Out of Dodge Drill
Start six offensive players in a 1-4-1 formation and six defenders matched up, with a goalie in the cage. On the coach’s whistle, offense begins passing around the perimeter. The coach calls out the jersey number of the defender covering the ball. That defender sprints to the sideline and back before returning to the play. As the defender vacates his spot, the ball carrier attacks the goal, forcing the rest of the defense to slide and adjust to limit scoring opportunities. After a goal or turnover, the drill resets and another defender is called out. Players rotate positions after several repetitions. Emphasize clear communication, proper footwork, and awareness of both the ball and adjacent slides. Defense must move cohesively, anticipate offensive cuts, and maintain strong positioning.
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West Genny
Set three offensive players (Player 1–3) vs. two defenders (Player 4–5) on a short field with a net at each end (sideline-to-sideline OR box-to-box OR similar distance). Play 3v2 until a goal or turnover. The last offensive player to touch the ball rotates out; remaining offense switches to defense and runs back into the hole to defend their net. The goalie clears a new ball to 3 new offensive players pushing down in a 3v2. End practice on a high note and keep score for fun!
3v2 Sideways
Set up cones to define each team’s half of the field. Place three offensive players (Player 1–3) vs. two defenders (Player 4–5). On the whistle, offense moves the ball within boundaries, looking for high-percentage shots; defenders communicate, stay tight, and force turnovers. Can start with ground balls, adjust players, or shift boundaries for progression.
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.
Numbers
Players line up with the offense at the top of the field and the defense on the sides. The coach calls out a set of numbers, such as “43,” where the first number is offensive players and the second number is defensive players. That many players sprint in to compete for the ball and play a live possession, e.g., 43 - 4v3, 55 - 5v5, 32 - 3v2. Variations can adjust the number combinations to create even or uneven matchups.
Box Passing
- Make a rectangle with 4 lines of players - Players will pass 1-2 balls around, working on catching with their outside hand. - Focus on leading passes.
6v6
This drill sets up six offensive players vs six defenders in a live, game-speed scenario. The goal is to replicate realistic in-game conditions and build both team offense and team defense cohesiveness. Coaches can stop play to highlight teaching points, or let it run for extended possessions to mimic live gameplay. Optional: Keep score for a fun competition to finish practice.
5 Yard Scoop
Teach the fundamentals of ground ball pickups through repetitive scoops. Players line up on the end line, each with a ball. First whistle: roll the ball 5 yards out. Second whistle: sprint to the ball and get into scoop position over it — freeze. Third whistle: scoop through and sprint to the next line. Repeat down the field or back and forth between cones. Variation: After freezing over the ball, kick it out or pull it back with the foot to practice creativity under pressure. Work along the sideline to practice scooping with your back to pressure.
Cadet drill
CADET DRILL WHITE TEAM WILL BE ON OFFENSE Blue and White middies will be in a line on the opposite restraining line. Starts with 3 Attack and 3 D poles off of a GB Play to a Shot, Save or Goal Goalies will clear the ball Ball will get to offensive middie at midfield O Middie will start a 4v3, 5v4 break Trailing defender (D mid) is released off the first pass This will repeat until we are 6v6 Then the drill will reset