Lacrosse is a team game, and while one player has possession at any given time, the success of an offensive set depends on the other five players moving intelligently off the ball. Too often, players stand still and watch the ball carrier work, but that’s a recipe for stagnation and easy defensive coverage. If you want to be a great offensive player, understanding what to do when you don’t have the ball is just as important as dodging and shooting. Here are the four key principles every off-ball player should focus on: Create, Cut, Pass, and Anticipate.
Creating opportunities without the ball means making yourself a factor in the offense, even when you aren’t the one dodging or passing. Here’s how you do it:
Occupy Your Defender – Standing still allows one defender to cover two offensive players. Instead, stay active with quick cuts, jab steps, and V-cuts to keep your defender engaged and unable to help elsewhere.