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Latest coaching articles and tactical notes.

Teaching Defenders to Control Without Fouling
Women's Lacrosse Defense

Teaching Defenders to Control Without Fouling

By Joe Juter

The Defocus Crashing Drill trains defenders to help inside the 8-meter arc without committing fouls. By keeping arms extended, sitting low, and timing the crash, defenders learn to double-team smartly and funnel attackers out. This drill builds discipline and reinforces safe, effective zone defense.

How to Approach an Attacker in Lacrosse
Women's Lacrosse Defense members

How to Approach an Attacker in Lacrosse

By Joe Juter

Approaching an attacker the right way sets the tone for great defense. By coming in at an angle, breaking down early, and using controlled body positioning, defenders can force attackers wide and protect the cage. These steps make defensive play more effective and reliable.

Dodging Basics: Staying Square and Beating Your Defender
Women's Lacrosse Skills and Techniques

Dodging Basics: Staying Square and Beating Your Defender

By Joe Juter

Dodging is one of the most important skills in lacrosse. To beat a defender, players must stay square, shift them off their line, and seal their path to the cage. This guide breaks down the fundamentals of staying balanced and explosive when dodging.

Mirrors in Motion: A Fun and Simple Warm-Up Drill
Men's Lacrosse Practice Drills members

Mirrors in Motion: A Fun and Simple Warm-Up Drill

By Joe Juter

The Mirrors in Motion drill is a warm-up designed to get players moving, thinking, and connecting with teammates. In pairs, one leads with creative movements while the other mirrors them like a reflection. After short intervals, they switch roles and partners. This quick and fun drill improves focus, agility, and teamwork right from the start of practice.

The Mirror Drill: Building Vision, Footwork, and Communication
Men's Lacrosse Practice Drills members

The Mirror Drill: Building Vision, Footwork, and Communication

By Joe Juter

The Mirror Drill is a simple yet powerful exercise that helps players improve their off-ball movement and communication. One player makes a hard split to the island (5x5), while the partner mirrors by cutting opposite and staying connected to the play. This drill develops timing, vision, and realistic game-like offensive movements.

The Ice Pick Check in Lacrosse: A Step-by-Step Guide
Men's Lacrosse Skills and Technique members

The Ice Pick Check in Lacrosse: A Step-by-Step Guide

By Joe Juter

The ice pick check is a high-risk but powerful defensive move in lacrosse. It requires timing, precision, and awareness of the opponent’s momentum. This guide breaks down the technique into clear, coach-friendly steps. It also explains the key points to teach young players how to throw it effectively while minimizing mistakes.

The Kayak Check
Men's Lacrosse Skills and Technique members

The Kayak Check

By Joe Juter

The front kayak check is a powerful lacrosse defensive move that combines body positioning, timing, and stick control to disrupt attackers. Learn the step-by-step mechanics and when to use it effectively.

Mastering the Back Slap and Back Check in Lacrosse Defense
Men's Lacrosse Skills and Technique members

Mastering the Back Slap and Back Check in Lacrosse Defense

By Joe Juter

The back slap and back check are powerful defensive techniques that help defenders disrupt an attacker’s dodge and regain possession. By timing your movement and striking with precision, you can knock the ball free while keeping your footwork fast and balanced.

How to Teach the Rusty Gate Check in Lacrosse Defense
Men's Lacrosse Skills and Technique members

How to Teach the Rusty Gate Check in Lacrosse Defense

By Joe Juter

The Rusty Gate Check is one of the most exciting defensive moves in lacrosse. It can look flashy, but when taught correctly, it’s a valuable tool for defensemen. This article breaks down two ways to throw the Rusty Gate Check, from the safer method to the riskier version, with clear instructions and coaching points.

How to Throw the Over-the-Head Check in Lacrosse
Men's Lacrosse Skills and Technique members

How to Throw the Over-the-Head Check in Lacrosse

By Joe Juter

The over-the-head check is a powerful defensive move when used at the right time. By combining timing, hand speed, and precise stick placement, defenders can disrupt an attacker’s cradle and knock the ball free. This guide explains two variations and key points for coaches to teach.

Triangle Zone Defense
Men's Lacrosse Defense

Triangle Zone Defense

By Joe Juter

The triangle zone defense is a unique way to use a 6 man zone where two separate triangles are function together in order to press the ball carrier and cover any seems in the zone. If you like being creative with your defense maybe you can give this a try.