Add Fill
Improve defensive approach, sliding, and filling above GLE. X dodges against D1, who takes away the middle and forces the alley. D2 slides to help and forces the dodger away from the goal. D3 fills from the backside as D1 recovers to the crease or picks up D3's man. Variation: Include attackmen and midfielders for position-specific reps. Increase speed as technique improves. Run from both sides.
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Spoke Drill
Set up six cones in a semi-circle representing top center, top left, and top right areas. Start at the middle cone and rotate clockwise, designating each cone as an offensive player. Defensive players work on breaking down with short, choppy steps, keeping their stick out to take away top side, forcing attackers to the low alley. Focus on recovery to the inside and maintaining positioning. Repeat counterclockwise for full coverage and consistency. Next player goes when player hits second cone.
Static 4v3
This drill starts with 4 offensive players and 3 defenders. The 4 offensive players are set up in a rectangle, the 2 low players are at about GLE and 3 yards off the crease, the top players are about 7 yards above the cage even with the bottom 2 players. The 3 defenders set up in a triangle in the middle of the rectangle. The purpose of this drill is for the defense to work on rotating. Specifically, reading the offense's body language and understanding when a full rotation is necessary, versus being able to hedge and go ball to ball. This is traditionally a box lacrosse drill, but it proves to be quite useful at younger levels to help develop defensive IQ. To make this more a defensive drill, the offense is NOT allowed to move. They must stay static in their spots, but its important to emphasize to the defense that they are not trying to take the ball away, but slow down the offense.
Split field 2 v 2
Work together in a pair mirroring each other. Field is cut in half down the middle. 2v2 until someone scores. Mirror ball carrier. Set picks and roll. Play together.
3v3 Drill
Set three offensive players (Player 1–3) against three defenders (Player 4–6) in the attack zone. Coach starts with a ground ball or pass to offense. Offense works quick passes, sharp cuts, and stick skills to find shooting lanes. Defenders communicate, maintain positioning, and contest shots. Play continues until a goal, save, clear, or whistle. Rotate players frequently to keep everyone involved.
2 D Breakout
2 defenders break out from the goal to the box/alleys. The goalie throws a pass to one defender and then they complete 2 over passes before passing to a third defender/midfielder near the midfield line at the opposite box.
Split Drill
Place cones down the center of the 8-meter to split it in half. Position three attackers on each side, with five defenders total. On the ball side, three defenders play man-to-man (3v3), while the opposite side starts as 3v2. Offense works to swing the ball across to the backside for the advantage. Once the ball moves, one defender may shift over to balance it at 3v3. Offense must stay on their side; only one defender can cross.
Medley Shooting Drill
Set up a shooter with a coach feeding from multiple angles. Start with a time-and-room shot, then drive down the alley for a run shot. Next, perform a split dodge across the middle and shoot to your strong side. Finish with a cut, receiving a feed from the coach. Emphasize catching with soft hands, keeping your base set, minimal cradle, proper follow-through, and using both hands. Repeat to build consistent shooting under game-like conditions.
Scrimmage
Set 10 offensive players (Player 1–10) vs. 10 defenders (Player 11–20) on a full field with nets at each end. Coach starts play with a ground ball, faceoff, or pass. Play continues until a goal, save, clear, or whistle. Encourage players to communicate, apply game-level intensity, and practice transitions, stickwork, and defensive positioning.