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Men's Lacrosse Defense

Defensive concepts, clears, slides, rides, and goalie-supported teaching notes.

4 Low Clear members

4 Low Clear

Learn the 4 Low Clear in men’s lacrosse, a clearing setup that uses four low players to provide passing options and help advance the ball upfield.

4 Across Clear members

4 Across Clear

Learn the 4 Across Clear in men’s lacrosse, a clearing formation that uses width and spacing to create passing options and help advance the ball upfield.

3-1-3 Clear members

3-1-3 Clear

Learn the 3-1-3 clear in men’s lacrosse, including the positioning of the goalie, defensemen, midfielders, and middle floater in this standard clearing formation.

Clearing: The Basic L Clear members

Clearing: The Basic L Clear

The basic L clear gives defenders space to move the ball up the field. By spreading out, using the extra player, and moving away from the ball, the clearing team can create open passing options and make it harder for the riding team to defend.

Clearing: Four Across members

Clearing: Four Across

The Four Across clear gives the defense four players behind the cage and three players near midfield. It creates easy passing options, gives players room to build momentum, and can be especially useful against aggressive rides.