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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.

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Triangle Zone Defense
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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.

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Rotating Triangle clear
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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.

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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.

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Opposite Box Push Clear
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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.

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First and Second Slide Strategies Without a Crease Player
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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.​

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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.

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3-3 Zonde Defense
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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.​

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4 man rotation / Box and 1
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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.

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The L Clear in Men’s Lacrosse: Strategy, Execution, and When to Use It
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The L Clear in Men’s Lacrosse: Strategy, Execution, and When to Use It

The L Clear in men’s lacrosse is a fundamental strategy for transitioning the ball from defense to offense by utilizing an “L” shaped formation. It creates space, stretches the defense, and provides multiple passing options. Ideal for teams with skilled defensemen and when facing man-to-man rides, the L Clear is simple to execute but can become predictable and vulnerable against zone or trap rides

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