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How to Defend in Lacrosse: Footwork, Positioning, and Using the Crease
Men's Lacrosse Skills and Technique Member-only breakdown

How to Defend in Lacrosse: Footwork, Positioning, and Using the Crease

This lacrosse defensive drill shows how to deny a player's strong hand, use the crease as help, and control the dodger without overcommitting.

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Start with a Wide Stance: The defender should begin in an athletic stance — wide base, knees bent, and stick held out in front.

Engage First: Teach players to engage the dodger first — don’t wait to get hit. A proactive approach prevents being caught off balance.

Split the Attacker in Half: Imagine a line splitting the attacker vertically. Play to one side to take away their strong hand.

Shade to the Strong Side: If the attacker is left-handed, position yourself slightly toward their left to force them right, and vice versa.

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