This concept is ideal for teaching new women’s lacrosse teams how to create space and movement on offense. The basic idea is that when a teammate with the ball runs toward you, you clear to the crease. This movement pulls defenders away from the ball carrier, giving them more room to drive or pass. If you are already in the crease, you then fill the spot where the ball carrier initiated their move.
A crucial part of this strategy involves understanding how defensive help will usually come from the adjacent defender or from the crease. This opens up two key offensive options: first, the crease person popping open after clearing defenders can become an excellent passing option for a quick feed and shot. Second, the player cutting through to the crease creates another high-quality opportunity for a pass and potential scoring chance.
This movement forces the defense to make quick decisions, disrupts their positioning, and keeps the offense dynamic and fluid, leading to higher-percentage scoring opportunities.