Dodging Basics: Staying Square and Beating Your Defender
Clear Instructions for New Coaches
How to Teach Dodging: Staying Square
Start square
Players should line up with their hips and shoulders square to the defender.
Avoid turning or rotating early, as this shows the defender which way the dodge will go.
Shift the defender
Use small movements to push the defender slightly off their line.
This creates the opening needed to attack directly.
Seal off the defender
After shifting, re-establish a straight path to the cage.
Players must “seal off” by keeping their body between the defender and the goal.
Stay balanced
Emphasize control and patience, not rushing.
Keep hips low and controlled to explode toward the cage.
Coaching Tip:
Tell your players: “Stay square, shift, seal, and finish.” This simple phrase helps them remember the dodge flow.
Dodging is one of the most powerful offensive tools in lacrosse. It allows players to create space, beat defenders, and generate scoring opportunities. For coaches working with new players, teaching proper dodging form is crucial, and one of the most important aspects is learning how to stay square when lining up against a defender.
Many young players make the mistake of turning their hips too early before they dodge. This movement, although subtle, gives the defender a clear signal about which direction the attacker plans to go. As a result, defenders can anticipate the move and easily cut off the path. By keeping the hips square, the attacker forces the defender to remain honest, guessing until the last possible moment. This hesitation can be the difference between getting stopped and creating a clean lane to the goal.
The concept of staying square also builds better balance and body control. Lacrosse is a game of quick changes in direction, and attackers must be able to explode off either foot. Starting square ensures that the player is ready to dodge left or right with equal speed. It also reduces predictability, making the attacker harder to defend.
Another key element in effective dodging is shifting the defender off their line. A successful dodge is not about running directly past a defender; it’s about manipulating their position. By stepping slightly to one side, attackers force defenders to adjust their stance. This small adjustment often opens up the direct path back toward the cage. The attacker can then seal off the defender by placing their body between the defender and the goal, protecting the stick and ball while driving forward.
Sealing is especially important because defenders in lacrosse are trained to recover quickly. Even if a defender is beaten initially, they will try to get back into position. A well-executed seal keeps the defender behind or to the side, preventing them from regaining leverage. Coaches should remind players that dodging is not finished after the first move—the follow-through is just as important.
From a developmental perspective, practicing dodging also builds confidence in young attackers. Many new players hesitate to challenge defenders, relying only on passing. By practicing square positioning, shifting defenders, and sealing off, players begin to see success in 1v1 situations. This success translates into more aggressive play and better overall offensive flow for the team.
In modern lacrosse, attackers who can dodge effectively are essential. Defenses are structured to slide and help, but a strong initial dodge forces defenders to react and rotate, creating openings for teammates. By mastering the basics of staying square, attackers are not only improving their individual scoring chances but also contributing to team offense by drawing slides and creating assists.
For coaches, the message is simple: don’t let players rush or over-rotate. Teach them to stay square, shift, seal, and finish. This approach develops complete attackers who can break down defenses and play with confidence at every level.
