Off-Ball Picks to Stress Defensive Slides
This offensive concept uses synchronized off-ball picks to create chaos for the defense and open up multiple scoring options. By initiating from X and layering picks at the crease and up top, it forces defenders into tough sliding decisions. Perfect for teams that want to move beyond basic dodges and into coordinated team offense.
Crease Overload Deception Man Up Play
This man-up lacrosse play starts in a 1-4-1 formation and transitions into a 4-2 to confuse the defense. After passing the ball to the player behind the goal (at ‘X’), the crease attackman moves below the Goal Line Extended (GLE), overloading one side of the field. This shift forces the defense into tough decisions, allowing wing attackmen to sneak into the soft spot on the crease for high-percentage scoring opportunities.
Rotating Motion Box offense with 2 men in the crease
The 1-4-1 Rotating Motion Box offensive scheme is great for dodgers as it creates space. It makes it very easy to bring the top two defenders into the crease which creates good matchups on the perimeter. Keep in mind that strong takeaway defenders HATE being trapped on the crease as they want to play the ball to be more proactive in creating a turnover. These aggressive and now pent up strong defensemen have a tendency to slide very early leaving the crease men open.
Defending the Pick and Roll
Defending the pick and roll is one of the most important skills in box lacrosse. Players need to recognize screens quickly and respond with one of three defensive options: staying, switching, or jumping the pick. With proper communication and timing, defenders can shut down scoring chances and regain control.
How to Teach the Pick and Roll with Finish in Lacrosse
The pick and roll is a core lacrosse concept that creates scoring chances near the crease. Players learn how to sneak up on defenders, set strong picks, roll tightly, and finish with placement over power. This article gives coaches a clear step-by-step breakdown to teach the drill effectively.
How to Use Your Eyes to Freeze the Slide in Lacrosse Offense
Using your eyes as an attacker can make the difference between losing the ball or creating a scoring opportunity. One of the most powerful techniques is learning how to “freeze the slide” with your vision, giving you more time and options on offense.
Sweep Dodge from a 3-3 Set: How to Create Space Without Crossing Paths
Starting from a balanced 3-3 set, this sweep dodge clears space by having players drift with the dodge — without crossing paths or clogging lanes. It gives your top dodger room to operate while naturally flowing into new formations.
Wing Dodge with High Pick + Off-Ball Clear and Pick
A simple pass from the top followed by a well-timed pick can turn a quiet possession into a high-pressure dodge across the middle. Add off-ball clearing and a backside pick at X, and you’ve got defenders scrambling to keep up.
Wing Dodge with Layered Off-Ball Picks
Off-ball movement isn't just for show — it's your best friend when you're setting up a dodge from the wing. While one player attacks, the others are setting screens and slipping into space, pulling defenders apart like taffy.
2 Up top 1 behind is 2-3-1 or 1-3-2 Set? Why Many Are Moving Beyond Formations Altogether
Ever heard one coach call it a 2-3-1 and another insist it's a 1-3-2? Here's why the naming debate exists—and why many modern lacrosse coaches are rethinking formations altogether in favor of more flexible, principle-based systems.
Wing Dodge Mayhem: How Layered Off-Ball Picks Create Chaos for Defenses
This offense starts with a wing dodge and on-ball pick, but the real damage comes from the synchronized off-ball movement. Two off-ball picks send cutters curling into space just as the defense is trying to slide, forcing hesitation and miscommunication. It’s a coordinated attack that overwhelms help defense before it even starts.
A Wing Triangle Offense Can Work Against Any Defense
If you want an offense that works against both zone and man-to-man, triangle movement is the answer. As the ball carrier moves upfield, simple rotations — one player cutting down, one popping out — create constant spacing, giving the ball carrier room to dodge or feed without clutter. The beauty of the triangle is how it pulls defenders toward the ball, opening up easy backside shots and cuts. Instead of teaching two different offenses, you give your players one clean system that simplifies their decisions and stresses any defense you face.
Mirror Corner Cut
This lacrosse offense strategy excels by creating confusion among defenders, forcing them to make split-second decisions as they juggle multiple responsibilities. The simultaneous actions of dodging, cutting, and setting picks dilute defensive focus and coordination, increasing the likelihood of offensive breakthroughs.
Dodge, Pass, Pick, Send it Behind and Cut
Starting with a top dodge and quickly passing the ball can disrupt defenses and create scoring chances. This covers the strategic use of synchronized cuts and picks to enhance your team's play.
Starting at X and Moving Above GLE
Starting a man-up offense with one player behind the goal (X) forces the defense to respect the feeding threat and maintain their initial setup. Once the play begins and everyone moves above GLE, it disrupts defensive rotations, creates better shooting angles, and increases the chances of an open look.
Side Diamond Wheel
A 4-man wheel on the side in man-up offense forces the defense to rotate, communicate, and cover multiple moving players, increasing the chances of a missed slide or an open shooter. The constant movement creates better passing angles, skip lanes, and shooting opportunities, making it harder for the defense to stay organized and react in time.
Half Triangle Rotation
Shifting offensive sets—moving from no men in the crease to two, then to one—can create confusion for a zone defense, but it often disrupts the offense as well. Using half rotations within the midfield and attack triangles simplifies movement, keeping the offense fluid while forcing the defense to adjust without unnecessary confusion.
Follow Curl Crease Pick
This inbound play forces the defense to react to multiple moving pieces, creating a high-percentage shot opportunity off a well-timed pick while maintaining spacing and ball movement. With built-in secondary options—like a backdoor cut, outside shot, or crease slip—it keeps defenders guessing and maximizes scoring chances.
Pull and Reverse
A 2-2-2 man-up play uses precise ball movement and synchronized off-ball rotations to force defensive adjustments, creating gaps for cutters and wide-open shooters. The structure ensures constant offensive options, with built-in resets that maintain spacing and pressure on the defense.
Double Triangles High & Low
Running a man-up offense with a midfield triangle rotating together and an attack triangle rotating together forces the defense to constantly adjust, creating natural overloads, 2v1 situations, and open passing lanes. This structure maintains spacing, facilitates quick ball movement, and naturally generates picks and seals, making it easier to exploit defensive breakdowns for high-percentage scoring opportunities.