspiring personal stories, coaching wisdom, and valuable lessons for players and coaches alike.
 00:00 Intro 02:09 Approaching the Fall and Off-Season 04:53 The Evolution of the Takeaway Defender 07:10 Psychological Aspects of Defense 12:23 Scouting Reports and Team Dynamics 15:37 Defensive Strategies and Player Development 23:06 Jake Piseno and “Short” Defenders 33:05 Teaching Defensive Checks 34:26 Positioning and Footwork 34:51 College Career at Albany and Scott Marr 40:45 Impact of the Thompsons on Lacrosse 51:51 Coaching at Farmingdale 57:27 Overtime Scenarios and Favorite Drills 01:04:07 Conclusion and Future Plans