43 Apple Clear
The 43 Apple Clear is a simple clear that can be utilized in order to beat a 42 Lacrosse Ride. We will go over how to utilize this clear by making simple passes and eventually attack the opposing attackman that is covering a defender at the midfield line. The clear sets up the same each time with three options for how to run it based on how exactly the opposing team is utilizing this ride. A great way to first introduce this concept is with the Over-Dink-Dos (ODD) Passing- Clearing Drill which allows the defenders to get a lot of experience with the setup of the clear and some of the most important passes within it.
Early Steps (Images 1-3)
Set up four players across the midfield line with a long pole at the midfield line on the opposite side of the box and three midfielders across the midfield line. The remaining poles will flank the goalie on each side.
The ride we are facing features two players covering our back three with man to man coverage at the midifeld.
We start by throwing box side to D2, then have M3 step over to test if they will be followed by their defender. When they are covered by M3, the ball is then thrown over to D1. As the pass is in the air, M3 will step back onsides
This is where you have to decide how to clear based on what the defense gives you..
Dink (When No Follow by Attackman) (Images 4-6)
Once D1 receives the ball, D3 will step over the midfield line. A3 will not follow D3 leaving him open for an easy “dink” pass.
Although it seems like the riding team isn’t really trying here, they are actually just more concerned with preventing transition offense against them
Carry (When They Match Feet) (Images 7-9)
Once D1 receives the ball, D3 will step over the midfield line. A3 WILL follow D3, taking away the easy “dink” pass.
At this point if D1 feels they can beat A1 over the midfield line they should do that, if not they can throw back to the goalie.
Now we need D3 and M1 to clear out the way and M2 needs to get onsides.
A1 may follow (if M2 doesn’t get onsides they will be flagged) or may be too nervous to cross midfield as one of the lower attackmen in the ride.
Slants (When They Shift) (Images 10-11)
Once D1 receives the ball, D3 will step over the midfield line. A3 will not follow D3 but M1 will shift over taking away the easy “dink” pass.
M1 follows behind M1 so that he can be open on a slant pattern- the reason he doesn’t stay still is because M2 may be sliding over to him. M2 can also do a follow/slant but may be open if M2 shifts over because M3 cannot cover him without going offsides.
Written by David Swartz
