CONSTRAINTS LED MODEL

I love lacrosse for many reasons and I’ve dedicated my life to teaching it because the many variables and dichotomous skills necessary to find solutions in real-time is a thrilling puzzle to decipher. It’s strategic and adaptable. It’s powerful and delicate. It’s thinking and reacting. It’s technique and timing. These are just some of the dichotomies in this great game and it leads to the question I wrestle with everyday - what is the best way to teach groups? Before we dive in, age and commitment level are variables that affect your planning but this journal entry will be focused on the group setting of elementary school aged kids.

I’ve experimented with many teaching methodologies over the years like exploring the design of the practice plan, specific drills and situational concepts and have found that a combination of linear and non-linear approaches are necessary for groups of different ages and skill levels.

Youth lacrosse groups benefit greatly from game-based activities (Lemov 40). According to Doug Lemov, author of The Coach’s Guide to Teaching, he covers two major benefits of the constraints led model - First, small-sided games multiply “mental touches”: occurrences where the athletes have to read and adapt to movements and actions around them. Everyone is constantly reading the foundational interactions of the game - space, movement, body position over and over (Lemov 41). Second, they are most powerful at building deep and sustained intuition for foundational concepts…angles, distance and timing (Lemov 41). Athletes are missing out on critical opportunities to learn the longer they stand around or in line waiting for their turn (Lemov 41).

Elementary aged lacrosse players’ skills are enhanced by this method due to its dynamic environment and bias toward creativity and fluency. The more this age group reps. this style their physical, mental and emotional skills improve greatly and naturally shine a light on their strengths and weaknesses. With this awareness, their time can be spent on more static, nuanced, skill acquiring sessions when they decide it’s time to level-up.

All in all, the constraints led model serves athletes well long term because it tests the athlete against an objective standard and in my sessions, we praise the attempts!

Doug Lemov. 2020, The Coach’s Guide to Teaching, Melton, Woodbridge, UK. John Catt Educational Ltd.

OWNERSHIP

As author Dan Coyle writes Tip #20 in his book, The Little Book of Talent, he explains why practicing alone is so important to developing our mental skills. Reason #1 is, “finding the sweet spot at the edges of our abilities”. This is important because we’re more likely to take risks and look silly when we’re on our own. Finding the edge is critical because without it, measuring growth becomes impossible and failing to measure our growth places reliance on outside forces like parents, coaches, teammates and fans. Having a support system like that is extremely important but relying on them for solutions makes this process harder and longer. We want to learn how to rely on our own physical, mental and emotional skills and then seek feedback from trusted relationships. Relying on outside forces makes us feel like a balloon floating through the air, we’ll go in any direction they tell us to - not ideal!

Reason #2 is, “develop discipline, because it doesn’t depend on others.” A plan without discipline is useless. When you create working by yourself as a habit that is discipline. Most of us former athletes understand the notion of forced structure and routine. At whatever point of your career when you finally hung it up, you’re no longer told where to be, when to be there and what to do so you’re on your own to get it done. The foundation of practicing alone is a powerful skill.

Owning your physical, mental and emotional skills only happens by practicing on your own. Young athletes have the blessing of access - access to coaches, clinics, zoom calls and the internet. Their burden however, is how to mentally organize and sift through what is useful now and what might be useful later and what’s not good. The brain needs activity in order to perform those organizational tasks. But, activity that is controlled by the athlete and no one else.

Young athletes need to drill alone more than they perform…see Tip #45 in The Little Book of Talent!

SOFTNESS

“TRY EASIER”, MIND GYM by Gary Mack, p.145
”The less tension and effort, the faster and more powerful you will be.” - Bruce Lee

Awareness of our tension is an essential skill to practice. Learn the intensity and the timing of when it’s happening. Tension when needed is a good thing - snapping our wrist to shoot or pass, snapping a check to distract your opponent…etc. However, too many youth players bring tension into the formula way too early and for way too long. You’ll grip the stick tight because you don’t want to make mistakes, however, the habit of a tight grip will actually lead to more mistakes and not serve you well long term. Next time you throw around, be super aware of your grip and exaggerate the soft feeling to the point where the stick feels like it’s going to fall out of your hands. This extreme softness will create the exact contrast needed in order to build the awareness and calibrate the correct amount of tension for all of your specific tasks on the field.

When holding your stick, remember, high-fives NOT punches!

WHAT ARE YOU GIVING TO THE DRILL?

All drills are good and all are bad. Each drill offers a glimpse into real competition and is designed to prepare you for various situations. However, an often overlooked piece of this puzzle is, What do you give to the drill (above & beyond effort)?

The concepts and rules you execute the instructions of a drill with will determine your success in a game. Your goal should never to become good at the drill for its own sake but rather use the drill to further your skills for in-game outcomes. This can only work when you are aware of and constantly reinforcing physical, mental and emotional skills that lead you to solutions no matter the distraction.

For example, speed is a must in order to bring value to a team. When you want to run faster, what do you do? If you just “move quicker” it might make you faster in a controlled setting but will it help you use your speed more effectively in a game? What I’m suggesting is when you can turn the “move quicker” activation into “feel my knees drive down and forward” activation, this will make you faster but also lead to habits that will make you better at changing speeds, changing direction, giving hits & taking hits. All pieces of movement needed to level up!

In other words, connect your physical, mental & emotional dots to find success in constantly changing environments.

GRATITUDE: The Performance Persepctive

Thanksgiving marks the season for contemplation and this year’s end becomes next year’s beginning. This always leads me to gratitude. Gratitude is a powerful emotion but can it help you perform at a higher level in team sports?

Here’s how I look at it:

1)    I am grateful to many people throughout my life who have helped me in my journey. Achievements of all sizes and shapes are directly and indirectly guided by others. Some of the people I am grateful to everyone who may have had a short-term negative effect but I now realize I needed it to move forward…I am grateful to them as well!

 2)    If I want to perform my best to show “thanks” than I need to give my best in all my preparation. If I give my very best when I’m by myself then it’s easier to give my best at a team workout. After I’ve given my best in those two settings, I am prepared to “give thanks” on game day. (This “attitude” becomes contagious and will help your teammates give their best!) Nothing in life gets easier, just be as prepared as possible when necessary.

 3)    The only “thank you” in my mind worth the value of someone else’s mentorship is by giving my very best energy, effort and enthusiasm in whatever I pursue. Speaking “thanks” to someone is a good start but acting it out “says” a lot more. The true test is…giving, giving & giving some more and never expecting anything in return.

Create more awareness to identify your gratitude and it will be the fuel that helps you become a more complete competitor.

Early or Fast?

What is the difference between early and fast? Let’s first set the scene and context for our argument…

Sports is all about creating time and space and managing the pace.

So really what we’re saying is your pace should depend on the amount of space available in any given moment. The more space we have = the faster we move helps. Whereas, the less space we have = the faster we move hurts.

Let’s look at at this simple exercise -

SCENARIO A: I got out of bed early and went to school.
SCENARIO B: I got out of bed fast and went to school.

What do these scenarios imply? What kind of picture do they paint in your head?

SCENARIO A paints some sort of timing picture. “I picture someone waking up before their alarm clock and having extra time before they leave,” is a common response for that.
SCENARIO B paints an up-tempo rushed scenario. “I picture over sleeping and then having to race out the door” is a common response for that.

Those two explanations are defining “early” and “fast” the same – If A is “before the alarm clock” than, B is “after the alarm clock”.

SCENARIO A is meant to imply “when” you removed yourself from bed.
SCENARIO B is meant to imply “how” you removed yourself from bed.

Technically you can wake up “early” and get out of bed “fast” at the same time. It’s no different in sports.

We train all of our athletes to compete early and fast. However, when teaching, early is first and fast is second. In this context, the difference is early = “when” and fast = “how”.

For example, if we are dodging down the alley and the plan is to get the ball thru X early than the dodger has freedom to spy the crease, hit the roll back and freedom to make a play but if nothing is open then get the ball thru X. In this case, “when” means exactly that – as soon as possible for the ball carrier. In the same situation, fast means in 2 sec. or an unrealistic speed that creates the mind to get loud and rush! When an athlete has the intellectual understanding of the game plan but has freedom to make mistakes they will play with an internal HUSH and the ability to compete against the external RUSH! What is the point of moving the ball so fast that the ball carrier misses out on opportunities?

Your greatness forms when you’re training with mental “when” and physical “how”!

Respect, Inspire, Support!
Jimmy

#13 – LEAD DOMINO podcast – Jimmy Madden

#13 – LEAD DOMINO podcast – Jimmy Madden
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 On today’s episode we host Jimmy Madden. Jimmy is a Hicksville native and attended Kellenberg Memorial HS and then NYIT as a member of the lacrosse teams. To stay close to the game, he coached at Friends Academy, LIU Post and most recently Oyster Bay HS. Currently, Jimmy is a co-owner of Peppercorns Restaurant & Catering in Hicksville.

Our conversation touches on a lot of the similarities between coaching sports and running a restaurant. As we identify the common threads of each industry we get a glimpse at how Jimmy approaches the good, the bad and the ugly of running a restaurant. Along with all of this, we recorded during the height of the Covid-19 virus quarantine and got a first hand account of one of the hardest hit industries during this time. Jimmy shares great insights from his experiences; how he decides on his “lineup” for the night and why being approachable is important.

Keep in touch with Jimmy and Peppercorns on instagram @mr_turts_mcgurts (Personal) and @Peppercorns_ny (Business). Also, visit www.peppercornsny.com for more information about Peppercorns.

LETTERS TO LACROSSE #2 - EVAN BOVE, COMMACK, ATTACK

Lead Domino media, powered by MDP Lacrosse, feels for the lacrosse community during this uncertain time in our lives.  We especially feel for the members of the class of 2020 who have had their high school lacrosse careers end abruptly and unexpectedly.  Our ‘Letters to Lacrosse’ project aims to give Senior lacrosse players a chance to pen a love letter to the sport they love and the sport that has given them so much.

Our second letter comes from Commack Senior Attackman and Team Captain, Evan Bove. Evan will be attending SUNY Maritime in the fall and will be continuing his lacrosse career.

Dear Lacrosse,

As many young kids I liked every minute of playing pee wee sports like baseball, football and soccer, but it wasn't until I picked up a lacrosse stick in third grade that I truly felt like I loved what I was doing out there on the field. In the third grade my dad introduced me to lacrosse by having catches with me and my brother in the backyard. I learned the basics and I picked the skills up pretty quick. By that time I was still playing soccer but I knew that lacrosse was my main sport, the sport that I loved. I played for the town lacrosse team and then joined the Outlaws, a travel team, and spent every spring and summer season playing, practicing, and improving my game. I knew that lacrosse was my sport because I loved the physicality, aggressiveness and speed of the game. Most of the season I had bruises all over but I loved every minute of lacrosse. My coach even told my parents that I had so much potential. As time passed and I finally hit my growth spurt, I knew that I wanted to play lacrosse in high school and hopefully go on to play college lacrosse as well.

Playing lacrosse in high school has been so important to me. Through the years I have made so many friends that I hope I will maintain for a lifetime. I learned to always work hard during practice and keep a positive attitude on and off the field. Being committed to lacrosse and working hard is what I have been doing since I picked up the lacrosse stick. In fact, I always look forward to practice after school because I enjoyed being with my teammates, the same kids that I have been playing with since I was in third grade. By practicing and sharpening my skills I saw improvement in my game and when I started going to the gym and lifting I got really strong and my speed increased as well. I knew that this year was going to be a great year for my team and we were going to do awesome.

It is unfortunate that we did not have a lacrosse season. We were all disappointed when we learned the news that Spring Lax was cancelled. My school year was instantly ruined and I was crushed. This was the time for seniors to prove themselves to college coaches and for juniors and sophomores to get noticed. My college coach from SUNY Maritime was going to catch some of my games. I know that I will continue to push myself, practice and work out and hopefully I will have a chance to prove myself and play at Maritime. It is my dream to play lacrosse in college and do what I love to do.

One thing I will never forget is when I was pulled up from JV and having our first practice. The team was doing ground ball drills and I went in to get the ground ball and I got laid out by Logan Tobias, who was huge. This made me realize how different the JV and Varsity teams were. The varsity team was all about physicality, speed and ball movement and I realized I had to step it up if I wanted an playing time on this team. I knew what I had to do and I was determined to be an important part of my school team.

If it weren't for my father having lacrosse catches with me in the backyard, I would not be half as good as I am now. And even though I put at least 20 holes in my dad's fence trying to practice my shot, I know that watching me play lacrosse is one of his favorite things to do.

Thank you lacrosse for helping to shape me into a strong, confident and determined young man. I hope that I can live out my dreams and play lacrosse and accomplish everything that I set out to do.

Sincerely,

Evan Bove #9

LETTERS TO LACROSSE #1 - KIERAN HENDRY, COMMACK, DEF

Lead Domino media, powered by MDP Lacrosse, feels for the lacrosse community during this uncertain time in our lives.  We especially feel for the members of the class of 2020 who have had their high school lacrosse careers end abruptly and unexpectedly.  Our ‘Letters to Lacrosse’ project aims to give Senior lacrosse players a chance to pen a love letter to the sport they love and the sport that has given them so much.

Our first letter comes from Commack Senior Defenseman and Team Captain, Kieran Hendry. Kieran will be attending SUNY Maritime in the fall and will be continuing his lacrosse career.

Dear Lacrosse,

I remember the first time I held a lacrosse stick like it was yesterday. It was a warm May day and my parents brought me to the Mineola PAL house where I received my first stick, protective gear, helmet and uniform. I was the smallest 2nd grader in my class and had already been active in community sports by playing soccer, baseball, football and hockey. As an active child, my parents wanted me to try all sports to see which ones I would like. I was fast in soccer but did not have the foot skill at the time, I was too small for tackle football, but lacrosse felt just right. I quickly fell in love with the sport as we played games and received cool gear. I stood out on the field as one of the fastest players with a knack at getting the ground balls. I gained confidence in myself when scoring goals as well as made friends with my teammates. Over the next four years I played lacrosse with my friends in Mineola as well as joined my first travel team, Long Island Tomahawks. It was with the Mineola PAL that I attended my first NCAA lacrosse tournament in Massachusetts, and I was inspired to get to the next level so I could play in college. I played for Mineola until 5th grade when I moved to Commack where my life completely changed.

In middle school I was shy and lacked confidence. As a kid who had just moved to a new town it takes a toll on you. Playing lacrosse on my travel team allowed me to stay connected with my Mineola friends. In addition, knowing how to play lacrosse allowed me the opportunity to meet new friends in my new community. It was when I moved, that I made the switch from midfield to LSM and close defense on my new Northport PAL team. As I grew as a player, I switched travel teams to Igloo and under the guidance of my coaches, I trained to play against some of the toughest competition in the United States. I remember playing lacrosse was a great release for me. Playing in middle school made a huge positive impact on my life. I was able to communicate better with people and with this I made forever friends and had memories to last me a lifetime. I always loved the bus rides after games, whether we won or lost we would always be in a good mood singing, telling stories and listening to music. The experience that I had in middle school fueled my desire to continue to play in high school.

At Commack High school, I could not ask for a better lacrosse experience. Playing for Commack, I have continued to develop under the guidance of my coaches and teammates in following the three pillars of our program which is respect, inspire and support. These pillars are not just words but a mindset and a lifestyle that we as a team live by. My freshman year, I played on JV and we started out 0-6, teaching me to be positive even in hard times. We lost so many close games that season and when we won our first game it was that much sweeter. That year we finished 7-9 and from a 0-6 start it really showed me that if you believe in something and work hard to get better the results will happen. The next year was my first on Varsity and I was nervous. Once again, I was one of the smallest players on the field and I would be playing against kids who were much bigger than me and talented. To compete at that level, I forced myself to work harder than everyone. While I lack in size and strength, I hustled and made things happen. I challenged myself, going against the best midfielders on the island and got myself better. Lacrosse evened that playing field for me.

At the end of my junior season, I was named an ALL County player and I was honored to be named Captain and to wear the number 21 which is a Commack legacy number. It was at that dinner that speeches were read from former players that wore the legacy number before me. These former players were role models not only for their accomplishments on the field but off the field as well. I was honored to represent the number and play my heart out for this school and it saddens me to miss my senior season. Both my sister and brother had made the varsity lacrosse teams and we were looking forward to all playing varsity together for the first time. Lacrosse had become a family past time and something we all did together. I wanted to finish my senior year with my family and the friends I started playing lacrosse with. The news of the canceled season was heartbreaking. What I now realize is that lacrosse was much more than just a sport for me. Lacrosse has taught me to work hard, be humble, get up when your knocked down. It taught me to be strategic to be a leader and what it means to be a good friend, teammate. Lacrosse is my family. It is my hope that through the sport of lacrosse that I will represent the number 21 and that my actions will continue to show the respect I have for my coaches, teammates, school and future players.

I will be leaving Commack as a Captain, All County player and one of the Top 100 players on long island and starting a new chapter of my life in playing college lacrosse at SUNY Maritime. Lacrosse has opened doors for me and given me opportunities and friendships that I may never have had prior. Lacrosse has given me life lessons in perseverance, grit, work ethic and leadership skills. As I continue my journey with lacrosse, I hope to accomplish great things at SUNY Maritime and become an even better player. My goal is to be on the field for the NCAA with my team, a dream I had from my very first tournament. My hope is to share my passion for lacrosse by giving back and helping the lacrosse community that has given me so much opportunity and promise.

Sincerely,
Kieran Hendry #21

#12 – LEAD DOMINO podcast – Marcus DiBernardo

#12 – LEAD DOMINO podcast – Marcus DiBernardo
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 On today’s episode we host Marcus DiBernardo. Marcus is a native of Middlefield, CT and focused mainly on baseball and basketball until his father introduced soccer to the community. Marcus excelled at soccer and earned his way to Div. I Central Connecticut State. He is currently the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Monroe College in New Rochelle, NY. In 2019, Marcus’ Men’s Soccer team secured the programs’ first ever NJCAA Div. 1 National Championship. In 2018, Marcus won a NJCAA Div. 1 national championship as Head Coach of the Monroe Women’s Soccer team while also leading the men to a tournament semi-final in the same season! Marcus is a three time national coach of the year (2012, 2018, 2019).
Our conversation touches on many topics regarding coaching, teaching and learning. The common denominator, no matter what sports you’re involved in, is how the human brain functions. Marcus shares his story, his philosophies and advice. There is so much information packed into this episode, it’ll have to be listened to multiple times!
What makes a great athlete, great? Is it talent? Is it environment? Is it the drill, or is it how you execute the drill? We dive into all of it and get incredible insights from an incredible mind.
Follow Marcus on instagram @MarcusDiBernardo and subscribe to his YouTube channel – Marcus DiBernardo. Marcus offers a cognitive soccer course and senior and youth diploma courses at www.DiBernardoSoccerSchool.com

#11 - LEAD DOMINO podcast - Steve Vollmer

#11 – LEAD DOMINO podcast – Steve Vollmer

On today’s episode we host Steve Vollmer. Steve is a Madison, WI native who attended Lakeland College, competed in DIII soccer and earned a Business-Marketing degree. Steve’s love of art and sports collided after a few years competing in the Professional Development League for soccer when he joined the Sports Information Department back at Lakeland College. Steve’s willingness to learn and work hard afforded him many opportunities until finally landing a 2-week temporary gig at the NFL that lasted 5 years! Steve brings us on his journey from Madison, WI to NYC. His story is full of great advice, insights and tragedy. We learn how these 2 major tragedies in Steve’s life exposed what he was truly made of and fueled a response of gratitude, passion and perspective. How does someone turn these negatives into positives – Steve tells us.
How does someone combine their two passions and make a living – Steve tells us.
How does someone manufacture luck – Steve tells us.
Connect with Steve on LinkedIn and follow him on twitter and instagram @SteveVollmerJr

#10 - LEAD DOMINO podcast - Jay Mauro

#10 – LEAD DOMINO podcast – Jay Mauro

 On today’s episode we host Jay Mauro. Jay is a Long Island native and attended Sachem HS (before the split). Jay excelled at football, wrestling and lacrosse at Sachem before taking his lacrosse talents to Butler University and then to Dowling College. Jay is now a teacher and Head Varsity Boy’s Lacrosse Coach at Sachem North HS.
We learn about early struggles in Jay’s life that drove his work ethic, competitiveness and desire to always be the best. Jay’s intensity as an athlete shifted into a coaching role and is supported by the relationships he creates and cultivates while being guided by the “big picture”. From his struggles early in life to him raising kids of his own, it’s clear that things will be OK when values are heading in the same direction.
Follow Jay on instagram @_jaymauro and his team @sachemnorthlax

#9 - LEAD DOMINO podcast - Corey Winkoff

#9 – LEAD DOMINO podcast – Corey Winkoff
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On today’s episode we host Corey Winkoff. Corey is a Long Island native and attended and played lacrosse at Cold Spring Harbor High School. After high school, Corey attended and played lacrosse at the University of Pennsylvania.
Corey shares the values that were instilled in him at a young age and how they have set him on a course of curiosity and exploration. What’s it like running a business with your father? We talk about it! What does passion, reliability and grit mean to Corey and FLG? We talk about it! My conversation with Corey will help you find and cultivate your “why”.
To learn more about Corey and his brands visit www.FLGLacrosse.com and follow him on all social platforms @FLGLax.
Also, be sure to check out the Long Island Lacrosse Journal – it’s your source for Long Island lacrosse news and updates. Visit www.LILaxJournal.com and on social @LILaxJournal and follow their live stream show Beyond the Game at www.BYGLacrosse.com

#8 - LEAD DOMINO podcast- Chris Gill

#8 - LEAD DOMINO podcast – Chris Gill
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On today’s episode we host Chris Gill aka the CREASE BEAST! Chris is a Long Island native and attended Hauppague HS where he played lacrosse at the goalie position. Chris attended the University at Albany and played 4 years for the Great Danes.
As a senior at Albany, Chris wa s named Captain by his teammates and coaching staff and was also named Most Valuable Player. In 2016, Chris was inducted into the University at Albany Athletics Hall of Fame. Chris currently is the owner and operator of Crease Beast Lacrosse, Co-Director of the Long Island Goalie Academy and Head Coach of the Men’s U15 Puerto Rican National Team.  Chris is also a participant of the Head Strong Save a Life Campaign. Visit https://pledgeit.org/for/save-a-life-go-lime to learn more and support this great foundation.
In this episode, we learn about Chris’ journey to Albany – what drove him and what gave him the belief that he could be a DI goalie. Chris shares invaluable advice for aspiring goalies about life as a goalie and as a backup and what it really means to be a great teammate. Chris’ story starts with him wearing baseball catcher’s equipment, comes full circle and ends with him wearing catcher’s equipment.
To learn more about Chris and keep up with his busy schedule visit him at www.creasebeastlacrosse.com and follow him on instagram @creasebeastlacrosse

#7 - LEAD DOMINO podcast - Adam Rand

#7 – LEAD DOMINO podcast – Adam Rand
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On today’s episode we host Adam Rand. Adam grew up in Niantic, CT attending and playing lacrosse at East Lyme High School. Adam graduated from Stony Brook where he played lacrosse and helped the Seawolves on an impressive run. In 2009 at Stony Brook, Adam was named the Division I Face-Off statistical Champion. In Adam’s senior year he earned HM All-American for his role at the FO X. After college, Adam played in the MLL for 6 years, 1 year with the Lizards and 5 years with the Bayhawks, and won 2 MLL Championships! Adam is currently in medical device sales and we are lucky to get great insights on how important preparation is for sales, parents and the relationship with their kids and his relationship with losing. Adam also owns and operates Shoreline Lacrosse in southeast Connecticut. Shoreline Lacrosse is a club lacrosse program that provides clinics, training and teams. To learn more about Adam and Shoreline visit ShorelineLacrosse.com and follow  on Instagram @Shorelinelax

#6 - LEAD DOMINO podcast - Zach Oliveri

#6 - LEAD DOMINO podcast– Zach Oliveri
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On today’s episode we host Zach Oliveri. Zach is a Long Island native who graduated from Connetquot HS, played and graduated from UMass and played a 5th year at Stony Brook. Zach is currently in grad. school earning his doctorate in physical therapy. His years as an athlete and his love of health science have set him on a journey he loves! Zach shares advice on how to manage emotions during and after competition and explains his theory on “unorganized routines”! Zach’s hunger to learn, his tendency to help and teach the next generation is very inspiring. He’s even a fan of neuroplasticity!!!
To learn more about Zach follow him on instagram @coachz_spt

#5 - LEAD DOMINO podcast - Bryan Alcantara

#5 - LEAD DOMINO podcast – Bryan Alcantara
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On today’s episode we host Bryan Alcantara. Bryan is a Long Island native who graduated from Hicksville HS. Bryan was a well respected competitive soccer player before he transitioned into the coaching and soccer education ranks. Bryan has been certified by all the leading certification agencies and is always continuing his education.
Bryan was with the NY Cosmos from 2013-2016 serving as an Academy Coach along with being the Asst. Director of Youth Programs. After the Cosmos, Bryan joined the Red Bulls as an Education Manager and Regional Manager. Today he coaches coaches! He trains coaches on curriculum, technique and strategies that they use for their academy programs.
I Love my conversations with him because he’s full of knowledge and loves sharing it and for the few things I do know, he supplies a term or an easier way of expressing it that I wasn’t aware of.
Bryan was kind enough to supply us with some links to info. he referenced during our conversation –

- The VARK Questionnaire: A Guide To Learning Preferences
vark-learn.com

- The Learning Pyramid
educationcorner.com/the-learning-pyramid.html

To learn more about Bryan and keep in touch with his progress follow him on twitter @fcbryan9 - twitter

#4 - LEAD DOMINO podcast - Rob Camposa

#4 - LEAD DOMINO podcast – Rob Camposa
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On today’s episode we host Rob Camposa. Rob is a Long Island native who graduated from Syosset HS, played at and graduated from Stony Brook University. Right out of college Rob joined the ranks of assistant coaching at the collegiate level. He is currently in his 9th overall year coaching college lacrosse. Rob got bit by the coaching bug while coaching a HS club team in college. Rob wastes no time in defining his lead domino – belief! If he believes, his athletes will too! He shares great advice on how goalies can limit distraction and only focus on the ball.
I had the honor of coaching Rob for his career at Stony Brook and now I have the honor of calling him Coach Camposa!
You can learn more about Rob and follow him on twitter @coach_camposa.

#3 - LEAD DOMINO podcast - Joe Mascaretti

#3 - LEAD DOMINO podcast – Joe Mascaretti
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 On today’s episode we host Joe Mascaretti. Joe is a Long Island native who graduated from Hicksville HS, played 2 years of lacrosse at DII LIU Post before transferring and graduating from DI Hofstra. After playing at Hofstra University, Joe tried his hand at the MLL and spent three seasons with the Lizards. Joe’s story is a true under dog story and relates to many people’s situations in life. What’s not completely relatable though is his response to adversity. When no one believed in him, he did! When no one thought he was any good at lacrosse, he did! When people thought he should spend his time doing something besides lacrosse – he doubled down! We do hear early in our conversation however, that he wasn’t the only one with that belief – his parents had it too! That proves to be a powerful force to this day.
Joe currently owns and operates 3sixty Athletics. A strength and conditioning company helping people become their best. You can learn more about Joe and 3Sixty by following @3sixtyathletics on Instagram and by visiting his website 3sixtyathletics.com.

#2 - LEAD DOMINO podcast - Chuck Montana

#2 - LEAD DOMINO podcast– Chuck Montana
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On today’s episode we host Chuck Montana. Chuck is a Long Island native who graduated from Chaminade HS. He then moved on and graduated from the USMA at West Point. During his time in the U.S. Army, Chuck rose to the rank of Captain. He was Company Commander, U.S. Army Aviation Assault Helicopter Batallion (UH-60 Blackhawk), and Air Calvary Platoon Leader, 2nd Armored Calvary Regimen (Airborne).
Chuck tells a similar tale of many kids growing up on LI but his adventure landed him in the United Arab Emirites managing a team at a nuclear power plant.
How did he and his family get there? It’s a fascinating journey from the U.S. Army to producing energy! Chuck’s formula of constantly being open to learning, preparing exactly as you envision your execution knowing that an adjustment will be necessary when you least expect it and leaving your “ego in your duffle bag” have helped him turn complex, multi-faceted tasks into simple, repeatable steps that anyone can apply to their personal situation.