🥍 The hitch is one of the simplest, and most effective, ways to beat an approaching defender in lacrosse. Instead of trying to dodge a defender who is already set, the hitch takes advantage of the moment when they’re closing out and their momentum is working against them. By selling the shot, freezing the defender, and quickly attacking the space they give up, an offensive player can turn a routine catch into an immediate advantage.
Perfecting the hitch isn’t about making a huge move. It’s about timing, deception, and reading the defender’s approach. A convincing shot fake forces the defender to react, while a quick change of direction allows you to attack their top foot or the space they’ve vacated. When players learn to hitch with their head up and immediately re-attack, it becomes more than a dodge, it becomes a tool for creating slides, opening passing lanes, and generating higher-quality scoring opportunities.
Check out these skill videos and a 3-drill progression to mastering the hitch👇
The Hitch
The Hitch: Mastering the Dodge
In this session, Players learn the “Hitch” dodge, a deceptive move used when catching a pass with an approaching defender. The technique involves winding up as if to shoot, making the defender believe you’re taking the shot, and causing them to freeze. By jabbing the front leg and stepping back upfield, players can take advantage of the defender’s hesitation and quickly follow up with a step to open space and get a shot on goal. This move enhances the the ability to create opportunities
The Hitch to Roll Dodge
Executing a Hitch Dodge into a Roll Dodge
The hitch-to-roll is a double dodge used to manipulate a defender’s balance with a change of pace followed by a change of direction. As the offensive player approaches pressure, they slow slightly and show the stick just enough to suggest a shot or pass. This hitch forces the defender to pause, rise, or overcommit.
As the defender reacts, the ball carrier immediately initiates the roll dodge. The player drops the shoulder, keeps the stick tight to the body, and rotates the hips and shoulders together to spin away from pressure. The roll stays compact and controlled, protecting the stick while changing direction efficiently.
After completing the roll, the player re-accelerates into space with eyes up to read the next play. A successful double dodge combines deception, body control, and timing to turn defensive reactions into separation and opportunity.
C-Drill Shooting
Start with this version of the C-Drill, A Shooting drill to work on our deceptive Hitch into a shot
Set Up
Use cones to help show the footwork movement here. Put 4 cones down in a row pointing to the goal. Add 4 Cones that instersects through the cones at the cone closest to goal. Add 1-2 more cones down to create a C shape. The players start with the ball in a loaded position like they are going to shoot. They will step down into the cones staying loaded, and plant off their front foot. The idea is to explode back uphill slightly, and then getting back down hill (C motion). The shots will be on the run moving our feet, or you can incorporate a step down shot with planted feet.
Coaching Points and Principles
- Stay loaded through the initial dodge. Hands back and away like you are loaded to shoot
- Plant off the front foot to explode back up his
- Use your elbow and shoulders to emphasize the hitch (fake shot). No need to use any head movement.
- Get back downhill for a shot
Progressions
- Start with a pass catching it loaded right into the drill
- Add in a guided defender
- Set up cones anywhere on field for different shot types/locations
C-Drill Shooting Off From a Pass
The 2nd progression of C-Drill that works on the dodges off a pass
Set Up
Use cones to help show the footwork movement here. Put 4 cones down in a row pointing to the goal. Add 4 Cones that instersects through the cones at the cone closest to goal. Add 1-2 more cones down to create a C shape. Have a second player or coach start with ball on the low corner, and the shooter at the top cone. The shooter up top should be catching the ball loaded and they will step down into the cones staying loaded, and plant off their front foot like jab step. The idea is to explode back uphill slightly, and then getting back down hill (C motion). The shots will be on the run moving our feet, or you can incorporate a step down shot with planted feet.
Progression 1: Get to the Middle
Progression 2: Get down the alley
Coaching Points and Principles
- Stay loaded through the initial dodge. Hands back and away like you are loaded to shoot
- Plant off the front foot to explode back up his
- Use your elbow and shoulders to emphasize the hitch (fake shot). No need to use any head movement.
- Get back downhill for a shot into the middle
- protect the stick, let the stick lead you on the rolls down the alley. Focus on quick release shot
Progressions
- Add in a guided defender
C-Drill w/ Guided Defense
The last progression of our C-Drill adding in guided defenders where the player has to make a read, building their game IQ
Set Up
Start with a player on the high wing and and a passer on the low Goal Line Extended. A coach in the middle crease area as a guided defender. As the pass moves up to the wing player, the coach will shade the middle or alley. The shooter must catch it loaded, read the defender and either take the middle of the field, or the alley. We are working on our jab steps to the middle, and rolls down the alley. The idea is to explode back uphill slightly, and then getting back down hill (C motion). The shots will be on the run moving our feet, or you can incorporate a step down shot with planted feet.
*Reading the defender – this added element brings more game-like feel into the drill
Coaching Points and Principles
- KEY: Coach, Stay as a shadow defender until the release their shot, putting some pressure on stick, use light stick checks
- Stay loaded through the initial dodge. Hands back and away like you are loaded to shoot
- Plant off the front foot to explode back up his
- Use your elbow and shoulders to emphasize the hitch (fake shot). No need to use any head movement.
- Get back downhill for a shot into the middle
- protect the stick, let the stick lead you on the rolls down the alley. Focus on quick release shot