Hello lacrosse families! 

I hope everyone had a great rest of summer and enjoyed some time off recently.

My name is Sam Firth. I was recently traded to the Ottawa Black Bears after playing the last couple seasons for the Albany Firewolves. I grew up playing lacrosse in Nepean and have run summer camps, clinics and training sessions for Ottawa-area players the past few years. I also coach the offence for the Nepean Jr Bs.

The last two falls, myself and Jacob Gasperetti (Nepean Jr B defensive coach & formerly Ottawa Blackbears) have run weekly training sessions with the help of some other high-level Ottawa players before heading off for our NLL seasons.

We are excited to announce we’ve put together another five-week training program, featuring new coaches and drills and opportunities for players u11-u17.

The program will include five 90-minute sessions Wednesday nights in October focusing on the advanced skills of box lacrosse with a greater emphasis on shooting and dodging repetitions and variety, with some fun and compete mixed in.

Goalies - we will have 3 nets and NLL goaltender Thomas Kiazyk (Saskatchewan Rush) out to work with the goalies so they can work with Thomas 1on1 in goalie specific drills.

Jacob is scheduled to get shoulder surgery in October so we’ll also have a variety of new coaches out to help at different sessions. Coaches include Nate Woods (Colorado Mammoth), Sam Parent (Toronto Rock), Will Johnston (Ottawa Blackbears, Connor Knock (projected top 10 pick in upcoming NLL draft), Isiah Moran-Weekes (projected first round pick in upcoming NLL draft), and Riley Ash (Nepean Jr B assistant coach).

We will run a u11/u13 group directly followed by a u15/u17 group. The floor will be split so players will only be working with players their own age (u11 at one end, u13 at the other).

We will be using the same age groups from last summer, so second year u13 players will stay in u13, for example, and graduating u17 players are included. 

Space Remaining:

U11 players: 8 

U13 players: 6 

U15 players: 8 

U17 players: 2 

U11 goalies: 1 

U13 goalies: 1 

U15 goalies: 1 

U17 goalies: full

Key offensive concepts being taught:

• Outside shooting: shot deception, different shooting styles and release points, placement and accuracy
• Inside finishing: deceptive finishing, variety of finishing moves, finishing inside under pressure and through traffic
• Offensive concepts: 2 man and 3 man game, off ball and on ball picking, cutting and timing
• Attacking 1 on 1: different 1v1 moves, attacking from high, mid-boards and low, reading your defender
• Offensive speed and footwork

Key defensive concepts being taught:

• Shot disruption
• Box outs
• Transition passing and shooting
• Defending the 2 and 3 man game
• Defending 1 on 1
• Opening up and defending off ball picks
• Defensive system concepts (down pressure, wall, box and one)
• Defensive speed and footwork

Key Goalie concepts being taught:

• Rebound control
• Angles
• Reaction time
• Swing shots
• Inside vs outside positioning
• Passing

Training sessions will emphasize teaching the above concepts in a way players can learn. We will split the floor to increase player repetitions and learning. We’ll also mix in some game situation drills and scrimmages so players have a chance to apply learned skills in game situations with corrections and teaching. Jacob and I have had the opportunity to play for some of the best lacrosse coaches in the world. I’ve been lucky enough to play for Glenn Clark and Pat Coyle, current coaches of team Canada box lacrosse. As well as Shawn Williams and Josh Sanderson - two of the best players and coaches of all time. We’re extremely excited to pass along what we’ve learned to the next generation of lacrosse players in the area. 

We’ll have some NLL swag and gear to giveaway to hard workers once again.

Training details

Where: Ben Franklin Superdome, 191 Knoxdale Rd, Nepean ON

When: Oct 8, Oct 15, Oct 22, Oct 29, Nov 5

Time: u11/u13 6:00-7:30pm, u15/u17 7:30-900pm

Cost: $185

How to register: please email samfirthlacrosse@gmail.com with player’s name, hand they shoot, and team they played for last summer and I will confirm their spot and provide payment details.

Numbers will be capped to keep repetitions high and spots will be offered on a first come first served basis.

If you are unsure about your availability in October I can place you on a waiting list and email you as we approach capacity. We will likely also have some drop in spots available if you are unsure about making every session. Drop in rate is $40 a session. Please email me to be placed on either the waiting or drop in list.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out.

We’re excited to get to work elevating players’ games!

Thanks

Sam

Samfirthlacrosse@gmail.com

613-858-4547

About Sam Firth

I grew up in Ottawa and played my whole minor and most of my junior lacrosse career in Nepean. I am currently an assistant coach on the Nepean Jr B team coaching the offence. I have also coached multiple age groups and levels in the minor association and run lacrosse development camps while I was living and playing in Albany and Las Vegas. I recently played in the NLL finals for the Albany Firewolves and have won an NLL championship with the Colorado Mammoth, a Minto Cup with the Orangeville Northmen, and a Founders Cup as a coach with the Knights. I graduated from Bishop’s University in 2022 with a degree in Sports Studies and Athletic Development.

About Jacob Gasperetti

My name is Jacob Gasperetti and I play in the NLL for the Ottawa Blackbears, formerly known as the New York Riptide.  I grew up playing lacrosse in Nepean and had the privilege to play my junior lacrosse career for the Nepean Knights Junior B team where I was named team captain. I am currently an assistant coach on the Nepean Knights Jr B team where I coach the defence/transition. I am also an assistant coach on the Carleton Ravens Men’s Lacrosse team and last summer coached the Nepean Knights U7 team. I also graduated from Bishop’s University with a degree in Sport studies and Athletic Development and I am currently studying in teachers college.