Where it's been, where it's going, and what coaches
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Interview With Coach Jack Emmer — Page 4

Talent always affects what you do, but I do think that you have to emphasize the defensive end of the field first. I think you’re going to win more close games when you're very sound at the defensive end of the field. There will be days when your offense hits the pipe 10 times. Or the weather conditions are such that they can't even handle the ball. But defense is a common denominator. It should always be good. It's based on effort. It's based on cohesion. You should always be able to count on good defense.

Although offense is affected by too many other things, you have to play good offense ALSO, if, in the end, you are going to be successful. But when you start out, you've got to be very sound at the defensive end of the field.

Q: With the dramatic changes and growth in the game, where do you feel today's coaches should put their focus and energy?

Offensive Skills: I think the time has come to look at the development of some of our offensive skills. With Canada winning

the last World Tournaments, I think we’re starting to realize that the Canadians have tremendous offensive skills that the American players do not possess. That's developed from his box lacrosse experience — playing lacrosse in tight quarters and developing the skills that way. In America, we — as collegiate coaches, high school coaches, youth coaches — need to develop those kinds of skills to bring our game along here.

Shooting Mechanics: That also would mean concentrating on our shooting skills. We need to become better shooters. Our players tend to use deep pockets in their sticks. And while defenders can't get the ball out as easily, it is the depth of the pocket that allows for more control of the ball and longer possessions on offense. In addition, the deep pocket has produced more whip in the shot, but it has also made it harder to get a shot off quickly. So, our shooting ability is generally