Good morning to our Weekly Thought subscribers,

Each Friday, we try to put something useful in your inbox - a message that helps players, parents, and coaches see the game a little more clearly. We don’t have many sponsors or paywalls here. The goal is simple: share what we’ve learned and keep learning from those who read it.

This October marks three years since we sent our first edition. In that time, the audience has grown, but our purpose hasn’t changed. We write this because lacrosse has given us a lot, and this is one small way to give something back.

If you’ve been with us for a while, thank you. If you’re new, welcome. We’d love to hear what’s been helpful or what you’d like us to tackle next. That feedback shapes where this goes.

We’re lucky to do what we love, and we try not to take that for granted.

Let’s get into it. Happy Friday ☕️,
Matt & Deemer

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Each fall, thousands of players step onto fields hoping to stand out. Most believe the best way to do that is with the ball in their stick. They wait for their turn to dodge, to score, to make the highlight. But the truth is simple: the players who stand out most often are the ones who play best without the ball.

At First Class Lacrosse, we’ve watched, and operated, many showcases. What separates the good prospects from the great ones is rarely flash, it’s how they move when no one’s watching.

Off-ball actions reveal two things every coach values: awareness and effort. They show how well you see the game and how much you’re willing to do for your teammates.

The good news is that these skills are simple. The hard part is doing them consistently and with purpose.

Great cutting requires purpose and anticipation. Instead of floating aimlessly, time each cut to arrive in open space as the ball carrier is ready to pass. Use sharp V-cuts to catch the ball with your outside hand and keep the ball flowing. Or, use quick bursts when defenders ball-watch to create just enough of a window for a clean catch or finish. Coach Pressler referred to “dodging your man” off the ball this summer. Keep cutting even if you don’t get it.

Smart on-ball picks are highly valued in today’s game. Set them with a good, athletic base and pick the path of the defender. The best pickers know when to roll hard off contact or slip quickly when defenders try to switch, putting pressure on the defense and generating open looks for either player. Vary your actions and use deception like a swing pick to show that next level IQ.

These are hard because inherently they are very selfless. Free someone else up for a goal at a showcase? Yes, go do it! Work away from the ball to set screens that free up teammates on the crease, backside, or up top. Off-ball picks force defenders to make quick decisions, which open up passing lanes and consistently create scoring opportunities. Want to show an elite off ball IQ? Seal your own defender and allow your teammate to cut off you.

Proper spacing is essential to a great offense, and fades (drifts) or shallow cuts keep it dynamic and unpredictable. Showcases get stale when players hang in the parking lot waiting for their dodge. Instead, use fades (drifts) or shallow cuts to create space and be a threat. You can fade to shooting spots and put defenders in tough slide positions. A fade is just a simple back pedal or movement away from the dodger. You can also shallow cut under the dodge, replace the dodger and create a throwback opportunity. This gives space for dodger to operate, but keeps you a threat as well. By moving with intent, players prevent defensive collapses and help maintain clear passing and dodging lanes.

Elite players read slides before they happen and immediately fill the space left by a helping defender. When the defense rotates, follow them into the opening —these quick reactions often lead to high-percentage scoring chances. This awareness shows a strong lacrosse IQ, adaptability, and the ability to capitalize on defensive mistakes.

A player who cuts sharply, sets and slips picks, maintains spacing, and follows defensive rotations is always valuable, regardless of stat lines. While we seek stats like goals and assists to stand out at showcases, these actions will not only increase your chances of making plays off the ball, but they will improve your overall IQ. The off ball options are simple; the hard part is executing them consistently and  even when you don’t think they matter.

Coach Class and Coach Dunn

Recruiting classes have settled in for the men’s and women’s class of 2027. While there is plenty more lacrosse to be played for the 2027s, we are excited to turn some focus to the 2028s and early stages for the 2029s at our BIC Fall event late October. Some advice for the class of 2028:

We highly encourage you to focus on process goals that will put you in a better spot to achieve your outcome goals. Reach out if we can be of help.

Deemer

Date: Jan 10-11

Location: IMG Academy

Apply Here

Bennett Matthews | 2026 | Midfield | Bedford HS | NH Tomahawks | Duke

Matthews blew up as a rising junior at Best In Class. His athletic prowess allows him to be a big time 2 way midfielder. He plays with a swagger and draws comparisons to Dave Lawson, 2013 Duke grad.

Noah Han | 2026 | Attack | Georgetown Prep | Next Level | Princeton

Noah is a dynamic 2026 attackman headed to Princeton. He has a sharp COD and snappy hands. Noah has been a multi-time attendee and plays with a competitive fire. He is primed for a big senior year at Prep.

Charlie Giraudo | 2027 | Defense | Marin Catholic | WCS |Georgetown

Giraudo is a rangy 6’3” pole who can play close or LSM. The lefty moves his feet well on 1v1s, but isn’t afraid to be aggressive with a takeaway check. He isn’t shy about running the field in transition, and I think his range really helps him in stealing some nuggets off the ball. Giraudo is headed to play for Kevin Warne at Georgetown and we’ll see him back at BIC at IMG this January.

Date: December 6-7

Location: Chase Fieldhouse

Apply Here

Shea Shoulberg | 2027 | Attack | Mendham | Steps | Notre Dame

Shoulberg is a dual threat dodger and feeder. She works the low lefty wing well and has great height to see through the defense. We’ve seen her dodging expand as well from rising sophomore summer to rising junior summer. Shoulberg’s part of a strong 2027 class for the Irish and alongside the 2026’s, are back to avenge defeat in last year’s event.

Cece Powell | 2026 | Attack | Marcellus HS | Aces Elite | North Carolina

We are fired up to have one of the most dynamic players in the 2026 class back to BIC. Making her mark last winter, Powell has a great stick and it’s evident with her “hitch move.” She sells her windups and can explode out of it so well. The level of play will be top notch on December 6-7th.

Cecilia Evans | 2027 | Midfield | Dexter Southfield | Laxachusetts | Florida

Evans is one of the best athletes in the class. Her natural instincts are high and she’s always around the ball. A summer standout, Evans is en route to play for the Florida Gators and will be joined by a few 2026’s and 2027’s headed to Gainesville. We are pumped to have Cecilia back in the mix at our Committed event!

Check out our @fclbestinclass Instagram page for more commitment collabs!

Check out this 4v4 drill courtesy of LIU coach Kyle Hayes from his webinar on our coaches community!

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