Off-Ball Picks to Stress Defensive Slides

Off-Ball Picks to Stress Defensive Slides in Lacrosse

This offensive concept is designed to put maximum pressure on a defense by using simultaneous off-ball picks that force difficult slide decisions. It can be run as a set play or, ideally, integrated fluidly into your offensive motion if your players are skilled and experienced.

Initial Setup: 3-1-2 Formation

3 Up Top – Players 1, 2, and 3 are spaced across the top. They act as feeders, shooters, and dodging threats, but they're not initiating the play.

1 in the Crease – Player 4 is positioned in the high crease (also called the "island"). This player is ready to cut or receive a feed.

2 Behind – Players 5 and 6 are behind the cage or on the low wings. These are your quarterbacks, at least one should be a trusted playmaker.

The Sequence

• #5 Dodges from X

  • Player 5 gets the ball and carries it to X to initiate the offense. As this happens, Player 6 begins to move toward the crease.

• #6 Sets the Crease Pick**

  • While #5 starts the dodge, Player 6 sets a hard pick on the crease defender. This serves two key purposes: it delays the most likely slide and potentially frees up Player 4 for a cut to open space.

• #3 Picks for #2 at the Top**

  • Simultaneously, Player 3 sets a top-side pick for Player 2. Player 2 cuts off the pick toward the ball, creating separation and becoming a second option for a quick feed.

• Read the Defense and Attack

  • If the defense slides to stop #5, the picks open up cutters like #4 or #2.

  • If no slide comes, #5 attacks the cage.

  • If help comes late, a quick pass from #5 followed by one more to the weak side (#1) creates a high-percentage scoring chance.

This is the classic “Dodge → Pass → Pass → Shot” philosophy: draw the defense, move the ball, and hit the weak side before the defense recovers.

Why This Works

• Multiple Picks in Different Zones – The defense must handle a crease pick and a top-side pick at the same time, dividing their focus and delaying slides.

• Slide Disruption – The crease pick delays the most natural slide help, leaving the dodger with more time and space.

• Momentum Cuts into Prime Areas – Players 2 and 4 are cutting upfield into dangerous spots, often with inside leverage.

• Weak-Side Opportunity – After the defense shifts to support the dodge, a skip pass to the weak side often leaves Player 1 with space and time.

Coaching Tip

This doesn’t have to be a scripted play. Once players understand the concept and timing, this should emerge naturally in motion offense. Emphasize communication, off-ball movement, and spacing, this is team offense at its smartest.