Cutting off ball
Off-ball cutting is one of the most effective and essential offensive strategies in men’s lacrosse. It’s a tool not just for getting shots on goal but also for maintaining offensive flow and keeping defenders engaged. For new coaches, mastering the principles of off-ball cutting will significantly improve your team’s offensive prowess. Below is an in-depth explanation of off-ball cutting, including key coaching points, techniques, and examples from some of the best in the sport.
Key Points to Understand and Coach Cutting in Men’s Lacrosse
• Importance of Off-Ball Movement:
• Players without the ball are just as critical as the ball carrier in lacrosse. By cutting off-ball, players can create space, confuse defenders, and open up scoring chances for themselves or their teammates. Defenders often ball-watch, so cutting capitalizes on their moments of inattention.
• Maintaining Offensive Flow:
• As Kevin Finneran from IMG Lacrosse Academy points out, cutting isn’t just about getting open for a shot; it’s about keeping the defense moving and maintaining the flow of the offense. Players should constantly be cutting, even if they don’t get the ball, to disrupt defensive schemes .
• Reading the Defense:
• One of the most important aspects of cutting is recognizing when a defender turns their head to watch the ball carrier. This opens up the opportunity for the offensive player to cut into open space. As in the example of Bennett Drake’s cut, as soon as the defender turns their head, Drake cuts into the lane, receives the pass, and finishes with a goal.
• Cut and Re-Cut:
• Finneran emphasizes that players should never settle after one cut. If they don’t receive the ball initially, they should re-cut. This continuous movement keeps defenders from getting comfortable and increases the likelihood of getting open .
• Setting up the Cut:
• Deception is key. Players should use shoulder fakes, jab steps, or change their direction quickly to throw off defenders. This type of movement is critical for setting up an effective cut. For example, a player might fake a move to the right before cutting hard to the left once the defender is overcommitted.
• Communication and Eye Contact:
• Off-ball cutters must maintain eye contact with the ball carrier to signal readiness to receive the pass. This ensures that the cut and the pass are perfectly timed, improving the chance of a successful play.
Types of Cuts in Men’s Lacrosse:
1. Front Door Cut:
• In a front door cut, the player moves in front of their defender to position themselves between the defender and the ball carrier. This cut relies on timing and body positioning to receive the pass and get off a quick shot.
2. Back Door Cut:
• This occurs when the offensive player cuts behind the defender, especially when the defender is overcommitted or ball-watching. It’s highly effective when executed at the right moment, as seen in backdoor cutting drills that involve deception and footwork to create space.
3. Diagonal Cut:
• Players move diagonally across the crease, maintaining stick protection and creating separation from defenders. Finneran teaches that on diagonal cuts, players should keep their stick in front of their face to protect from defenders and position themselves for a quick shot .
4. Curl Cut:
• The player moves away from the ball and then curls back toward the ball carrier, often using a defender or another player as a screen. This movement can force the defender to trail behind, leaving the offensive player open for a pass or shot.
Coaching Techniques for Effective Off-Ball Cutting:
• Watch the Defender’s Head:
• As former Denver Outlaw Shawn Delaney demonstrates, the key to a successful cut is reading the defender’s body language. The moment the defender turns their head to check the ball, the offensive player should explode into open space, catching the defender off guard .
• Dummy Dodges and Fake Cuts:
• Players can start with a dummy dodge, as Delaney shows, making a quick move to the right to pull the defender out of position. Once the defender overcommits, the player cuts hard in the opposite direction to receive the pass for an easy shot .
• Small-Sided Drills:
• Practice cutting in 3v3 or 4v4 settings, which allow players to focus on timing and positioning. These drills simulate real game situations, helping players understand when to cut and how to position themselves to receive the ball.
• Cradle and Finish:
• After receiving a pass from a cut, players should not rush into a quick-stick shot. Instead, as Finneran recommends, they should cradle the ball for a brief moment, assess the goalie’s position, and aim for the back third of the cage for higher accuracy .
Final Tips for New Coaches in Men’s Lacrosse:
• Encourage Continuous Movement:
• Teach players that even when they don’t have the ball, they must stay active. Continuous cutting helps disrupt defensive formations and opens up new opportunities for passes and shots.
• Use Deception:
• Emphasize the importance of fakes, shoulder dips, and head movement to make cuts less predictable. Unpredictable movement will give players an edge over defenders.
• Effective Communication:
• Communication between the ball carrier and the cutter is critical. Teach your players to make eye contact and read each other’s body language to time cuts and passes perfectly.
Mastering off-ball cutting in men’s lacrosse will make your players more dynamic on the field. Whether using front door, back door, or diagonal cuts, the key is in the details—timing, communication, and deception. By incorporating these techniques, you can elevate your team’s offense and keep defenders constantly guessing.
