Beat Drill
Start 4v4 in the attack zone. Player 1 dodges from the top corner vs. Player 4 (defender trailing, already beat). Player 5 slides automatically to cover the throwback, while Player 6 (backside helper) supports as a second defender. After the first pass, on-ball defender recovers to the crease; dodger hits throwback, then passes to backside. Backside defender (Player 6) steps out for a quick 1v1. Add Player 7 at X and Player 8 on backside to progress.
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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.
5v4 Fast Break with Trailing Middie
- Can have 7v6 as well with trail. - Setup with 3 middies on attack and 2 middies on defense coming in from the 50 with 2 attack and 2 defenders low (or 4 attack and 4 defenders low) - Add the 3rd defensive middie once the ball passes the 30. - Defense needs to slow down the ball and then get organized until they can get into a settled offense. - Offense needs to push the fast break before defense can get settled. - Switch out the low girls every 3-4 reps.
3v2 Drill
Set three offensive players (Player 1–3) against two defenders (Player 4–5) in the attack zone. Coach starts with a ground ball or pass to offense. Offense works quick passes, sharp cuts, and stick skills to create high-percentage shots. Defenders communicate, slide, and maintain positioning. Play continues until a goal, save, clear, or whistle. Rotate roles to keep all players active.
2v1 Drill
Play 2v1 in the attack zone. Coach starts with a ground ball or pass. Offense works quick ball movement and stick handling to create scoring opportunities, while the defender practices positioning and slides. Play continues until a goal, save, clear, or whistle. Focus on decision-making under pressure.
Pass and Pick Away
Teach pass-and-pick-away to create space and scoring opportunities. Three lines at the top of the box — middle line has balls, outside lines do not. A soft defender or coach stands in front of each outside line. Middle player feeds to one side and runs to set a pick on the opposite side. That player uses the pick and drives to the feeder for a catch and shot. Next ball goes the opposite direction. Variation: Move starting locations. Add defenders for pressure.
Pitch and Pursuit
Practice riding long poles to the alley and forcing turnovers or long passes in transition. Defenders ride to the alley, forcing ball carriers into difficult long passes or turnovers. Variation: Send both defenders at once and allow long passes over the attack players. Great for teaching trap or adjusting rides.
Bump and Run Coverage
Set up the drill like a football pass play with an offensive player lined up across from a defender who does not have a stick. On the whistle, the offense makes one hard move and goes, while the defender bumps, runs, and stays tight in coverage to prevent the offensive player from catching an outlet pass from the coach.
1v1 Draws Drill
1v1 Draws Drill Setup: – Two lines of players line up on the draw circle, just like in a real game draw. – Coach stands in the center with the balls and will blow the whistle and toss the ball up at the start of each rep. How it Works: – On the coach’s toss, both players react and battle to gain possession. – Focus on clean stick control, quick reaction, and body positioning. – After several reps, move into elimination format The player who wins the draw stays in and goes to the back of the line, while the player who loses is out. – Continue until one player remains as the overall winner. Focus: – Fast hands and anticipation – Strong stance and body positioning – Competing for 50/50 balls – Quick transition to control after gaining possession