Building Transition Strength: Rides and Clears for High School Lacrosse

Objective:
Enhance players' skills in executing effective clears and applying pressure through rides. This practice improves team coordination, decision-making, and transition play, all critical for maintaining possession and creating scoring opportunities.​

00:00 – 00:15 | Warm-Up

• Ground Ball, Pass, Shot Warm-Up Drill
  A simple drill focusing on ground balls, passing, and shooting to get players engaged and ready for practice.
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00:15 – 00:40 | Clearing Focus

• Rotating Triangle Clear
  Develops constant passing options and natural spacing to adapt against high-pressure rides.
  👉 View the Clear
  

• Opposite Box Push Clear
  Focuses on maximizing spacing and clearing efficiency by leveraging strategic positioning.
  👉 View the Clear
  

00:40 – 01:10 | Riding Focus

• Man-to-Man Goalie Jump Ride
  Teaches players to apply pressure by matching feet with all field players, leaving the goalie uncovered.
  👉 View the Ride
  

• 33 Zone Ride
  Emphasizes shifting attack and middie lines laterally to force difficult passes and disrupt clears.
  👉 View the Ride
  

01:10 – 01:40 | Transition Drills

• Midfield Mastery: On-Sides / Off-Sides Transition Drill
  High-energy drill teaching players to use the midfield line strategically during clears and rides.
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• Dynamic Transition Mastery Drill
  Enhances players' abilities to adapt and organize in fast-paced, chaotic game situations.
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01:40 – 02:00 | Offensive Strategy Implementation

• Pick and Roll
  A fundamental offensive strategy designed to create space and mismatches by forcing defenders to adjust quickly.
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Why This Practice Plan Works

This 2-hour practice plan is meticulously designed to enhance high school lacrosse players' proficiency in rides and clears, which are pivotal aspects of the game. By integrating drills that focus on strategic positioning, communication, and quick decision-making, players learn to transition effectively between defense and offense. The selected drills from LaxPlayBook provide structured scenarios that mimic game situations, allowing players to develop muscle memory and tactical awareness. Emphasizing both individual skills and team coordination ensures that players can execute clears under pressure and apply effective rides to regain possession. The inclusion of a scrimmage consolidates the day's learning, offering a practical application of skills in a game-like environment. Overall, this comprehensive approach not only improves technical abilities but also boosts players' confidence and understanding of the game's dynamics, leading to better performance during actual matches.​