Coaching Philosophy of Good Counsel's Head Coach Michael Haight
"Coaching is inspired teaching. As coaches we are teachers.
Our players are our students, the field is our classroom."
Will Rey, Wright State University

My General Philosophy is:
-We will be in much better condition than any opponent that we will face all season.
-All players will be treated fairly.
-We will play with controlled aggressiveness.
-We will play with a great deal of enthusiasm.
-I will have an "open-door" policy toward my players. (Sometimes with great snacks to munch on as well!)
-We will be successful on the field as a direct result of playing as a complete unit.
-We will set the tempo of the each game both offensively and defensively.
-Practices will be organized and structured, allowing for optimal efficiency.
-We will play as many players as possible each game without causing detriment to the team and the whole unit.
-We will force our opponents to come out of their comfort zones during games.
-The total program will be organized and structured.
-We will not let what we cannot do interfere with what we can do.
-We will incorporate multiple defenses.
-Everyone in the entire program will represent Good Counsel High School, our Faith, and ourselves in a first-class manner.
-We will use our junior varsity squad as a developmental program.
-We will seek to utilize the strengths of our individual players into an offensive scheme built around complementary teamwork.
-The coaching staff will work hard at scouting our opponents. However, we will keep it simple with our players. We will emphasize what we do and executing it to perfection.
-Quality execution will be demanded. Repetition alone is not enough, it's quality repetitions that count.

Offensive Philosophy:
Offensive skills and techniques must be mastered and become automatic. Lacrosse is a game of habits. We will develop this through repetition and discipline. Success demands an emphasis on paying attention to detail-the pretense for execution. Quality execution will be demanded from my players. Repetition alone is not enough; it's quality repetitions that count. Doing things right requires discipline and mental toughness on the part of both the players and the coach. In addition, we will become a quicker, and thus more efficient and effective team by practicing quicker thinking skills on the field. Through all of this, we will emphasize team play. Every play works on paper, therefore execution and the individuals are the key ingredients to the success of any offense. An offense is only as strong as the individuals that form it, however, average individual players can work together to form an above average offense. All the tenets stated above-execution, discipline, attention to detail, and fundamentals-must be present to insure team success. The main objective of our offense will be to exploit the weakness of our opponents and get a great shot.

Offensive Principles:
1.We will attack the defense as quickly (and under control) as possible after opponents? makes and misses.
2.Players will know and play multiple positions. They will be versatile.
3.Players will be put in situations that allow them the best opportunity to utilize their skills to the benefit of the team.
4.We will play to our strengths and force the opponent to adjust to us.
5.Execution and discipline will be the cornerstone of our offense.
Fundamentals That Will Be Stressed Daily:
1.Stick-handling.
2.Triple threat position.
3.Footwork.
4.Proper Movement without the ball.
5.Shooting the ball.
6.Reading the defense.

Defensive Philosophy:
Defense must be the Lady Falcons' cornerstone. It will be the program's bread and butter. As potent as our offense will be, our defense will be that much better. Getting stops on defense and causing opponents to take shots they would rather not take will allow us to ignite our offense. Opponents will not like playing against our defense. Our players will play tremendously hard while on defense or they will not play. It is that simple. An individual putting forth effort that is anything but his best will result in problems for the rest of the team. Our defense will demoralize the opponent's offense, while at same time, sparking our offense. The defense will work because of hard work, fundamentals, and knowledge. This knowledge will come from each player knowing exactly what we want in each defensive set and how to go about achieving it. An average or below-average defense is usually the result of either (1) lackadaisical play or (2) a lack of knowledge on the defending of a particular play. In addition, we will implement multiple defenses, switching them every few plays, thus limiting the opponent's comfort zone. To accomplish our objective of being a top-notch defensive unit, more than half of the practice time will be spent emphasizing defensive play. We will experience success because we play defense. It is commonly said that "Defense Wins Championships". I have found this axiom to be true in many instances. Defense is the only common denominator to winning. The more that our team's defense is consistent, the team will win more than it loses, even if we have only average athleticism or offensive talent. Defense is the one thing that can be consistent each and every game.

Defensive Principles:
1.Communication.
2.Pride.
3.Play with intelligent aggressiveness.
4.Stance, Stance, Stance.
5.Active Feet.
6.Allow no second shots.
Fundamentals That Will Be Stressed Daily:
1.Stance Drill.
2.1-on-1 defending.
3.Active Feet.
4.Hustle.

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Recruiting Philosophy

Recruiting is the lifeblood of any successful program. A program cannot survive, and ultimately thrive, unless it works hard, day in and day out on the recruiting process. Recruiting is a structured system that a staff can establish through hard work and persistence. There are plenty of players who are perfect fits for Good Counsel High School. It is my job to find them. Recruiting must also be ethical. The way you recruit is an extension of your personal beliefs and values. When I recruit a player, I am not only attempting to bring a talented individual into the program, but I am taking on a bigger responsibility of looking after that young person for the next four years. Honesty and integrity are essential components in the process. It is important that I develop and nurture a relationship with the recruit. She is a person and should be treated in that manner-not like a prize to be won or possessed.. As a coach, if my primary objective is to use the athlete for four years and then discard her, then I have failed to have a positive impact on a young life. It my belief that good athletes will go to a place in which they feel comfortable. It is my goal to show the athlete and her family that I truly care about her. I will be persistent and real in all my dealings with her.

Potential Lady Falcons
Do You.......?
1) want a quality education
2) have a great desire to win
3) along with others
4) possess good lacrosse skills
5) have a good work ethic
6) make other players better
7) fill a particular team void (if you don't know ask Coach Haight!)
8) have respect for yourself and others
9) have a champion's attitude
10 like to be feisty
11) want to be committed to excellence
12) come from a successful programs
13) want to take pride in wearing a Falcon uniform

I am committed to recruiting only "blue-chip" people, who have top-level potential as athletes. Lacrosse experience is plus but not a necessity. Being noticed and recruited are two different things. In any case no one that is "recruited" is guaranteed a spot on any team and everyone always earns their spot with me! Championship caliber teams can only be built with outstanding people who possess great talent. One cannot exist without the other. Established winners, lacrosse talent, and great individuals make up the Good Counsel's Women's Lacrosse Program.