Over the weekend of Dec. 13, Men’s Lacrosse Coach Drew Delaney spoke at the Intercollegiate Men’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IMCLA) annual convention held in Baltimore, Md. at the Marriott Waterfront Hotel.
Having attended before, Delaney had an idea of the different topics generally covered during the three days when the conference is held. He was given free reign for what he wanted to discuss. He chose to speak about practice efficiency. Delaney gave tips on how to have efficient practices, including getting maximum touches on the ball and giving examples of drills that allow for a dynamic practice.
He chose this topic because he identifies this as an aspect in need of improvement. In his experience, he has seen very dynamic and interactive practices but also some methodical and slow practices. “We’re trying to encourage coaches to think outside the box, release a little control,” Delaney said. He talked about drills that he specifically uses at practice that have been successful, which pairs with the theme he was addressing.
The conference offered multiple presentations per hour allowing coaches to choose whichever ones they were interested in attending. Delaney presented to a multitude of coaches ranging from Division I to club to high school. “It seemed pretty well received. I heard from a lot of coaches after the talk that wanted to ask more questions, but it was a very diverse group,” Delaney said.
Delaney sees speaking on behalf of Elizabethtown College as an opportunity and benefit for the College. “Any time we can put our coaches and our program in front of hundreds of people it’s good, especially if we’re trying to show ourselves in a different light. We want to be considered a dynamic, fast-paced lacrosse program. Players will be excited to join.”
Delaney regularly attends the conference and over the years has developed relationships with many other club and collegiate coaches. While at the conference last year, a fellow coach and organizer of the conference asked if Delaney would be a speaker for the following year. Delaney had not previously considered speaking but once offered the spot, saw it as an opportunity and agreed.
This conference was also an opportunity for the coaching staff to learn new tactics and tools. There is always a chance someone will come along with a new word or even slight alteration to the drill that can improve current practices and make them more dynamic.
IMLCA has existed since 2004, and was initially under the umbrella of USA Lacrosse. Coaches decided that they needed an organization for themselves to help support each other professionally. Every college coach is a member automatically, but club and high school coaches are also welcome to join. The conference is held annually in Baltimore, Md. at the Marriott Waterfront Hotel. It draws in coaches from every division and all over the country.
Delaney and both of his assistant coaches attended. While Delaney attended mostly administrative sessions, his assistants attended professional development sessions. Listening to other coaches helped all of them become more mentally prepared for this season, which began the last week of January.
The men’s lacrosse team has their first game on Feb. 22, at home on Wolf Field against the Merchant Marines. It is a non-conference game.
