Clearing Lacrosse Drills
28 drills tagged with "Clearing". Use these in your practice plans to build focused, effective sessions.
Full Field Fast Breaks
Set up two lines of players at opposite ends of the field, with a goalie in each net, three attackmen, and three defenders at each end setup for a fast break (Attack in L shape, Defense in triangle). The drill begins when the goalies at both ends throw an outlet pass on the run to the line on their right (change to left as you see fit). The midfielder gets the outlet and pushes the 4v3 fast break, while the other line sends a chaser to the ball carrier. The drill continues until the fast break results in a shot or defensive stop.
Waterfall
4 lines, 2 on each side of the field (full field drill), at the 20's and 40's, passing across the field all the way down. Start with a clear and end with a shot. Can progress to place defense along field in the middle.
Muddle Drill
Drill Description This is a competitive 5v5 drill focused on winning ground balls inside the 8 meter and transitioning quickly to offense or defense. Five attackers and five defenders start inside the 8 meter. The coach moves around the outside of the 12 meter and behind the goal with a ball, and players may not look at the coach. The coach rolls a ground ball into the 8 meter to start play. If the offense gains possession, they immediately attack the cage and try to score. If the defense gains possession, they must clear the ball with control to the 50 yard line. Scoring: -Attack scores a goal = 1 point -Attack forces a turnover on the ride = 2 points -Defense clears successfully to the 50 = 1 point -Defense completes two passes during the clear = 2 points
Back to Back Goals
Description This is a high-tempo 3v3 live play drill focused on communication, conditioning, and game-like decision-making. Teams must clear to the opposite restraining before attacking the cage Setup -3 field players per team -Two goals set up back to back between restraining lines -Drill starts with a ground ball in the middle. -The team that gains possession chooses their scoring goal by clearing toward a restraining line. -Every offensive player must touch the restraining line with a foot before becoming involved in forward play -The ball does not need to touch the sideline and may move freely -Play live with substitutions on the fly
Crease breakout
Coach rolls Goalie the ball at crease, goalie scoops up and outlets to runner. As soon as pass is made, player comes from “bench” position and receives pass, goes in for a shot. Set players up above house. When player runs past goalie, coach rolls to goalie for scoop and outlet pass. -Coach needed at each net and near rag lines to pass L1/R1 ball if they miss or goalie flubs pass.
Bears drill
X1 receives pass from goalie then passes to X2 who is already ahead. X2 runs to Half boards (HB). X1 sets pick on invisible defender, opens looking for pass. X2 uses pick and cuts top, passes to X1 for a shot. **Run this with 2 lines at both ends** Evolution: have 2 lines out and a third line on the bench. When X2 passes center, X3 exits front doors and runs in, X2 passes to X3 for a shot. ***Second evolution: coach is in corner and passes to X1 for another shot at goal. Goalie is saving from both sides of court. Coach waits until X3 has released their shot. Goalies need to pay attention.
4v4 GB to a 5v4 or 5v5
- A line of attack/defense at the 30 - Start with a 4v4 ground ball from the GLE - If attack gets it, they clear to the 30 and one attacker adds to the drill from the attacking line creating at 5v4. - If defense gets it, they clear to the 30 and drop the ball, then one attack and one defense adds to drill creating a 5v5
4v4 Split Drill
- Divide the field in half so there are two separate playing areas on one half of the field. Place a goal at each half field so each side has its own goal. - Create two teams, for example white and dark. On one side of the field place: - 4 white attackers - 4 dark defenders On the other side place: - 4 dark attackers - 4 white defenders - Players must remain on their assigned side for the entire drill. - Start the ball with the white attacking group. They play live 4v4 against the dark defenders and try to score. - If the offense scores or the defense creates a turnover, the defending team immediately works to clear the ball to their attacking teammates on the opposite side of the field. Once the clear reaches the opposite side, that group begins their own 4v4 possession. - Play continues back and forth between the two sides each time a goal is scored or a turnover occurs. Focus Points - Clearing and switching fields if you get stopped - Quick ball movement
Full Field Clearing Drill
Setup: Have 2 lines of defense on either side of the goalie, 3 middies near the center circle, and 2 lines of attack on the other side of the field near the elbows. - Ball starts with the goalie for a clear to the 2 low defenders. - The defense that doesn't get the ball is is streaking up the field towards the middle to receive it. - Once they receive it, the midfielders are cutting and asking for it - Once the midfielders receive it, the attackers are staying wide and asking for the ball - Can then get into a slow break to finish Focus on inside outside inside transition
Gone in 60 Seconds
GONE IN 60 SECONDS DRILL: Full field 3 Attackman on each side 3 Defenseman on each side Everyone is moving fast Ball will start as a GB in the middle of the field EVERY SUB IS MADE THROUGH THE SUB BOX 2 Middies closest to the box sub after their offensive possession Far side middies never sub We are up and down fast Objective is to clear fast and catch the opponent in an unsettled situation
Clearing Relay
Players line up in all four corners of the box with goalies at both sides in between the lines . At the same time, players to the left of each goalie sprint upfield and receive an outlet pass from the goalie over the shoulder and sprint through the other side and get in line. Drill moves continuously with goalies throwing back and forth. Emphasize catching on the run, crisp outlet passes, quick ball movement, and catching over the shoulder..
Rides/Clears
7v7 (or 4v4 for numbers with 2 defenders, 2 attackers and 2 middies on each team) - One team starts by passing the ball around - On the whistle, they pass to the goalie, replicating a shot on cage - The goalie is now clearing to the team that was just on defense - The team that was on offense is riding the defense - Once the ball is at the other end of the field, settle it, and do it again going the other way (both teams ride and clear)
Build a practice around clearing drills
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