Lacrosse Offense and Defense Principles

2. The 3 Principals of Offense • Space • Create space, fill space • Players must be spaced so that one defender cannot guard two or more offense players • Two passes from strong side to weak side • Flow • Ball in the air • Off ball movement • Threat • Triple threat with the ball (Dodge, pass, shoot) • Off ball movement

3. The 3 Principals of Defense • Voice • Communication (Ball, Help right/left) • Slide calls (1 and 2) • Goalie leads the defense • Anticipation • Jump to ball • Get to off-ball support position quickly • Anticipate the slide • Pressure • “ Get in their grill”. Do not allow offensive player with the ball to survey the field • Slide early • Use verbal pressure to tell offense player you are in charge. “Ball” call.

4. Vocabulary • “Alley”. The area between the restraining line and the sideline. • “Ball Side”: Be in a position between the ball and the player defending. • “Black”: All players shut off. Goalie covers crease player. Two poles double the ball. • “Change Fields”: Move ball from one side of field to the other -2 passes • “Clear”: Ball is controlled by goalie for a clearing opportunity. • “Coma”: A slide across the crease • “Crash”: Defense call to get defenders into red zone area as offense has fast break or transition opportunity. • “Down the Side”: Defender take ball carrier down the side and away from the middle. • “GLE”. Goal Line Extended. Extended goal line to sideline • “Green, (player number)”: Player is free to dodge. • “Hands”: Defender get stick on the gloves of the ball carrier. • “Hot”: Ball is on the ground. Release to pursue. • “Island”. Area 2-5 yards up from GLE • “Invert”: Midfielder carries ball behind GLE to dodge. • “Jump to Ball”: On ball defender challenges ball carrier • “Lightening”. A midfield top dodge down the left alley. • “One” and “Two”: First and second slide readiness calls by defenders • “Pop”: A cut from the crease toward sideline • “Purple”: Offensive players adjacent to ball carrier are shut off. Defender pressures ball. • “Recover”: Defense back into the Red Zone and pick up men. • “Red Zone”: The area in front of the goal 10 yards wide by 12 yards out. • “Slide”: First player (One) free to slide to ball carrier. Second slide moves to fill. • “Swarm”: players surround a ground ball scrum • “Thunder”. A midfield top dodge down the right alley • “V-Cut”: Player cuts toward defender and then out and away to get open • “V-Up”: Be in a triangular relation to the ball and the player defending. • “Voices”: call to remind defenders to communicate on field • ‘Whistle Ready”: Be ready to play on offense or defense before the whistle blows. • “Yellow”: Changing up players in the offense end. Control the ball until we have finished substitutions.

5. Field Positions Point Top Left Top Right Side Left Side Right Back Left Back Right X

6. Daily Practice Plan

7. Technical Skill Drills • Stickwork • Footwork • Shooting • Groundballs • Dodging

8. Wall Ball Routine • 40 Right Hand • 40 Left Hand • 30 Catch and Switch (exchange) • 20 Switch and Catch • 20 Cross Handed Right • 20 Cross Handed Left • 20 Two Handed Roll and Switch • 20 One Handed Right • 20 One Handed Left

9. 100 Throws Warm up Drill • (20) Throw right, catch right – no cradle • (20) Throw left, catch left – no cradle • (20) catch right – exchange – throw left. Catch left – exchange – throw right • (10) Catch right, bring stick across face and throw backhand • (10) Catch left, bring stick across face and throw backhand • (10) Behind the back right • (10) Behind the back left

10. U9/u11 Fun Drills • Sharks and Minnows • Hungry Hippo • Musical ground balls • Numbers game • Ultimate • Fireball • Tag, you’re out • Cradle relay • Shoot the bunny

11. Sharks and Minnows Players (the minnows) line up on one side of the restraining line (or set some cones on an open field area). Each player has a ball in their stick. On a whistle, all players run to the other restraining line (or cones) cradling the ball. Coaches (the sharks) try and check the ball away from as many players as they can as players run by. If a player drops a ball from a check while running, he stops and becomes a shark . Once all players make it to the other side (and checked balls are cleared away by a coach), a coach blows a whistle and all players run back across the field. This time trying to avoid more sharks. Keep going back and forth adding more sharks until one player is left (the winner) P P P C P P C P P

12. Hungry Hippo Players line up on both restraining lines (or set some cones on an open field area) facing each other. All balls (the more the better) are placed in the middle of the field. On a whistle, all players run to scoop one ground ball and return it to their side and place near a home cone or a put in a ball bag or bucket. Coaches monitor results as players go back and forth retrieving balls (only one ball per time)Once all balls are collected, coaches add up the results and announce a winning team. C C P P P P P P P P

13. Musical Ground Balls Players line up on a restraining lines(or set some cones on an open field area). Set balls about 10 yards away and count that there is one less ball for the number of players (ex. 9 balls for 10 players). On a whistle, all players run to scoop one ground ball and return it back behind the line. The player who did not retrieve a ball is eliminated. Continue rounds by removing a ball until there is a winner. Checking to take a ball away from a player is not allowed for u9. For u11 you may want to allow checking especially when it is down to 2 players left. Encourage players to work on good technique to box out an opponent, scoop and curl away. C P P P P P P P

14. The Numbers Game Make two even teams of players between two coaches. Add a goalie to play in the goal if available. Players line up on both restraining lines (or set some cones on an open field area) facing each other. A third coach is located in the playing area with a ball. Coaches will select a number of players to go on the field and play for a shot on goal against the opposing team. The total combinations cannot exceed the number of players on your team. For instance, if you have a team of ten players, the coach may only use the numbers 1-10 once in combination per round. Each coach selects his own combination without the other coach knowing. This makes for unbalanced playing combinations (ex 3 vs 1) On a whistle, the coach on the field throws a ball out and the two team combinations run onto the field to play against each other. The team that scores a goal wins that round. A new set of combinations is organized and sent out on the whistle for the next round. Play until coaches use up all their number combinations. C C P P P P P P P P P P P P C

15. Ultimate Lacrosse This is Ultimate Frisbee rules for lacrosse. Make two even teams of players between two coaches. Players line up on the end lines of a field (or set some cones on an open field area) facing each other. Select one team to launch the ball down the field to the other team. Once the ball is picked up, the player with the ball must stay still and find a teammate to pass to. Teammates may move about the field to get open. An opposing player guarding the player with the ball must give him 3 yards of room and not check the stick. If a pass is thrown and caught, that player must now be still and find a teammate to pass to. If the ball is not caught and falls to the ground, each team tries to get the ground ball for possession. Once possessed, the player with the ball stops and looks for a teammate to pass to. Teams try and move the ball down the field across the opponents end line to score a point. C C P P P P P P P P P P P P

16. Fireball Make two even teams of players. All players go to the center of the playing area. A coach throws a ball high into the air and players scramble to get possession. Once possession is attained, that team must execute at least one pass (add more passes for more skilled players) before shooting on goal. Opposing players may check to take the ball away and get possession. If a goal is scored, a new “fireball” is launched to begin play again. A coach may intervene anytime and stop play to throw a fireball, especially if there is a long srucm for a ground ball. P P P P P P P P P P P P C

17. Tag You’re Out Place players inside a “restricted” area marked by cones. Each player has a ball. Place one or more coaches inside the area. At the whistle, coaches chase players and try at tap the head of the players stick to tag the player out of the area. Players dodge away from the coaches protecting their sticks. If a head is tapped by a coach, the player leaves the area. The last player in the area is the winner. This drill develops stick protection and dodging skills,. P P P P C C P P P

18. Cradle Relay Create two even teams of players. Line players up behind a start cone and place several cones out front in a offset pattern. On the whistle the first player on each team navigates around the cones (right, left right) cradling the ball. Once they get around the last cone, they sprint straight back to the line and place the ball on the ground in front of the next player in line. He then picks p the ball and navigates through the cones. The team that finishes first wins. C P P P P P P

19. Shoot the Bunny Find a stuffed animal (a bunny) or two and tie a string around them. Tie the string to the top bar of the goal so that the bunny hangs down to the lower corner of the goal. Create two even lines of players. Line players up behind a start cone about 15 yards from the goal and place two cones out front about 5 yards from the goal. The coach has a pile of balls next to him between the two lines. The coach alternates rolling a ball out to the first player in each line, who scoops it up and the runs (cradling the ball) toward the goal. The player must shoot the ball at the goal and try and hit the bunny before passing the cone at 5 yards. Each team gets a point for hitting the bunny. C P P P P P P

20. Three Player, Two Ball(aka Hamster drill or Monkey in the Middle) Three players evenly spaced in a line about 10 yards apart. Player throws a pass to Player B in the middle. Player B returns pass and rotates to Player C. Player C with second ball throws pass to Player B. Player B throws a return pass. Player B rotates again to Player A and repeats drill. Switch players so all get a chance in the middle. C B A

21. Four Player Over the Shoulder, Two Ball Four players, two in the center, two in line about 15 yards apart. Player A throws a pass to Player B in the middle for an over the shoulder catch. Player B catches and throws to Player C. C then throws back to B for over the shoulder catch . Same second ball sequence with player D. Switch players so all get a chance in the middle. C D B A

22. Three Around One Two Balls Four players, three in a line facing player A. Player A throws a pass to one of the 3 players who does not have a ball (eg. Player B). Player D throws to Player A. Player A throws to Player C and then Player B throws back to Player A. Keep 2 balls moving. Players trade out places. Formation can change to a triangle. Use passes or ground balls. D B C A C D B A

23. Circle Passing Three players in a circle, players move clockwise. Ball is thrown back counterclockwise. Player A with ball backpeddles as he makes pass back to player C. Variation: Add face dodge. Ball and players both go clockwise. C B A

24. Triangle Passing Three lines of players form a triangle. Player A1 throws to Player B1 who is moving toward Player C1. Player B1 catches and throws to Player C1 who is moving toward Player A2. C1 throws to Player A2 who is moving toward Player B2. Player who throws ball goes to end of line they are running toward. Reverse direction to change hands. C C2 C1 B1 B2 B A1 A2 A

25. 4 in the Box Passing4 defenseman in the corners of the box.. Pass around the box clockwise and counterclockwise with overhand passes. Variation is to criss-cross passes. See pattern in diagram. D1 D3 D4 D2

26. 4 Corner “V” cut passing4 lines in the corners of the box.. Pass around the box clockwise and counterclockwise with overhand passes. Player receiving pass must cut to cone and then back to receive pass. Players must time cut as ball arrives to to player who will throw the pass. M M M M M M M A D A D D A A

27. Lynchburg Give and Go Drill4 lines. Midfield, corner of boxes and near GLE. Player A1 throws to M1 at corner of box. M1 returns pass to A1 who is cutting to line in front of him. A1 throws to M2 and goes to end of line. M2 then throws to M1 who is cutting to line in front of him. He catches and throws to M3. M3 throws to M2 who is cutting. M M2 A D M3 M1 M1 M M A1 D4 D A

28. Big Diamond Two lines facing each other 30 yards apart. 2 Players on wing (B, D). Drill stars with Player A throwing a pass to Player B. Player A runs toward Player C line and receives a pass back from Player B. Player A catches pass and throws to Player C. Player C continues drill back by throwing ball to Player D. Player A goes to end of Player C line. Reverse direction to work both hands. C A B D A

29. Star 5 lines of players forming a star facing center. Drill begins with Player A skipping the line to his right and throwing a pass to Player B. Player B moves toward center of star, catches pass and throws pass to Player C. Player C throws to Player D. Player D throws to E. Player E throws to Player F to start another round of the drill. Players go to end of the line they threw to. A E B B C D A F

30. Coach throws to goalie. Goalie throws outlet to either player in line breaking forward. Players play catch back and forth while moving down field. Once all players get to other end, proceed back. Full Field 2 Man Passing D D M M A G A M M D D C C G

31. Defense Points • From top, take ballcarrier to outside and down the “alley”. • Dodge from point (center top of field) take ballcarrier down weak hand side • Always roll attackman back inside. Do not allow “topside” dodge • “One” and “Two” slide calls • Slide early – not late

32. Drop Step-Back Peddle Drill Defenseman approaches Coach and gets into ready defensive position-bent forward at hips, knees bent, stick out front. Coach with stick approaches defenseman. Defenseman drop steps and back peddles for 5 yards as coach continues toward him. D3 D2 D1 D1 C

33. Defense Cut Angle Drill Defenseman approaches Coach and gets into ready defensive position-bent forward at hips, knees bent, stick out front. Coach with stick approaches defenseman. Defenseman drop steps moves laterally to cone. Then moves laterally through crease to cut off attackman (cone at GLE). D1 D3 D2 C

34. Center Field Defense Drill Midfielder M3 with ball. Midfielder M1 takes center of field away. M3 drives down side , M1 plays off shoulder. M2 is “one” slide and takes M3 front. D1 is “two” slide and picks up crease. M3 M1 M1 M3 M2 M4 D1

35. Top Side Defense Drill Attack A3 with ball. Defender D1 takes top side of field away. A3 rolls inside . M2 is “one” slide and takes A3 front. M1 is “two” slide and picks up M4 on crease. M5 M1 M2 M4 D1 A3 D1 A3

36. Shooting Points • Outside or on the run • High to low • Stick up high, hands away from body • Bounce or low corners target • Turn shoulders back and snap (roll over) wrists through • Off feed in close • Receive pass deep by giving on impact of ball to crosse mesh. Bring stick tight to helmet with slight lock cradle. Fire low or to open white areas of goal net if close. • One on One • Must change stick plane so goalie follows stick • Fake high, hitch low, shoot high • Hitch low, shoot high • Fake high, shoot low from high position (do not drop stick and then shoot low)

37. Double Cage Shooting Drills Set up 2 goals about 8 yards apart. Feeding player/coach to right or left of goal to shoot at. Players cut toward goal and receive a pass. Players must shoot over the top of the first goal with sticks high shooting to low corners. Drill can be done with and without goalies. Second option is to have players cut from side and shoot over top of goal. M3 M2 M1 G C

38. Double Cage Angle Shooting Drill Set up 2 goals with one inside the other at an angle. A1 Feeds M1 on a cut to goal. M1 shoots high to low shot to far corner. M2 then feeds A1 who cuts to top of cone then takes high to low shot to far corner. A2 then feeds M2 in cut to goal. Alternate feeds from attack and midfield as quickly as possible. Players can go back to same lines or switch. M M M M2 M1 A1 A A A2

39. Hitch, Split and Drive Shooting Drill2 lines of middies outside restraining line. Middie M1 throws to M2. M2 makes hitch move to inside, steps past cone, shoots. Alternate lines. M M M M M2 M1 M2 M2

40. Face Dodge Shooting Drill2 lines of players inside the restraining line. Feeder makes pass to M1 who meets ball, face dodges the cone (or a coach) and shoots high to low. Shooter goes to feeder line. Feeder to shooting line.Variation. Add low carry off face dodge M M M2 M1 G M A

41. Drive and Throw Back Shooting Drill2 lines of middies outside restraining line. Middie M1 throws pass to Middie M2. M1 cuts down to clear space. M2 makes hitch move to inside, exchanges stick to outside hand and drives down toward pipe for shot. At cones, M2 pulls out of dodge and throws back to M1 who pops back trailing. (M1 must pop back up from crease just as M2 passes the first cone at the restraining line.) M1 moves toward pass, catches and then exchanges to drive toward far post for a 12-15 yard shot. M M M M M1 M2 M1 M2 G

42. Drive, Throw Back and Pop DrillTwo lines of middies outside restraining line. One middie on crease. Middie M1 throws pass to Middie M2. M1 cuts down to clear space. M2 makes hitch move to inside, exchanges stick to outside hand and drives down toward pipe for shot. At cones, M2 pulls out of dodge and throws back to M3 who fills back trailing. M3 makes move to draw defense and passes to M1 who pops off crease for shot. Players rotate counterclockwise through lines with M2 going to crease. M M M M1 M2 M3 M1 M1 M2 M3 G

43. 2-2-2 Middie Rotations DrillSet1: Middies form triangle. Coach throws ball to M2. M2 throws to M1. M2 cuts under to crease. M3 starts to fill M1 position as M1 dodges. M1 sweeps and shoots. After shot, M1 goes to top position. Drill starts again with coach throwing to M1. Set 2: Coach throws to M2. M2 throws to M1. M1 throws back to M2. M2 alley dodges to cage and shoots. M1 fills M2’s place. M3 fill M1 position.Set 3: Coach throws to M2. M2 throws to M1. M1 throws back to M2. M2 alley dodges but rolls back to throw to M1. M1 then throws to M3 who has popped out for a shot. M1 M2 M1 M3 C

44. Give and go Shooting Drill2 lines of middies & attack outside restraining line. 2 Goals about 40 yards apart. Lines run simultaneously. First player in each line passes to coach. Player breaks toward goal. Coach returns pass. Player shoots on the run across body to low far corner. Drill can be run for both right and left hand shots. M A1 M2 M3 C C M2 M3 M M4 M1

45. Jump Cut Shooting Drill2 lines of middies & attack. One outside restraining line. The other at GLE to right or left of cage. Coach rolls ball out toward sideline for first player in line(M1). Player scoops and brings the ball into the box. Coach comes out to guard M1. M1 passes to A1. Coach turns to see where pass went. M1 cuts (jump cut) to goal. A1 feeds M1 for a shot. Players switch lines. Drill should be done from both sides of the goal. Players cut to cage with outside hand, then change to Snivelys (catch backhanded or over the shoulder) M A M1 C G A1 M A

46. 4 Cone Shooting Drill2 lines of middies & attack. Player M1 throws a pass to first player in other line , M2, who moves to pass to catch on the run. M2 runs toward cone A (diagonal). When M2 is inside 4 cone area, he turns hips and shoots on cage. Alternate lines. Cones are 2-3 yards wide, 1-2 yards deep. M A A M M M2 M1 M2 A

47. V-Cut and Wall Pass Shooting Drill2 lines of middies & attack. One outside restraining line. The other behind GLE to right or left of cage. Coach rolls ball out toward sideline for first player in line(M1). Player scoops and brings the ball into the box. Coach comes out to guard M1. A1 makes a “V” cut to get open (use cone as guide) M1 passes to A1. A1 moves out with ball and returns pass to M1. A1 cuts to goal. M1 feeds A1 for a shot. Players switch lines. Drill should be done from both sides of the goal. Players cut to cage with outside hand, then change to Snivelys (catch backhanded or over the shoulder) M A M1 M1 C A1 G A1 A1 M A

48. Sneaks Drill2 lines of attack behind the goal. Coach signals player (A1) in one of lines to cut around front. Coach throws pass to A1 who is one on one with goalie. A1 must catch and show a change of stick plane fake and then shoot. Coach alternates line passes. Attackmen change lines.For pressure, add a defender to slide. Practice face, question mark or roll dodge to evade slider. C G A A1 A A A A

49. Crease Shooting Drill1 line of attack behind the goal. A2 sets pick for A3 as A1 drives to GLE. A3 cuts off pick for feed and shot to low far corner. A3 rolls off pick. Coach throws pass for A2 to shoot. A1 moves up to A2 position, A2 moves to A3 and A3 goes back to line behind. Use both sides of cage for drive from behind. Option: Add 2 defenders covering crease. One defender slides to feeder. Other defender tries to cover both. Feeder must make quick decision. A3 A2 A3 G C A1 A4 A5

50. Ground Ball Points • “First to Ball” • Measure players getting to ball first • Man, Ball, Release calls • Getting low and driving through • Pull stick up immediately and power out of trouble • Curl out (fish hook) and look for help • Practice from Face-offs, inside the box, in front of the goal, in the corners. • Swarm- no more than 2 on the ball. Everyone else swarm around pile.