Recapping the Approach
This week, we officially wrapped up the inaugural Approach, and we couldn't have asked for a better first event.
The Approach was built around a simple idea: create a camp where defenders could slow the game down and focus on the technical details that often get overlooked during a busy summer.
We brought together some of the best defensive minds in both the men's and women's game to teach the small details, discuss technique, and show players how to continue working on these skills.
In today's club landscape, players spend countless hours competing in games and tournaments. While those experiences are invaluable, there are very few opportunities to step away from the pressure of performing and simply learn.
That's what made The Approach so special for us.
Instead of focusing on wins, losses or recruiting, the emphasis was entirely on teaching and development. Players were encouraged to ask questions, try new techniques, and receive immediate feedback in an environment designed for learning.
Throughout both the men's and women's sessions, we watched players engage with college coaches in a way that's rarely possible during a tournament. Conversations happened between reps, questions led to deeper discussions, and players left with a better understanding of not just what to do, but why they were doing it.
5 Quick Takeaways from the Approach
The best coaches are teachers. The players weren’t the only ones learning. Our staff took a ton away from the coaches that worked. The thing that stood out to me was how great they were at teaching the important information to the players.
It’s not just what you know, it’s what you emphasize. A lot of people know things about defense, the harder part is determining which few things deserve the most emphasis.
Learning how to learn. A big point of emphasis for us with the players was teaching them how to learn and retain this information. That was a big reason each player got a notebook. Getting new information and drills doesn’t do you much good if you forget about it by the next day. Taking notes and reviewing them each night became a point of emphasis for us.
Each player at The Approach got a notebook to jot down notes, tips and advice.
You need to rep it. Our messaging to our staff was: “2-3 min Explanation >>> Get drill(s) going… PLAYERS MUST GET REPS” … While sometimes coaches did need to take longer to explain some concepts, nobody learns defense from a powerpoint. Players need to rep the important things. The best coaches have efficient ways to drill what matters.
You’ve got to love it. The most common theme (and best part) of both the men’s and women’s Approach events was that everyone there wanted to be there. From staff to players, we were all excited and fired up about the opportunity to teach, learn and practice important defensive fundamentals.
Our coaching staff played a huge role in creating that environment. Their willingness to invest in players of all ages, teach the details, and foster open conversations made The Approach exactly what we hoped it would be.
We're incredibly grateful to everyone who attended and helped make the first year of The Approach such a success. We can't wait to continue building on it.
Coach Class and Coach Dunn
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🚨 Fall Training 2026: Registration is Live!
Year 7 of our Fall Training kicks off in September!
Locations include:
Westchester, NY - Registration Live
Port Washington, NY (Long Island) - Registration Live
Suffolk County, Long Island - Stay Tuned for a big announcement 👀
Baltimore, MD - Registration Live
Dallas, TX - Coming Soon
Wheaton, MD (DC area) - Coming Soon
All registrations posted on the link below.
📚 The Approach : The Hawk Drill
This past week, we hosted our inaugural defense-only event “The Approach”. With a star lineup of coaches and top instruction, we hope the event only keeps growing! Check out one of our drills from the event with Maryland defender Will Schaller.
✏️ Best in Class : Women’s 2030 Standouts
The Class of 2030 is entering high school. Best In Class is a kick off for this group. Learning how to play with pace, space on the field, and hone in on key lacrosse concepts is a focus. This group of standouts shows promise, but we know there is more work to do. Let’s see who stood out in this group of rising stars!
🚀 Online Community
For coaches who want to level up, the FCL Coach Community is the best resource on the market for men’s and women’s coaching staffs looking to continue developing.
It includes over 40 college coach webinars, 150+ drills for offense, defense, and full-team compete, as well as sessions focused on schemes and strategies.
🔦 COMMUNITY TOUR: Watch Community Tour Here.
✍ Coaches Corner Free Newsletter
Every two weeks, we release a newsletter specifically tailored to coaches.
What to expect from the Coaches Corner Newsletter:
Coaching Frameworks: Strategies that actually move the needle.
X’s and O’s: We break down schemes and concepts.
Skill Development: We discuss technique, how to teach it, and drills to rep it.
To check out previous newsletters or to subscribe, you can visit the Full Coaches Corner Archive Here.
