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.
Give and Go
Develop the give-and-go play. Two lines at the top of the box — one with balls, one without. A soft defender or coach stands in front of the ball line. The ball carrier feeds to the second line and cuts to the goal. The receiver catches, switches hands, and throws a lead pass for the catch and shot. Rotate to the back of the lines. Variation: Change starting locations. Add defenders for more pressure.
Extend and Recover
Improve on-ball and off-ball defensive positioning, including extending to the ball carrier and recovering to the hole. Start as a modified 2v2. Two offensive players pass back and forth, forcing defenders to adjust. When your man has the ball, extend and break down with a bottom-hand check. When your man passes, drop step toward the ball, stick up in the passing lane, and recover to help position in the hole. Maintain the man-you-ball triangle when off-ball. Variation: Progress to 3v3 or 4v4 as technique improves.
Circle GBs
Players form a circle around the draw circle or any marked circle. On the whistle, the coach rolls a ground ball into the center. Two players run in, compete for the ball, and play a live 1v1. The focus is on reaction, winning possession, and ball protection. Variations: - Running through the ground ball and escaping the circle - Securing the ball and making a pass to a player on the outside. - Coaches can change spacing, number of players, or the escape option.
Chaos Shuttles
set up similar to normal shuttle lines, lines on the outside pass to each other whereas the inside line passes normally. Causes congestion in the middle, players can practice dodging, waiting and communication. Progression: start with quick sticks, normal shuttles, move to chaos- Right, left, Switches, offside, GBs