Philosophy

The overriding philosophy of the staff is to teach the player how to play, not plays. We want our players to be able to react to the flow of the game and to make proper decisions. Lacrosse is not a static game. At its highest level there is a constant flow of activity away from play and a battle ensuing for possession of the ball. The best teams have the ability to respond to situations and take advantage of what their opponent is doing. The Saint Vincent style allows for much individual creativity within the confines of a well-prescribed system. 

The way we try to play is fun, exciting and challenging. Our players learn the importance of teamwork and take responsibility for their actions.  As a trade off we allow them the freedom to freelance and make decisions on their own. During the course of the season we set many goals and objectives. However, our ultimate goal is "To inflict our will upon our opponent." We force them to play us. Win or lose this is the way we believe lacrosse is meant to be played.

Defense

We don't like to play 6v6 offense.  If you want to score goals you have to get the defense in 1v1, 2v1 or 3v2 situations.  The run and gun offense we play relies on creating opportunities on defense and getting the transition game going.  In settled situations we like to dodge and dump. Our middies and attackmen are expected to initiate plays that will get the defense to react and then take advantage of the numbers away from the ball. We only have a few offensive rules - create space for the ball carrier, go to the goal and move off ball. We like to score goals. A good game for us is to win 18-14.

In Season

Traditionally "Fall Ball" begins two weeks after the students return to campus and runs through late October. Highlights include the annual Parents Weekend game and a tournament that guarantees at least three games.

The fall season is a time for players to hone their individual skills, increase their game experience and for the freshmen to be introduced to the Saint Vincent lacrosse systems.

Pre-practice starts at 3:30 p.m. This time is reserved for goalie warm-up and for individual instruction. Practice begins when the Basilica's bells ring at 4 p.m. and finishes at 5:30 p.m. Practices are broken into five parts - stick skills, positional fundamentals, the transition game, half and full field play and conditioning. 

Throughout the fall term players are encouraged to participate in the team's weight training program. These sessions along with a plyometric program get into high gear after the fall tournament. The fall term concludes with individual private meetings with the lacrosse staff. 

Usually in the middle of January the students return to campus and the spring lacrosse campaign begins. Weather permitting all practices are held on one of the four full length lacrosse fields. An outdoor turf facility with room for half field play is used in harsh conditions. In extreme weather the team practices in Carey Center, the school's gymnasium.Spring practices run on the same time frame as the Fall program on a Tuesday through Friday schedule with weekends reserved for games. The team usually plays a 13 game schedule.Beginning with the 2001 season, the team started traveling south for spring break to train and play a minimum of two games. Also instituted in that year was a bi-annual trip to Long Island.