About
The Lacrosse Institute Philosophy: TLI has composed a very in-depth philosophy of training players and coaches, and it is published in both text and video formats. All of this information is available to coaches and programs that are currently involved in a TLI program. The philosophy goes into minute detail of what to teach and how to teach all different age levels and skill/competition levels. We are continually developing and updating our curricula to remain current and cutting edge in the game.
The Lacrosse Institute’s founders recognized a severe lack of Education in the majority of the programs across the country. The coaching knowledge across the country is drastically low. This is often caused by a lack of adult experience in the game both playing and coaching. This is not a criticism, this is simply a fact. The game has grown in this generation at a rate that has absolutely outpaced last generation’s ability to support such growth. There are a few side effects to all of this.
First, and most important of all, is that the average skill level of an American youth lacrosse player is not where it should be for a game that has been around as long as this. Secondly is that the overall growth of the game is being hindered by lack of Education at the town or community level that is causing too many players to leave for the elite or select clubs in their area. We have nothing against clubs, they are a vehicle and resource for certain players. There is no reason that players can’t get top level coaching and training at the town level. TLI strongly believes in this and is dedicated to advancing the game at all age and competition levels.
Box-to-Field Philosophy: TLI’s personnel not only has dozens of years of experience playing field lacrosse at the highest level collegiately and professionally, we also have many years of professional and international box lacrosse experience. There are many skills that come from playing box lacrosse that have allowed a significant number of box lacrosse players to develop into some of the best Division 1 and Professional Lacrosse players, both offensively and defensively, in the world. These small yet significant skills that when used appropriately become part of a concept on the field. These skills include, but are not limited to, Faking, finishing, dodging, playing in tight spaces and defending on and off ball. TLI has developed the ability to teach these skills properly and immediately translate them onto the field.
Coach Todd Francis, President & CEO: Coach Francis has over 40 years of Lacrosse experience. He was an All New England goalie for the Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, Mass. He then went on to Cornell University where he was converted to an LSM in the middle of his sophomore year. In his senior year he was voted All-Ivy, Division 1 All-American and was an NCAA Championship runner-up. He then went on to play for the Boston Blazers professional indoor lacrosse team. He played for the team for 9 years throughout their entire existence which was suspended in 1998. Caoch Francis was a defensive specialist and Captain, and the only player to paly for all 9 seasons
He began coaching Newburyport High School (MA) in its inaugural season in 2002. He remained there Through the 2016 season winning 2 coach of the year honors and amassing a 75-16 (.824) record in the last 5 years. He was the Defensive Coordinator for the US Indoor Lacrosse team that won the Bronze Medal in the 2007 World Championships in Halifax Nova Scotia. He then was the Defensive Coordinator for the resurgent Boston Blazers in 2009. Coach Francis moved to Tampa in 2016 and began coaching at H.B. Plant High School. He coached there for 7 years and amassed a combined record of 101-26 (80%), 5 district championships, 3 state semi final appearances, 6 State and county GPA awards and 3 coach of the year honors. He was also the Defensive Coordinator for the Atlanta Blaze in the final season of the MLL (now PLL).