thanks to Chris Mattes of the Florida Launch for the second in a series of articles explaining the faceoff position at various times of a player’s development!  The first one can be found here.   Part 2 of our faceoff training guide is based on working with those in middle school and high school that may have some experience under their belts.  Before I get into details ALWAYS remember it is NEVER too late to begin facing off.  I started playing lacrosse in 3rd grade but never faced off until freshman year of high school. Similar to our first write-up, when working with high school athletes make sure they master their technique.  Like anything in lacrosse and sports, repetition is necessary to build that muscle memory.  If you have attended our camps you know we touch on 3 different snap movements that need to be mastered (quick clamp, power clamp, and plunger).  Within those stance and footwork are key.  Reiterating to the faceoff athletes to use their legs when they get tied up rather then just their arms is difficult but imperative to helping them grow.  Always remember whether you are a coach or player, taking live reps is good but practicing technique and training is what will get you better.  Make sure with the middle school guys that they understand where to place their wings to be successful as well as how to run a successful fast break. Developing the high school faceoff player and a few tips on the recruiting process: Those in high school should not only be mastering the basics that we have gone over but also work on more situational faceoffs (i.e., going against a pole, using wings, alternative ways of exiting, being in a scrum, etc.).  High school athletes need to always be reminded that they can always be better.  What it takes to make it to the next level is dedication to the craft.  Those who are being recruited are those who not only are dedicated to getting better and practicing as much as possible but are a student of the game.  They are not worried with the recruiting process and let their play do the talking.  Too much emphasis is put on the recruiting process and not enough on development and becoming the best player you can be.  Lastly, I am always asked questions about highlight films.  I will touch quickly on this as it is simple.  College coaches are receiving TONS of highlight films daily.  That being said they are not watching your whole 7 minute tape.  You need to sell yourself with 30 seconds to 1.5 minutes of film.  That is all these coaches are watching.  Also, when you choose the film to put in there put in your best highlights against the best talent.  When I receive highlight film from players to review I barely watch them; I watch the talent they are going against to see if it is a worthy opponent.  When watching your own film always remember these points and always ask yourself would you recruit yourself. Faceoff Academy Daily Training Guide:  http://thefaceoffacademy.com/Page.asp?n=127189&org=thefaceoffacademy.com Faceoff Academy Video Coach:  https://vimeo.com/ondemand/12443