The L clear is one of the basic formations used to bring the ball out of the defensive end.

It gets its name from the shape the defenders make with the goalie.

The main goal is simple:

Spread out, move the ball, and use the extra player to create space.

What Is an L Clear?

The L clear starts when the goalie has the ball.

The goalie calls "clear", and the defenders move into their positions.

The players form an upside-down L shape between the defenders and the goalie.

The exact movement can change from team to team, but the main idea stays the same: create space in the middle of the field.

Why Spread Out?

Spacing is one of the most important parts of the L clear.

When defenders spread out, they force the riding team to cover more space.

This creates passing lanes and gives the ball carrier more options.

If everyone stays close together, the riding team can easily pressure multiple players at once.

Spread out, and the defense makes the ride much harder.

Use Your Numbers

A clearing team often has a man advantage during the clear.

The riding team may have fewer players available in the defensive end because some players are farther downfield.

That means the clearing team should use the extra player instead of trying to run the ball through pressure.

The basic rule is:

Move the ball faster than you can move the ball carrier.

Passing allows the defense to move the ball around the ride quickly.

Move the Ball

When you have an extra player, don't hold the ball too long.

Pass the ball.

As the riding team reacts to one pass, another passing option can open up.

The goal is to make the riders move and force them to decide which player they are going to cover.

Eventually, a defender should become open.

Move Away From the Ball

Another important part of the L clear is knowing where to move when a teammate has the ball.

If a teammate or the ball carrier is moving toward you, move upfield and away from them.

This gives the ball carrier more room.

It can also cause your defender to leave you and move toward the ball.

Once your defender slides toward the ball carrier, you may become open for the next pass.

Force the Ride to Slide

The L clear is designed to make the riding team move.

When the ball is passed, the riders have to adjust.

If one rider leaves their player to pressure the ball, that player's original assignment may become open.

This is exactly what the clearing team wants.

Keep moving the ball and make the riding team choose between:

  • Staying with their player

  • Pressuring the ball

  • Giving up an open passing option

Don't Run Toward Your Teammate

One common mistake is moving toward the ball carrier.

This makes the field smaller and brings defenders closer together.

Instead, create space.

If the ball carrier is moving toward you, move away.

That gives them room to carry or pass the ball and can help create an open player.

Keep Moving

The L clear is not about standing in one spot and waiting for the ball.

Players should continue moving as the ball moves.

Pass.

Move.

Create space.

Find the next open player.

This constant movement makes it harder for the riding team to keep everyone covered.

Common Mistakes

Standing Too Close Together

When defenders bunch up, the riding team can cover multiple players at once.

Fix: Spread out and create passing lanes.

Holding the Ball Too Long

A defender waits for the perfect pass while the ride closes in.

Fix: Move the ball quickly when a safe pass is available.

Running Toward the Ball

Moving toward the ball carrier reduces the available space.

Fix: Move upfield and away from the ball.

Forgetting the Extra Player

The clearing team may try to force the ball through pressure instead of using its numbers.

Fix: Look for the open player and use the passing advantage.

Standing After You Pass

The pass doesn't end your job.

Fix: Keep moving and create another passing option.