JM3 Lacrosse Podcast

Harvard Associate Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator Neil Hutchinson joins Jamie Munro to explain how scanning, footwork, and leverage shape an effective lacrosse offense. They break down two-man play, pick-setting and reading defensive coverage, then discuss recruiting traits and how much two-handedness really matters.

keywords - lacrosse offense, Neil Hutchinson, Jamie Munro, lacrosse coaching, scanning, footwork, leverage, two-man game, pick setting, lacrosse recruiting, man-up offense

key topics

• Neil Hutchinson recommends The Mind Gym for its lessons on responding to mistakes, returning to training, and building confidence.
• Footwork and passing fundamentals matter under pressure: set the body, follow through, and deliver the ball with intent.
• Off-ball scanning helps players read slides, support positions, and defensive movement rather than fixating only on their own defender.
• Hutchinson’s offensive principles include unselfishness and creating leverage before, during, and after a catch.
• Drifts, seals, and hostage dribbles can create space, improve angles, and help a ball carrier make decisions at a controlled pace.
• Effective pick play depends on spacing, deception, changing speed or direction, reading defensive communication, and adjusting to over/under coverage.
• Small-sided drills, including a two-on-one pick-read exercise, give players repetitions reading defenses without conflicting with team defensive instruction.
• Moving the ball during a two-man action can exploit a brief defensive transition window and create space on the weak side.
• In recruiting, Hutchinson looks for love of the game, improvement, lacrosse IQ, sound catching and throwing, defensive ability, and positive team energy.
• Two-handedness can broaden a player’s options, but Hutchinson and Munro emphasize angles, leverage, and the ability to attack effectively over a rigid checklist.

Navy head coach Cindy Timchal joins JM3 Lacrosse Podcast host Jamie Munro to discuss building practices around competition, constraints, and game-like decisions. They explore ways to attack defensive gaps and zones, the impact of rule changes, and what coaches value when evaluating and developing players.

keywords women's lacrosse, Cindy Timchal, Navy lacrosse, lacrosse coaching, constraints-led approach, lacrosse practice drills, zone offense, lacrosse recruiting

Key Topics

• Timchal describes building competitive practices around constraints such as space, time, player numbers, tennis balls, and small goals.
• Navy’s “Bang Bang” drill develops full-field ground-ball battles, give-and-go play, transition, and defender confidence carrying the ball forward.
• Timed draw-restart scenarios use a 20-second offensive window, followed by a 60-second counter opportunity for the defending group.
• Munro and Timchal discuss picking against zones to disrupt ball pressure, create gaps, and open passing options.
• They examine the value of attacking defensive gaps with deception and quick decisions, including Munro’s “dodge and kick” constraint.
• Timchal discusses empty-stick checking below the waist as a significant change affecting ground balls, possession security, and physicality.
• Recruiting priorities include finishing, stick skills, lacrosse IQ, two-way ability, speed, adaptability, love of the game, and being a good teammate.
• Timchal emphasizes the developmental and emotional value of high school lacrosse alongside club experience.

In this episode, Danielle, Head Coach of Stanford Women's Lacrosse, shares insights on innovative coaching strategies, adaptive practice design, and the importance of variability and constraints in developing versatile players. Discover how her approach fosters adaptability and decision-making under pressure.

keywords: lacrosse coaching, adaptive practice, variability, constraints, two-man game, player development, college lacrosse, coaching strategies

Key Topics

• The role of variability and constraints in practice design
• Implementing two-man game strategies with constraints
• Developing adaptable players through game-like challenges
• Using scoring systems and rules to enhance learning
• Recruiting for adaptability and decision-making skills

Justin Ward, Loyola's Offensive Coordinator, shares insights on lacrosse strategy, skill development, and the application of ecological dynamics in coaching. Discover how to create advantages, deceive defenses, and enhance decision-making on the field.

key topics

• Principles of play and creating advantages
• Use of ecological dynamics and constraints-led approach
• Deception and disguise in offensive moves
• Decision-making and external focus of attention
• Skill and IQ development in players
• Effective use of screening and pick setting
• Variability and differential learning in training
• Recruiting for skill and IQ in lacrosse

In this episode, Jamie Munro and Colleen Magarity Kelly discuss the latest trends in women's lacrosse recruiting, defensive strategies, and offensive IQ. They share insights on how players can improve their game and navigate the recruiting process effectively.

key topics

• Impact of five and five recruiting rules
• Defensive strategies: man-to-man vs zone
• Offensive IQ and off-ball movement
• Importance of highlight videos and film quality
• Recruitment process and communication with coaches
• Player development and re-classing in women's lacrosse
• College camp strategies and showcase importance
• Transition game and two-man offense
• Adapting to evolving defensive schemes
• Role of athleticism and skill in recruitment
• Creating variability and deception in offense

In this episode, Tim McCormack, head women's lacrosse coach at Johns Hopkins University, shares insights into his innovative offensive strategies, coverage solutions, and player development techniques. Discover how principles like unpredictability, volume, and coverage reading are transforming lacrosse coaching and gameplay.

key topics

• Principles of volume offense and creating advantages
• Coverage solutions and reading defenses
• Two-man and three-man game triggers and actions
• Attunement to coverage and gaming the system
• Zone offense strategies and exploiting gaps
• Player recruitment focusing on skill and IQ

In this episode, Kelly Amonte Hiller, head coach of Northwestern Women's Lacrosse, shares insights into her coaching philosophy, team development, defensive strategies, and how adaptability and growth mindset drive success.

Key Topics

• Team resilience and comeback strategies
• Defensive principles and adaptability
• Offensive versatility and player involvement
• Building a strong team culture and balance
• Use of zone and man-to-man defenses
• Player development and growth mindset
• Game-specific tactical adjustments
• Recruitment of adaptable athletes

Jamie Munro sits down with Brian Kelly, Boston Cannons attackman, Vassar Assistant and JM3 Coach, for a detailed conversation about his breakout season, what he learned from elite teammates, and how he is translating those ideas into coaching. They also dig deep into lacrosse concepts like hand fighting, wide grip defense, crack angle picking, shot selection, and using constraints to train smarter. In this episode, Brian shares how a move from “find a drill on Instagram” training to more intentional pickup and constraint-based work helped unlock his game. The discussion is especially useful for players and coaches who want practical ideas for improving dodging, shooting, and two-man game.

In this episode, Kevin Corrigan, head coach at Notre Dame, shares insights on coaching philosophy, game strategies, and the importance of adaptability and IQ in lacrosse. We explore how to develop smarter players and create variability in training to improve performance.

key topics

• The importance of variability and external focus in training
• How to evaluate and develop lacrosse IQ
• Strategies for full field game development
• Using constraints to teach decision-making
• The role of mental toughness and psychology in sports
• Adapting game plans based on personnel and opposition
• The significance of communication and leadership on defense
• Innovative drills and practice design for game readiness

In this all new and rebranded podcast, Jamie talks to PLL Chaos' midfielder and 2026 Natoinal Champion Chad Palumbo, who shares insights on everything Princeton lacrosse, as well as the key things in his development that made him the player he is today.

key topics

• The role of culture
• Principles-based offense and spacing guidelines
• The importance of intentional pick setting and reading defenses
• Deception as a core skill in high-level lacrosse
• Pickup as a tool for skill development and creativity
• The influence of free play and unstructured practice
• Adapting training methods to enhance decision-making and IQ
• The significance of player strengths and roles in offense