Competition Lacrosse Drills
38 drills tagged with "Competition". Use these in your practice plans to build focused, effective sessions.
Hot Rock
Set up a 20x20 yard box with three offensive players against two defenders. Offense moves and passes within the box, working to keep control of the ball. Defenders work together. One covers the ball, while the other splits the remaining two offensive players to disrupt passing lanes. Play continues as offense tries to maintain possession, and defense tries to create turnovers. Multiple boxes can run simultaneously so all players get turns on offense and defense. Encourage crisp ball movement, smart spacing, and clear communication. Offense should recognize overloads and exploit them, while defense practices teamwork and anticipation. Variations include awarding points for four consecutive passes by offense or interceptions/possession gains by defense to make the drill competitive. Adjust box size or numbers to challenge players further.
Frorest GB
2 teams around circle call out a 2 digit number (IE 32) 1st number is offense (3) 2nd number is defense (2) Only offense can score Offense must make #of passes as their called number and then safely outlet it out of circle. (point) Defense just has to outlet it after they win GB (no point) (roll 10 balls then SWITCH offensive and defensive teams) whoever has most points after their 10 balls wins.
5v5
Work 5v5 situations in the half field. 5 offensive players vs 5 defenders. Coach starts play with a ground ball or pass. Play until a goal, save, clear, or whistle. Variation: Defense clears all saves or takeaways out of the box. Add passing requirements or other skill constraints.
4v4
Work 4v4 situations in the attack zone. 4 offensive players vs 4 defenders. Coach starts play with a ground ball or pass. Play until a goal, save, clear, or whistle. Variation: Defense clears all saves or takeaways out of the box. Add passing requirements or other skill constraints.
3v3
Work 3v3 situations in the attack zone. 3 offensive players vs 3 defenders. Coach starts play with a ground ball or pass. Play until a goal, save, clear, or whistle. Variation: Defense clears all saves or takeaways out of the box. Add passing requirements or other skill constraints.
2v2
Work 2v2 situations in the attack zone. 2 offensive players vs 2 defenders. Coach starts play with a ground ball or pass. Play until a goal, save, clear, or whistle. Variation: Defense clears all saves or takeaways out of the box. Add rules like a minimum number of passes before shooting.
Handling Defensive Pressure
Teach players to handle defensive pressure, work for the ball, and create turnovers under time constraints. 6v6 in the attack zone. Offense holds possession for 6 minutes without leaving the box. After 45 seconds, add a 7th defender and work to double-team the ball. Variation: Shrink the zone with cones, remove offensive players, or use the goalie to double behind the cage.
4 on 4 Pressure
Force pressure as passes are made, then transition to a clear after every shot, goal, or save. 4v4 in the attack zone. Offense works the ball while defense pressures passes. After a shot, goal, or save, the goalie clears out and players break into transition. Variation: Go 4v3 or 3v4 to add or reduce pressure.
Cone Smashers
Setup: Coach sets up several flat cone patterns mimicking right- and left-handed face dodges. Divide players into groups of 2–3 per cone set. Each player has a stick; balls optional. Execution: - Players start at the first cone and move through the footwork pattern, “smashing” each cone with their stick or foot. - After completing the pattern, the next teammate goes immediately. Run as a relay race to see which group finishes first. - Continue until all players complete the set. Coaching Points: - Emphasize low, balanced movements; proper foot placement; stick protection; and quick transitions. Each cone should be clearly smashed to reinforce correct mechanics. Variations: - Switch top hand on the stick. - Add a ball and finish with a shot. - Change dodge types (split dodge, roll dodge, etc.) to mix footwork patterns.
Short Field
Move the nets up to create a pretty small, tight field to play up and down. This will be a live 4v4 back and forth. Focus on 2 man games and playing fast and tight. Keep score for a fun competition to boost energy at practice or finish for sprints.
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.
Hidey Hoe
Hidey hoe drill 2 lines up the numbers on each side of the net 2v2 GB to goal or whistle Losing team gets a pass from coach adds a player goes 3v2 play to whistle or goal Opposite team gets a pass to a new player makes it a 3v3 to whistle or goal Coach chooses a team to have the ball aplay 4v4 to whistle or goal Repeat