Transition Lacrosse Basics
Lacrosse transition drills are designed to help you and your teammates move down the field in a quick and effective manner. 80% of the goals in a game are scored in transition. However, as a coach you have no control over this situation once the game begins. This is why transition is the most vital thing to practice.
Transition lacrosse is one of those things that are easier said than done. Everybody knows its value in the game and can tell you exactly what should be happening, however over and over again that knowledge does not always translate into games. Teams should explore as many transition drills in practice as possible and to mix up the transition drill providing different situations while utilizing the same skill set.
Offensive players in a transition situation should maintain proper spacing, draw a defenseman, then dump the ball unless they have a good shot. On defense It is vital to play as a unit even more so then the settled 6v6. Transition drills and practice reinforce these skills like nothing else.
Players starting out may not get into scoring position in time and therefore allow the defense time to recover. Second, they may get into a position to shoot but not get into an appropriate passing lane in order to receive a pass. If an offense can make sure they are in position to receive the ball and shoot when they have a shot, they will score many goals.
Learning transition defense comes with time and lots communication. This will give defensive players a feel for the game and will provide them with many of the skills necessary for playing six-on-six defense. If you can teach a player to properly handle an unsettled transition situation playing 6 on 6 will appear much easier to them.
OFFENSE
1 | Recognize when to shoot and when to pass
2 | Create passing lanes
3 | Be in a position to score
4 | Use the correct hand for the situation
5 | Maintain Space
Bad Offensive Habits: Poor shooting choices, Dodging a defender, Bad spacing, Using the wrong hand
DEFENSE
1 | Stop the ball
2 | Keep stick in passing lanes and rotate opposite the direction of the ball
3 | Take away the easy shot and make the offense work
4 | Don’t overextend, stay home and force a bad pass or an outside shot by rotating properly
5 | Buy time
6 | Don’t slide up field
7 | Deflect or intercept a pass by turning to the inside
Bad Defensive Habits: Over committing, Lunging, Sliding too fast or too slow, Not keeping your head on swivel, Turning away from the ball, giving up the easiest shot.
