Team shooting is a vital component of lacrosse that requires precision, timing, and coordination. Whether it’s shooting off the pass, creating opportunities with dodges, or finishing near the crease, effective team shooting can break down even the toughest defenses. This page explores essential team shooting strategies, techniques, and drills to help you improve shot accuracy, decision-making, and finishing under pressure.
In lacrosse, the ability to shoot as a team is what turns possession into goals. Good shooting is about more than just power—it’s about accuracy, timing, and taking advantage of created opportunities. When all players on the field understand how to work together to create open shots and finish effectively, the team becomes a dynamic offensive force. Whether it’s through quick ball movement, setting up screens, or dodging to create space, team shooting strategies are critical for creating scoring chances and capitalizing on them.
Improving team shooting requires practicing a variety of shooting techniques, including shooting on the move, shooting under pressure, and finishing off quick passes. Below are some effective drills that will help your team improve shooting accuracy, speed, and overall performance:
The Step Downs and Alley Shots drill focuses on creating shooting opportunities from downhill dodges. Players work on stepping down to shoot, while practicing alley dodges to get into shooting lanes. This high-volume shooting drill helps players develop their shooting mechanics while improving the timing and decision-making of their cuts.
In the Up the Hash and Sweeps Shooting drill, players work on shooting from different angles and distances. This double shooting drill allows players to get high-volume reps with two different shot types: straight shooting and sweeping shots. It helps develop shooting accuracy and technique while also improving off-ball movement and timing.
Face Dodge Shooting focuses on creating separation from a defender and getting off a quick shot. In this drill, players practice using the face dodge to deceive the defender and create open shooting opportunities. It’s a great way to work on deception and improve shooting accuracy under pressure, simulating real game situations.
The 6 Line Crease Shooting Finishes drill is ideal for players who often work from formations like 1-4-1 or 2-2-2. Players practice shooting from the crease, focusing on finishing quickly off a pass. This drill emphasizes quick decision-making, timing, and finishing under pressure.
Team shooting isn’t just about individual efforts—it’s about creating opportunities for the team. Whether it’s working off ball movement, executing set plays, or using deception, good team shooting requires chemistry and communication. When each player understands how to work together to create open shots and capitalize on passing lanes, the entire offense becomes more dynamic and harder to defend. Practice these shooting drills to improve both your individual and team shooting skills, and help your team score more effectively.
Mastering team shooting is essential for any lacrosse player who wants to help their team score more goals. Whether you’re practicing fast breaks, shooting off cuts, or finishing near the crease, improving your team shooting requires consistency, accuracy, and great communication. By working on a variety of shooting drills, focusing on timing, and learning how to use deception and fakes, you can become a more dynamic shooter and contribute to your team’s offensive success.
