The Zebra Pressure Zone is a men’s lacrosse defensive system that starts in a 2-2-2 formation before matching up. The defense should always rotate into the ball while communicating the formation, the number behind, and the number in the crease.

Defensive Rules

The defense applies pressure to cutters and the crease while playing the hands. Cutters are followed to the crease and passed off when necessary.

The top middie helps diagonally on the crease, while the backside GLE defender helps on the crease. The backer plays the ball side against an “one in” situation.

One Behind

When there is one player behind, D1 strings to the ball.

Two Behind

When there are two players behind, the right or left defender plays the second pass behind. That defender must make a back call to the top middie to communicate which direction he is going.

The top middie then comes down to fill the vacated space.

When the ball starts with two behind, D1 starts on the ball.

Right and Left Defender Rules

The right and left defenders are responsible for:

  • Playing the wing

  • Playing the second pass behind

  • Pinching the crease on the backside

Top Middie Rules

The top middies adjust based on the formation.

  • Two up top: Match up.

  • One up top / one middie: One plays point while the other pinches to cover.

  • Three up top: Match the ball side and have one right or left defender cover the third attacker.

Defending Cutters

Against cutters, defenders should bump up or come from behind from the crease. Follow cutters to the crease and pass them off when necessary.

The key communication is “HUGO”: he goes, you go.

The defense should continue rotating into the ball, communicating the numbers, pressuring cutters and the crease, and keeping the defensive structure connected.