Teaching Defenders to Control Without Fouling
How to Run the Defocus Crashing Drill
Setup the Drill
Place one attacker inside the 8-meter with a defender marking her.
Another defender starts at the crease, ready to crash.
A coach or teammate makes the entry pass into the 8-meter to begin.
On-Ball Defender’s Role
Force the attacker toward the crashing defender.
Stay low, balanced, and guide the attacker into the help defense.
Crashing Defender’s Role
As the ball is in the air, crash up from the crease.
Sit low with bent knees, arms extended, and establish position early.
Form a “V” shape with the on-ball defender to create a natural double-team.
Key Coaching Points
The double must be initiated by the attacker running into the defender, not by reaching or checking.
Avoid stick checks unless it is a clear and safe opportunity.
Goal: funnel the attacker out of the 8-meter and reset the defense.
Tips for Success
Emphasize body positioning over checking.
Keep communication clear between the on-ball and crashing defenders.
Reinforce patience: defense wins by control, not by fouling.
The Defocus Crashing Drill is a powerful teaching tool for zone defenses in lacrosse. One of the most common challenges defenders face inside the 8-meter arc is avoiding fouls. In tight spaces, defenders often resort to stick checks or overreaching, which leads to whistles and dangerous free-position shots for the offense. This drill directly addresses that issue by focusing on body positioning, timing, and controlled team defense.
At the core of the drill is the idea of crashing without contact. Instead of extending arms or swinging sticks at attackers, defenders learn to arrive early, sit low, and establish a strong defensive wall. By keeping arms extended but stable, defenders take away lanes and present a clear physical presence without fouling. This skill is essential in zone defenses, where team help and communication are more important than one-on-one pressure.
The crash itself begins when the ball is passed into the 8-meter. The on-ball defender’s job is to angle the attacker toward the crease defender, who is ready to step up and help. This creates a controlled double-team, but one that develops naturally because the attacker runs into the help defender rather than being hit by her. The distinction is important—when the attacker initiates the contact, officials are far less likely to call a foul.
The crashing defender’s technique is critical. Bending the knees, sitting low, and extending the arms all contribute to a strong defensive stance. Rather than reacting late, the defender moves early, taking away options and creating a funnel effect. The goal is not to strip the ball but to limit space and force the attacker to retreat or pass out of the 8-meter. This resets the defense, preventing high-risk shots and regaining control of the possession.
Another key benefit of the Defocus Crashing Drill is that it reduces reliance on stick checks. In high-pressure moments, defenders often try to check from behind or swing their sticks across, which almost always results in fouls. By training defenders to hold position and only check when absolutely obvious, this drill builds discipline. The team learns that stopping the attacker’s momentum is often more valuable than risking a turnover through a foul.
From a coaching perspective, this drill is also excellent for teaching communication and trust. The on-ball defender must know where her help is coming from, and the crashing defender must time her move with confidence. When run consistently, players begin to anticipate each other’s actions, making the zone defense stronger and more connected.
In game situations, the principles of this drill can change the outcome of tight matches. Eliminating fouls inside the 8-meter directly prevents opponents from scoring easy goals. More importantly, it instills a culture of discipline, patience, and smart defense. Teams that master this technique force their opponents into low-percentage plays, creating turnovers and transition opportunities.
Ultimately, the Defocus Crashing Drill is about teaching defenders that great defense is not about physical contact but about positioning, anticipation, and teamwork. By practicing this concept, coaches help their players develop habits that lead to fewer fouls, stronger zone defense, and a more effective unit overall.