DeBartolo Sports University kicked off its Shooters Lacrosse private training program this past Sunday, in conjuction, with a newly designed training program for goalies.

Led by instructors Andrew DeCicco and Chris Gammello, the session was a great success.

In attendance were midfielder Jonathan Brucia and goalie Alec Dvoretsky; both of whom attend Seton Hall Prep in West Orange, New Jersey.

DeBartolo Sports University caught up with Brucia and Dvoretsky as they provided commentary on their first workout.

Tell me about your overall experience. What did you come away with?

Jonathan: "Working with Coach DeCicco really helped me with my shooting on the run, getting my footwork down, learning how to twist my body into my shot, and how to generate a lot more power with the right form. For instance, I was stepping with the wrong foot towards the goal, and I was not twisting my body all the way. He really helped me get my foot pointed in the right direction. By the end of our session, I could feel a difference every time I would (shoot with the) right or wrong (form).”

Alec: “My focus for the day was to move my feet (more quickly). Coach DeCicco and Jon really helped with that with getting a lot of velocity on their shots. I’d have to watch it all the way in and react. Coach DeCicco also stressed increasing my hand speed. He liked my position in the goal, but that I need to continue to get moving faster.”

Jonathan: “Coach DeCicco also pointed out the speed of the release on my shot, and how fast I get the ball out of my stick. Instead of holding it longer and sort of pushing it, he wants me to snap my wrist to get the ball out. It’s all with my bottom hand making sure I’m pulling the stick back to get a good snap of the wrist.”

Tell me about what you saw out of one another.

Alec: “I saw Jon's shot getting bettter and he’s hiding his stick well getting more velocity with his shot. When we started out on the run, he sort of grasped the concept, but towards the end he was really shooting well.”

Jonathan: “Alec was adjusting to all my shots. He’d notice if I was bringing my stick up to shoot it low and he’d react to it. He did really well.”

You spent a lot of time focused on the training aspect of improving your performance.

Jonathan: “We worked on cutting by pushing off with each foot. We learned to push off with the inside of our foot. We concentrated a lot on cutting and it really helped.”

Alec: "“I learned a lot of your movement comes from one foot; not two; and I never knew that. I learned some exercises to better my explosion, and learned how to get lactic acid out of my muscles."

Lastly, tell me about the day's work with Coach DeCicco.

Alec: “He may be a little loud, but he gets the point across and that is how you are going to learn. You don’t take his criticism as hurtful; it’s simply to better you.”

Jonathan: “It is always fun working with Coach DeCicco. You come out and learn and have a good time. He can really help you with your shot, and knows how to correct your weaknesses.”

DeBartolo Sports University will see both athletes again this Sunday for their next private training workout at Rutgers University Park Turf Field.