Break Out After Shot
Learn how to organize your team after a shot, create passing options, and transition from the defensive end into a clear in men’s lacrosse.
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Men's Lacrosse Defense content filed under Clears.
Learn how to organize your team after a shot, create passing options, and transition from the defensive end into a clear in men’s lacrosse.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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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.
Learn the fundamentals of lacrosse clears, including spacing, communication, goalie involvement, passing lanes, clearing drills, and coaching cues for developing players.
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Use the long pole strategically while riding by staying deepest and central, protecting against the fast break, and moving ball side as the clearing team advances.