Defense (Individual) Lacrosse Drills
42 drills tagged with "Defense (Individual)". Use these in your practice plans to build focused, effective sessions.
Off-Ball QB
Two defenders start live. Two additional players simulate offense at 50 percent speed. Player A begins with the ball up top. Player B sets an on ball pick on Player C’s defender. The off ball defender, Player D, is responsible for all communication. They must loudly call: “Pick right” or “Pick left” | “Switch” or “Through” The on ball defender reacts based on that call. After the pick action, the offense rolls away from pressure and moves the ball to the opposite side. The drill immediately repeats with the same communication rules. Once the rep ends: - Offense rotates to defense - Two new offensive players step in from the line Coaching Points - Communication must be early, loud, and decisive - The call always comes from the off ball defender
Ladders
Set up a speed ladder or use tape on the ground with 8–10 boxes, leaving enough space at the end to accelerate out. Run athletes through simple patterns at first (one foot in each box, in-in-out-out), emphasizing low hips, quick feet, and balance, then have them open their hips and sprint out at the end to reinforce transition from footwork to game movement.
Mirror footwork
Set up 2 lanes. Players look directly at each other. One player shuffles laterally, other player mirrors and stays square. Can also be done forward/backward.
T-Drill
- setup 4 cones in a T shape - to start, sprint out to the cone in the middle and break down you feet like you are approaching an attacker - slide shuffle to one cone, left or right - sprint to the opposite cone and then sprint back for a ground ball
1v1 Retreat Drill
- have a set of cones that they have to stay inside on each side - no sticks - attacker is trying to jab and get a clear lane down the lane - defense is trying to keep the attacker in front of them - start with an approach
Zig Zag Approach Drill
Set up three large triangles and two small triangles with cones on the field. Players line up at the start of each triangle. Drill moves in a zigzag pattern: approach an offensive player in athletic stance with stick extended, take away one side, then backpedal short as if the attacker dodges, and break to the next cone at full speed. Long approaches use extended steps, short approaches use quick, choppy steps. Focus on balance, positioning, and reacting to the offensive player.
Four Corner Finish
Setup: Set four players with balls at the corners of a box, about 12 to 15 yards apart depending on age and level. One attacker and one defender start inside the box. Each corner player has a ball. On the whistle, the attacker must cut to space, receive a pass from any corner, and immediately shoot. After each shot, she must quickly reset, cut again, and receive the next ball from a different corner. She can choose the order of corners, but must receive and shoot one ball from each corner to complete the rep. The defender plays live throughout, applying pressure and forcing the attacker to work for separation.
2v1 to the Cage
The drill starts with the coach throwing the ball in to initiate a 2v1 toward the cage. Cut the field in half and attack from a top corner. Keep it in tight. The two offensive players work to move the ball quickly and attack the net, while the defender focuses on playing the middle, having their stick up, communicating, and forcing a low-angle or outside shot.
Overs with Rollaway
Over passes with a partner. Each partner will catch the over pass then roll away from pressure, change hands (optional, but encouraged) and throw an over pass.
Hockey/Footie
Set players up in a defined area and have them hockey or kick the ball around in a controlled manner, keeping it on the ground and moving continuously. Emphasize soft touches, awareness, and quick decision-making while staying active and communicating to maintain tempo and control.
Punt Return Drill +1
Improve defensive approach above GLE with a recovering second defender. X starts with the ball. D1 is positioned to take away the middle. On the whistle, X dodges and D1 forces him down the alley. D2 recovers to the crease as D1 engages. Variation: Include attackmen and midfielders. Increase speed as players improve. Run from both sides.
Punt Return
Improve defensive approach and positioning above GLE. Defenders in a single line on the crease. At the coach's signal, sprint to the top cone and address the dodger. Force the ball carrier down the alley, away from the middle of the field. Variation: Include attackmen and midfielders for position-specific reps. Increase speed as technique improves. Run from both sides.