Library
Latest coaching articles and tactical notes.
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In men’s lacrosse, tripping occurs when a player uses their stick or body to intentionally or unintentionally make an opponent fall. The resulting penalty can range from 1 to 3 minutes, depending on the severity of the infraction.
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In this lacrosse man-up setup, a 4-man rotating diamond at the top works in unison to create movement, while two players remain low at goal line extended (GLE), ready to capitalize on defensive breakdowns. This formation forces the defense to make quick decisions, creating mismatches and opportunities for high-percentage scoring.
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Cradling in women’s lacrosse is one of the most essential skills for maintaining ball control and setting up offensive plays. It involves a smooth, rhythmic motion combining wrist and arm movement to keep the ball secure in your stick. With proper hand placement, a relaxed grip, and the ability to cradle at different levels, players can protect the ball from defensive checks while on the move. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your technique, mastering the cradle is key to advancing your game and keeping possession during crucial moments.
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The pick and roll is a fundamental offensive strategy in men’s lacrosse, designed to create space and mismatches by forcing defenders to adjust quickly. In this play, one offensive player sets a pick for the ball handler, who uses it to dodge around their defender. After the screen, the picker rolls toward the goal, creating a scoring or passing opportunity. This tactic is highly effective when executed with proper timing, positioning, and communication between teammates.
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The pick and roll is a highly effective offensive strategy in women’s lacrosse, designed to create mismatches and scoring opportunities. It involves one player setting a screen for the ball carrier, forcing the defender to navigate around the pick, creating space for the ball carrier to either shoot or pass. Once the screen is set, the picker “rolls” towards the goal, providing an additional passing or scoring option. This strategy leverages the defense’s reaction to generate openings, making it a valuable tactic in breaking down defensive setups.
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The Big Little offense in lacrosse, a powerful strategy that creates mismatches by moving a short-stick defender behind the goal, forcing them into unfamiliar defensive positions. It provides a detailed guide on angles, positioning, and various pick techniques to maximize the offense’s effectiveness and disrupt defensive systems.
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Curious how elite lacrosse teams exploit defensive weaknesses with a simple, yet highly effective strategy? Learn why the invert puts defenders in unfamiliar and uncomfortable positions behind the goal, creating scoring opportunities. Discover how this tactic stretches the defense and opens up lanes for attackers, especially at the high school level!
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The 8-meter restricted area is one of the most crucial zones in women’s lacrosse. It protects the critical scoring area and ensures that defenders do not illegally obstruct attackers. Understanding how this zone functions is key to grasping the dynamics of both offense and defense in the game.
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The 10-second rule to cross the midfield line in women’s lacrosse ensures that the game stays fast-paced and dynamic. This rule requires teams to move the ball forward quickly and have an efficient strategy to avoid losing possession.
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The shot clock rule in women’s lacrosse is essential for maintaining a fast-paced and fluid game. Similar to other sports, this rule forces teams to make quick and decisive attacks, preventing them from holding the ball without attempting to score.
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The Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA) and Women’s Collegiate Lacrosse Associates (WCLA) govern men’s and women’s collegiate club lacrosse in the U.S. and Canada. Founded in 1997, both organizations provide structured competition for schools without NCAA programs, fostering the sport’s growth in underrepresented regions.
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The Rusty Gate Check is a flashy, high-risk defensive maneuver in men’s lacrosse where a defender swings their stick around their back to dislodge the ball from an opponent. While impressive, it requires precision and timing to avoid penalties and maintain defensive positioning.
