Throwing a Fake in Men's Lacrosse
How to Throw a Fake in Men's Lacrosse
Faking is an essential skill in men’s lacrosse, allowing players to deceive goalies and defenders, create scoring opportunities, and add unpredictability to their play. While it may seem like an advanced technique, mastering the fundamentals of fakes can elevate your game and improve your effectiveness on the field. Here's a comprehensive guide to throwing a fake in men’s lacrosse.
What is a Fake?
A fake in lacrosse is a deliberate movement designed to trick the goalie or defender into reacting in a way that creates an advantage for the offensive player. By using your stick, body, and head movements, you can convince the opponent that you’re shooting or passing in one direction while planning to execute a different play.
Key Elements of a Successful Fake
To throw an effective fake, you need to focus on the following:
Top Hand Control
Your top hand is the primary driver of a fake. A simple wrist movement can simulate a shot or pass.
Practice turning your top wrist inward to mimic the beginning of a shot, creating the illusion of commitment to a specific direction.
Shoulder and Head Movement
Add realism by incorporating your shoulders and head. For example, drop your shoulders and tilt your head as if you’re aiming for a particular spot on the net.
This added body language makes the fake more convincing.
Eyes on the Target
Direct your eyes toward the intended fake target. Goalies and defenders often react to eye movements, so looking high when you plan to shoot low (or vice versa) enhances the deception.
Quick and Purposeful Execution
Avoid exaggerated movements that take too long to reset. A well-executed fake should be quick and flow seamlessly into your next move.
Fakes should have a purpose—you’re either setting up a better shot or creating space for a teammate.
Types of Fakes in Lacrosse
Wrist Fake
This is the simplest fake and involves a slight turn of the wrist with your top hand.
Keep the movement subtle and quick to create a realistic shot or pass motion without committing.
Full Turn Fake
This involves fully turning your wrist, rotating the head of your stick to face upward while keeping control of the ball.
Adds more range and depth to the fake, making it harder for defenders to predict your next move.
Over-the-Top Fake
Focuses on activating the bottom hand while the top hand guides the motion.
Use this fake to simulate a high shot or pass by lifting the stick head over your shoulder.
Open Fake
This advanced fake exposes the head of the stick and the ball to the goalie or defender.
By presenting the ball openly before quickly changing direction, you can mislead opponents effectively. This technique is often used in indoor lacrosse.
Tips for Effective Fakes
Fake with Purpose
Always fake with a specific goal in mind. For example, fake high to get the goalie to bite and open up the bottom corners of the net.
Avoid throwing fakes to the same spot you’re targeting; instead, fake to one area and aim for the opposite.
Combine Fakes
Use multiple fakes in sequence, such as a high fake followed by a low fake, to keep defenders guessing.
Incorporate steps and body posture changes to add layers of deception.
Stay Balanced and Ready
Maintain proper foot positioning and balance during a fake to quickly transition into your actual shot or pass.
Avoid overcommitting to the fake, as this can leave you vulnerable to defensive pressure.
Practice Consistently
Repetition is key to mastering fakes. Practice in drills that simulate game scenarios, focusing on timing and execution.
Work on wrist strength and stick control to make your fakes smoother and more realistic.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overexaggerating Movements: Large, slow fakes give defenders and goalies time to recover.
Faking Without Purpose: Random fakes with no follow-up plan waste time and energy.
Telegraphing Your Moves: Repeatedly faking the same way or showing hesitation can tip off your intentions to the opponent.
Why Fakes Matter in Men’s Lacrosse
Fakes add a critical element of deception to your game, making it harder for goalies and defenders to predict your actions. They’re especially valuable in tight situations, such as when shooting inside the crease or breaking through double teams. By mastering a variety of fakes and knowing when to use them, you can increase your scoring opportunities and keep your opponents off balance.
Conclusion
Throwing a fake in men’s lacrosse is more than just a flashy skill; it’s a strategic tool that can help you outsmart defenders and goalies. By focusing on your wrist movements, body language, and execution speed, you can develop fakes that are both convincing and effective. Practice regularly, experiment with different types, and always fake with a purpose to take your game to the next level.
