Lacrosse Stacking Offense Explained: How Screens and Cuts Create Scoring Opportunities
Set up the formation
Two players behind the goal.
Five players up top.
Use triangle shapes on the elbows or wings to force defenders to communicate.
Initiate motion
The ball carrier should hold the ball for only 3–4 seconds.
She can dodge, feed, or pass quickly if no option opens.
Cutting and screening
One player cuts through the middle.
She should run off a teammate’s shoulder to force her defender into a screen.
This creates space for an open teammate.
If the first option isn’t open
Reset spacing with two behind and five up top.
Keep ball movement alive and prepare for the next action.
Backside action
Move the ball behind the goal and attack the opposite side.
Use double screens or cross-cuts to create more confusion.
Spacing rules
Players must keep at least two stick lengths apart.
Avoid clumping; clear space for dodges and feeds.
Be selfless
The cutter or screener may not score or assist directly.
But her movement opens the lane for a teammate’s goal.
The stacking offense is one of the most effective motion-based systems in lacrosse because it creates natural confusion in the defense. By combining screens, cuts, and constant ball movement, this strategy forces defenders to communicate quickly and react under pressure. When defenders fail to communicate or switch assignments properly, offensive players find themselves with open shots or feeds close to the crease.
One of the main strengths of the stacking offense is how it uses teamwork over individual effort. Instead of relying on a single ball carrier to dodge and beat her defender one-on-one, the offense spreads responsibility across all six players. Each player contributes by cutting, screening, or moving the ball, which makes the offense harder to predict and defend. Coaches often stress the importance of unselfish play, and this offense reinforces that value. The screener may never appear on the stat sheet, but her effort is the key to freeing a teammate.
Another advantage is how spacing is built into the system. Players are encouraged to stay at least two stick lengths apart, which prevents clumping and overcrowding around the goal. This spacing keeps defenders stretched and opens up clear passing lanes. The structure also allows players to reset easily returning to two behind the goal and five up top so the offense stays organized while remaining unpredictable.
The quick 3–4 second rule for ball handling also increases the pace of play. Instead of letting the ball stagnate in one stick, players learn to move it rapidly. This makes it more difficult for defenses to set up double teams or anticipate where the attack will come from. Fast ball movement naturally creates defensive breakdowns, which the offense can exploit.
Additionally, the stacking offense trains players to recognize opportunities in real time. The cutter’s job is to run her defender into a screen, but if the defense switches effectively, the offense can immediately look to the backside or run another action. This constant chain of options builds lacrosse IQ in players, teaching them to read defenses and make quick decisions.
For youth and new teams, the stacking offense provides a structured yet flexible framework. Coaches can teach fundamental skills cutting, screening, spacing, passing within the context of a team strategy. For advanced teams, it can be adapted with more complex rotations and multiple screens.
Finally, the stacking offense builds a team-first culture. Players must embrace selfless actions like setting screens or making decoy cuts. This mindset not only improves offensive flow but also strengthens overall team chemistry. A goal becomes the result of collective effort, not just individual talent.
In short, the stacking offense is effective because it combines spacing, speed, and teamwork to create high-quality scoring chances. For new coaches, it’s a reliable system that teaches both fundamental skills and the importance of unselfish play.
