Monmouth University attackman Ty Caffarelli has quickly made a name for himself as one of the top inside finishers in college lacrosse. The California native led the Hawks in goals as a freshman, earned CAA All-Rookie honors, and continues to set program records with his ability to score in tight spaces.
We asked Ty for practical advice on performing at a high level in the attack position. Here are his top tips, drills, and mindset strategies—straight from the crease.
Drills to Sharpen Your Inside Finishing
Success as an inside attackman comes down to hand-eye coordination, quick hands, and consistent accuracy under pressure. Ty uses a few simple but effective drills to stay sharp:
- Off-ball inside finishing drills Work on positioning away from the ball, reading feeds, and exploding to the cage. Focus on timing your cuts, sealing defenders, and finishing with either hand. These reps help you become a constant scoring threat even when you're not the primary ball carrier.
- Tennis ball reaction drill One of Ty's favorite creative drills: Have a friend or teammate fire tennis balls at you while you stand sideways, as if receiving a pass. Treat it like you're a goalie reacting to shots—but in attack stance. This builds lightning-fast hand-eye coordination so you can catch or redirect any pass or deflection that comes your way in a game. It's simple, fun, and brutally effective for developing "soft hands" in traffic.
- Target shooting with your top hand Always aim for a specific spot on the goal (top corner, low pipe, etc.). Ty emphasizes hitting consistent targets while prioritizing control with your top hand. This trains precision and helps you develop a repeatable shooting motion—even when defenders are draped all over you.
Pro tip: Keep these drills short and intense. Quality reps in game-like situations beat long, mindless shooting every time.
Staying Confident and Mentally Tough
The mental side of the game separates good finishers from great ones. Ty's approach is straightforward:
"I know there's a reason I play D1, and I know I'm one of the best inside finishers at this level."
Confidence comes from preparation and self-belief. Remind yourself of the work you've put in and the results you've already achieved. When the game gets physical or the shots aren't falling early, lean on that inner knowledge that you belong and that you've earned your spot.
Mental toughness is built through consistent effort in practice and trusting your preparation when it matters most.
Pregame Mindset: No Superstitions, Just Play
Ty keeps it simple when it comes to pregame routines:
"I do not have any pregame superstitions. I just go out there and play my game."
Instead of relying on rituals, focus on showing up ready to compete. Clear your mind, trust your training, and let your skills take over. Sometimes the best "routine" is staying loose and playing with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a high school player working to get to the next level or a college athlete trying to dominate the crease, these tips from Ty Caffarelli highlight what matters most: purposeful drills, sharp hands, and a strong mindset.