Extra-Man Offense Lacrosse Drills
27 drills tagged with "Extra-Man Offense". Use these in your practice plans to build focused, effective sessions.
3v2 to 4v3
Set three offensive players (Player 1–3) behind the goal with balls and two defensive players (Player 4–5) up top. On the whistle, Player 1–3 attack the 3v2. On a goal, save, or stoppage, the next two defenders (Player 6–7) enter with a ball to create a 4v3, while the first two defenders stay. Offense rotates out and three new players enter to start a new 3v2. Continue rotations, switching players from bottom to top every 4–5 minutes.
3v2 Out and Back
Set three offensive players (Player 1, 3, 5) and two defensive players (Player 2, 4) on half field. Offense passes upfield, moving quickly through midline. Defense sprints to midline, forms a tight stack in the “hole,” communicates, and contests passes. Offense stays spread, draws defenders, and looks for high-percentage shots. Rotate players through all lines for full engagement.
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.
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.
Keep Away 5v4
Improve ball movement in tight spaces under pressure. Midfielders play keep-away against defensive midfielders in a confined area between cones (10 yards inside the restraining line) and the restraining line. Start 5v4 with the clearing team up. Variation: Set a possession time limit. Add or remove a player after time expires. If the riding team gains possession, play it out to goal as a 4v5.
6v5
Work 6v5 situations in the half field. 6 offensive players vs 5 defenders. Coach starts play with a ground ball or pass. Play to a goal, save, clear, or whistle. Variation: Flip it — 5 offensive players vs 6 defenders. Defense clears all saves or takeaways. Add passing requirements.
5v4
Work 5v4 situations in the half field. 5 offensive players vs 4 defenders. Coach starts play with a ground ball or pass. Play to a goal, save, clear, or whistle. Variation: Flip it — 4 offensive players vs 5 defenders. Defense clears all saves or takeaways. Add passing requirements.
4v3
Work 4v3 situations in the half field. 4 offensive players vs 3 defenders. Coach starts play with a ground ball or pass. Play to a goal, save, clear, or whistle. Variation: Flip it — 3 offensive players vs 4 defenders. Defense clears all saves or takeaways. Add passing requirements.
3v2
Work 3v2 situations in the attack zone. 3 offensive players vs 2 defenders. Coach starts play with a ground ball or pass. Play to a goal, save, clear, or whistle. Variation: Flip it — 2 offensive players vs 3 defenders. Defense clears all saves or takeaways. Add passing requirements.
2v1
Work 2v1 situations in the attack zone. 2 offensive players vs 1 defender. Coach starts play with a ground ball or pass. Play to a goal, save, clear, or whistle. Variation: Flip it — 1 offensive player vs 2 defenders. Defense clears all saves or takeaways. Add passing requirements.
1v1 Build-Up
- Start with a 1v1 to cage. - Add 1 attacker (2v1) - Add 1 defender (2v2) - Add 1 attacker (3v2) - Add 1 defender (3v3)
Give-and-Go
There are three lines at the 50 yard-line: two at center, and one a wing position. One of the lines in the center is for defensemen, the other center line starts with the ball. The first player in the defense line comes out to about 10 yards in front of the first player in the ball line. The players start down the field toward the goal, and the defender attempts to check the center's stick and to slow him down by body checking. Once the defender has been drawn closely to the player with the ball, and the center senses he's in trouble, he will pass it to the wing. The defense sprints to defend the wing, and when he has been drawn away, the wing will pass it back to center who has sprinted ahead for the goal.