Kick Back Behind GLE to a off ball Pick on the Crease
These very simple 2 or 3 man plays are easy to teach, they do not need the full coordination of the entire team and they work. This can work as an inbound play, a subtle call between the dodger and the men in the crease or if done enough can be a natural part of the offense. This is a great play for beginners as it is a very simple 3 man play.
2-3-1 Dodge Fill and Pick
If you teach the triangle motion offense out of a 2-3-1 set, (2middies up top) this could be a nice extra wrinkle that incorporates a pick.
Zone Breaker Double Cut with a Backside Curl Out of a Open Set
Beating a zone is all about getting the defense to move and then finding the open space to fill into for a shot. This play causes a lot of confusion for a few reasons
Zone Breaking Wing Seal and Rotate Through
This is a really great way to open up a shot on the wing. The concept is to seal the low defender so that the wing player can step into the soft part of the zone
Pyramid set
I use this concept as a way to possess the ball when we are up on the other team and time remaining in the game is under two minutes so we have to keep it in the box.
Double mumbo pop
The is a classic play out of a 1-4-1 set that has been used by lacrosse teams through the ages because regardless if a team knows it is coming, if it is executed well it is very difficult to stop.
Off Ball Pick the Picker - end line inbound play
An end line play that has been around for ages that can be run at all levels of lacrosse. This video will show it being run at differently levels succesfully.
Flat break
The flat break introduces a strategic departure from the conventional L formation, skillfully disrupting defenses accustomed to the standard approach. This tactical shift complicates matters for defensemen, particularly those used to stopping the ball and then rotating towards the expected first pass.
Force them towards the sideline or in the middle on the ride?
Discover the pros and cons of forcing the clearing player toward the middle versus the sideline in lacrosse defense. Learn which strategy could make your team more effective and why it’s crucial to have your riding unit work together seamlessly!
Dodge draw the slide move the ball one more
Dodge, draw the slide, move the ball, one more… simple as that.
Adjacent Triangle Rotation Man Up
It may look chaotic, but it is actually very simple. Two triangles rotate simultaneously and continuously towards the goal, from top to bottom and across from each other. This constant motion keeps the offense dynamic and the defense off balance, creating numerous opportunities for scoring.
Pyramid Dodge out of a 2-2-2 set
Dodging from a pyramid formation can work out of any set. I created this out of a 2-2-2 for now because I think that is the most smooth transition as I illustrate in the article. But if you have a talented player you want to dodge with the ball while dictating who is sliding and where they are sliding from this is for you.
1-3-2 Double Go Overload
The 1-3-2 Double Go Overload uses ball movement and misdirection, and finishes with two simultaneous cuts to overload the crease.
Man up Wheel
The basic premise is to pull a defender out of their zone, making the rotation awkward. It is shocking how many looks open up just from all the players on the permitter moving in sync.
2 3 1 set Drive from X Fill from the crease Clear out the wing
This is a basic way to teach the offense how to clear space for the dodger while keeping the field balanced. This is a great way to teach young players who are starting out.
3-3 to a 1-4-1 man up set change
In the video in the article we show how Cornell effectively uses changing the set from a 3-3 into a 1-4-1 to get a quick goal. Sometimes giving a different look is all you need to throw the defense off.
Wing dodge out of an umbrella formation
This is a great variation out of a 1-4-1 set that really makes use of your wing players. There are also so many looks that can be created by players who play with their head up and are looking for the open man.
Rotating Diamond to beat a 3-3 zone defense
Included in this post is a video demonstrating how one of the best college teams in the country broke down a 3-3 zone using a rotating diamond concept. If you are having difficulty agains a 3-3 zone you must check out this article.
Scouting Defenses
A program should have a standard format for scouting a defense. This will allow for a variety of scouts to observe opponents, and relay the information in a digestible and consistent manner for coaching staff and players.
Top Right Slip Pick
This is a very simple technique that could be taught to your players. Especially if they come from a Basketball or Box Lacrosse Background. You could have call for this but the end goal would be for them to recognize when to do this on their own during live play.