The traditional 3v2 is already a valuable lacrosse drill. It develops fundamental skills including sliding, recovery, passing, shooting, spacing, and communication.

But this variation changes the starting point and turns the drill into a fast-paced, game-like scramble.

The concept came from Coach Mike Murphy of Penn, who shared the variation during an interview. After trying it, the players enjoyed the change while still working on the fundamentals of 3v2 play.

Set Up the Drill

For this version, place the cages on the restraining lines with the cages facing the end lines, away from the center of the field.

Set up:

  • Three offensive players near each end line.

  • Defensive players at the midfield line, positioned off the field along the sideline.

  • A goalie in each cage.

The drill is designed to run continuously up and down the field.

Start Behind the Cage

The three offensive players begin near the backside of the cage.

They then streak around the cage and attack the goal from the front.

At the same time, two defenders enter the field from the sideline and react to the developing 3v2.

The defenders must recognize the situation quickly and get organized on the other side of the cage. You can also allow one defender to cover from behind the cage.

This creates an interesting variation because the players are essentially beginning the 3v2 from behind the goal.

Play Quickly to a Shot

Once the three offensive players get into the attacking area, the 3v2 continues until the offense gets a shot.

The emphasis is on playing quickly.

Players need to:

  • Move the ball accurately.

  • Maintain good spacing.

  • Recognize defensive slides.

  • Recover after sliding.

  • Find passing lanes.

  • Attack available space.

  • Finish with a shot.

The defenders have to communicate and recognize who slides, who recovers, and how to protect the goal.

Keep It Moving

After the shot, the goalie throws the ball to one of the offensive players waiting in line.

That player immediately streaks down the field.

Two defenders enter from the sideline, and another 3v2 develops at the opposite end.

The drill continues up and down the field at a high pace.

This creates a true scramble-style 3v2 where players have to make decisions quickly rather than simply executing a predetermined pattern.

Why This Variation Works

The drill combines several important elements of lacrosse into one continuous sequence.

Players work on conditioning, field awareness, spacing, passing, shooting, defensive communication, sliding, and recovery.

Because the players begin behind the reversed cages, they also have to recognize the situation and adjust their positioning as the play develops.

It creates a situation that feels closer to the chaos of an actual game.

Defensive Options

You can run the drill with short sticks or poles in the defensive lines.

The original variation can also be expanded to a 3v3.

Instead of sending two defenders into the drill, send three defenders.

The 3v3 version remains fast-paced while requiring even more communication, defensive recognition, and awareness.

Coaching Points

Keep the drill moving and encourage players to make decisions quickly.

Focus on:

Quick, accurate passing.

Good offensive spacing.

Communication on defense.

Early slide recognition.

Fast recovery.

Playing to the shot.

The goal isn't simply to complete a 3v2. It's to make players recognize and react to the constantly changing situation around them.

Make 3v2 Different

The standard 3v2 is useful, but changing the setup can keep players engaged while still developing the same fundamental skills.

Starting behind the reversed cages creates a unique challenge and forces players to think, communicate, and react.

Run it continuously up and down the field, add poles, or progress to 3v3.

The result is a fast-paced drill that feels much more like the scramble players experience during a real game.