The Three Non-Negotiable Rules for Effective Stick Checks in Defense
Learning how to throw stick checks the right way is essential for new defenders.
This guide explains the three non-negotiable rules every defense player must follow:
1) Keep your position.
2) Use your arms before the stick.
3) Rely on quantity, not power.
Clearing Mistakes Youth Lacrosse Teams Make, and How to Fix Them
Common mistakes youth lacrosse players make during clearing, such as rushing passes, poor spacing, and lack of communication, which often lead to turnovers. By addressing these errors with structured strategies and proper coaching, teams can improve their clearing game and minimize costly mistakes.
Backer Zone Defense
The backer zone is a great way to let your long sticks pressure the ball while always having the support of a floating defender behind them.
Gilman The Ball With a Purpose
What are you hoping for when you launch the ball down the field? It is not the ideal way to clear the ball, but we all have to play to our strength on the lacrosse field. Therefore if for whatever reason you need to chuck it down the field, have a plan.
Circle Box Team Defense Concept
I had a very athletic defense with a very low lax IQ. They understood how to get after the ball carrier, press and stay on their bottom hand. But they did not understand off-ball team defensive concepts. Thus I created a few Defensive concepts they could follow regardless if we were in a zone, man to man or even man down.
How to Teach the Ice Pick Check in Lacrosse: A Step-by-Step Guide
The ice pick check is a high-risk but powerful defensive move in lacrosse. It requires timing, precision, and awareness of the opponent’s momentum. This guide breaks down the technique into clear, coach-friendly steps. It also explains the key points to teach young players how to throw it effectively while minimizing mistakes.
How to Use the Kayak Check in Lacrosse Defense (Step-by-Step Guide)
The front kayak check is a powerful lacrosse defensive move that combines body positioning, timing, and stick control to disrupt attackers. Learn the step-by-step mechanics and when to use it effectively.
Mastering the Back Slap and Back Check in Lacrosse Defense
The back slap and back check are powerful defensive techniques that help defenders disrupt an attacker’s dodge and regain possession. By timing your movement and striking with precision, you can knock the ball free while keeping your footwork fast and balanced.
How to Teach the Rusty Gate Check in Lacrosse Defense
The Rusty Gate Check is one of the most exciting defensive moves in lacrosse. It can look flashy, but when taught correctly, it’s a valuable tool for defensemen. This article breaks down two ways to throw the Rusty Gate Check, from the safer method to the riskier version, with clear instructions and coaching points.
How to Throw the Over-the-Head Check in Lacrosse
The over-the-head check is a powerful defensive move when used at the right time. By combining timing, hand speed, and precise stick placement, defenders can disrupt an attacker’s cradle and knock the ball free. This guide explains two variations and key points for coaches to teach.
Triangle Zone Defense
The triangle zone defense is a unique way to use a 6 man zone where two separate triangles are function together in order to press the ball carrier and cover any seems in the zone. If you like being creative with your defense maybe you can give this a try.
Triangle Zone with a Top String
Feeling creative? This can be an interesting wrinkle to try in your defense that is not commonly used but easy to teach.
Master Zone Defense with the "Coach in the Middle" Lacrosse Drill
This drill places the coach in the crease to evaluate whether defenders are correctly rotating and covering the most dangerous area in a 5v6 zone setup.
Rotating Triangle clear
The rotating triangle clear ensures constant passing options, natural spacing, and adaptability against high-pressure rides by keeping players in motion and creating multiple exit strategies. This movement forces defenders to chase, prevents turnovers, and allows for a smooth transition into offense without relying on risky long passes or individual dodging.
Opposite Box Push Clear
The "Opposite Box Push Clear" maximizes spacing, transitions, and clearing efficiency by leveraging strategic positioning, substitutions, and mismatches against aggressive rides. It’s ideal for teams with skilled LSMs and disciplined communication.
First and Second Slide Strategies Without a Crease Player
In men’s lacrosse, when there’s no offensive player in the crease, the first slide in a man-to-man defense should come from the adjacent defender to the on-ball defender, providing immediate support. The second slide follows from the next adjacent defender or the recovering defender, ensuring all offensive players remain covered. Strong communication, quick recognition, and coordinated movements are key to executing these slides effectively.
Pros and Cons of Shutting Off One Player when Man-Down
Shutting off the opponent’s best offensive player during man-down situations is a risky strategy that can neutralize a key threat and disrupt their game plan. However, it increases pressure on the remaining defenders and can be exploited by a well-prepared offense. Coaches should carefully weigh these pros and cons, considering their defensive capabilities and the opponent’s tendencies before implementing this tactic.
3-3 Zonde Defense
The 3-3 zone in men’s lacrosse is a fundamental defensive strategy that positions three players across the top and three across the bottom of the field. Each defender in men’s lacrosse is responsible for their zone while also supporting their adjacent teammates. This setup simplifies slide packages, making it easier for men’s lacrosse players to understand and execute. While effective, the 3-3 zone in men’s lacrosse can be vulnerable to offensive overloads, requiring quick defensive rotations. Key principles like staying topside help defenders control shooting angles and protect the goal more effectively in men’s lacrosse.
4 man rotation / Box and 1
The Box and One Man-Down Defense employs four rotating defenders in a box formation to eliminate soft spots, with a short-stick defender guarding the crease and acting as the first clear outlet. While this strategy tightens coverage, it is vulnerable to skip passes that bypass the rotation. Success depends on disciplined rotations and strong communication.
Five-Man Rotation: Man-Down Defense in Men’s Lacrosse
The five-man rotation is a man-down lacrosse defense that uses continuous rotation to cover all offensive players. It adapts to different formations, relying on quick recovery and strong communication to maintain defensive pressure.