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 Coaching
in Arizona
By Christian Cook
December 2002
First of all, let me thank Goalie Nation for asking me
to become involved. This site will provide a great deal of information
to young players in need to excellent coaching and advice.
I am currently flying back from an all-day clinic in Scottsdale, AZ
organized by lacrosse ambassador and guru Rich McAbee. This clinic was
held at a spectacular venue – we had access to six immaculate
fields in one location – not to mention the incredible weather
we enjoyed. Over 300 kids from the Arizona area participated in this
clinic and they worked hard both physically and intellectually to improve
their games. There was a middle-school as well as high school contingent
and they benefited from the world class coaching staff that attended
this clinic. There were several pro players, a small group of current
Princeton players as well as many local coaches who volunteered their
time.
 I
was impressed with the dedication of the parents, the volunteers and
most importantly the kids. I have coached many clinics across the country
(New Jersey, California, Oregon, Colorado, Arizona, Florida) as well
as some international clinics and this is just another example of the
inroads the sport is making across the country. Lacrosse in Arizona
is growing and there are several players who have the chance to play
for Division III programs and possibly a Division I program. Each time
I coach a clinic in a locale that is not known as a traditional hotbed,
I realize the importance of good coaching. Many players across the country
can compete athletically with the best – but they lack the game
sense and have not been exposed to the complexity of the game necessary
to take their game to the next level.
I am confident that Nation Lacrosse, Goalie Nation, and these other
sites will provide young players with access to the best advice and
the best coaching from the comfort of their own home. While this does
not take the place of excellent hands-on coaching, it does present players
a forum to voice their questions and read expert advice on techniques
and drills. An ability to flawlessly execute the “little things”
will make a good player a great player. I don’t care how well
a player shoots behind the back if he can’t throw overhand. Hopefully
this will be the first of many columns and I look forward to my future
involvement with Goalie Nation. Hopefully I can answer some questions
and provide some useful advice to young players working on their game.
A Glance at Our Guest: Christian Cook
Defenseman, New Jersey Pride
Drafted 8th overall in inaugural Major League Lacrosse (MLL) draft by
New Jersey Pride
Starter in both league All-Star games
First-team All-Pro
Named Defenseman of the Universe by Fuel Magazine
MLL Warrior Defenseman of the year in 2002
Runner-up for MLL Defenseman of the year 2001
Princeton’s All-Decade Lacrosse Team
Won 3 NCAA National Lacrosse Championships (’96-’98)
1998: First-Team All-America; NCAA Defensive Player of the Year; NCAA
All Tournament Team; Team Captain;
Only Unanimous First-Team All-Ivy selection
1997: Third-Team All-America; First-Team All-Ivy
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