Off Ball Offense and Defense

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Off Ball Offense and Defense

Please Note:The practice is designed to bring value across multiple age and skill levels at the high school & collegiate levels. You can use this as a foundation to build and develop your own practice. With that being said, we highly encourage you to adjust the drills based on your team’s age and skill levels. Lacrosse Drive should always be used as a starting point — you can make drills easier or harder by changing the constraints.

At the High School and Collegiate levels, systems should live within the principles. Sets and formations provide structure and spacing, while the underlying principles ensure the team stays balanced, connected, and able to play together as one unit.

Activities
  1. Open Field Partner Passing – Getting Loaded
  2. Tampa Clearing Drill & Game
  3. 54
  4. Offensive Skill Session
  5. Defensive SKill Session
  6. 4v2 w/ Hammer Picks
  7. 4v3 Through X Game
  8. 6v6 Scrimmage
Open Field Partner Passing – Getting Loaded - Link to Drill Set Up Focus Points

An open field partner passing drill that emphasizes a quick release

Set Up

Put players in groups all around the field, and they should be about 10-15 yards apart. The players are going to pass the back back and forth staying in their general area. Some key points about the drill:

They will continue this for 1-2 minutes and then have them switch hands

Principles and Coaching Points

  • Catch loaded, we want to catch the ball being a threat in the open field
  • Step to your teammate when making the pass
  • Passes should be nice and crisp, we don’t want lobs or soft passes

Progressions

  • have player move further apart for added difficulty or closer together for less difficulty
  • Add a 3rd player in like a Triangle

  • The Player receiving the ball should be receiving the ball loaded
  • Once they catch the ball, the player should take 2 steps toward their player making the pass
Tampa Clearing Drill & Game - Link to Drill Set Up Focus Points

This drill will emphasize spacing, ball movement, and transition principles when clearing the ball. 

Set Up

Put 3 players of each team in every quarter part of the field. This is a 12v12 + goalies game. Start the ball with the goalie, and they play 4v3 keep away. After the 3rd completed pass, the last player with the ball carries it to the next quarter. They play 4v3 until 3 passes are made. Continue this until the team with the ball, advances to their offensive end, and they play 4v3 to the goal, and try to score. If there is a turnover or interception during the clearing, start a new ball with the opposite team. Coach can award 1 point for a team that successfully clears the ball, and award 1 point extra if they score. 

Principles and Coaching Points

Tampa Clearing Preview
  • Open field spacing in transition. 
  • Communication, call for the ball
  • Riding, disrupt player with the ball. 
  • Clearing!!
54 - Link to Drill Set Up Focus Points

his transition drill will keep practice uptempo with constant unsettled 5 on 4’s. This is a great drill to use in the middle of practice as a warm up before an inter squad scrimmage.

SET UP

Put all the balls in both cages with the goalies. Put 3 Attack and 3 Defense on each offensive end. Split the midfielders up in half, and put 1 lines of each color on the box side of play. The play starts with a 5v4 scenario on end. Once there is a missed shot, save, or turnover, The goalie will put a new ball in play to go the other way. The goalie must outlet to a player in current field of play (not the new midfielder waiting). Send in one of the midfielders on defense, in to the hole, and play 5 on 4 until there is a goal, save, or turnover. Once the clearing team gets passed half field, the rinding midfielders are OUT.

PRINCIPLES & COACHING POINTS

PROGRESSIONS

– Send Opposite side midfielder in on defense

  • Play fast!
  • Get the ball down the alley and through X
  • Find the 2v1
  • Defense communicate and get into a diamond set
Offensive Skill Session - Link to Drill Set Up Focus Points

An shooting drill that works on “Off-Ball” Play

Set Up

Put 2 lines up top and 2 lines on the wings. The ball will start up top, and a pass diagonal to the far wing line. The player who makes the pass, will execute a “jump cut”.. We want to act line we are moving to space on the crease, but then we plant hard, change direction, and explode back to our teammate with the ball for a catch snd shot.

Coaching Points and Principles

Progressions

  • Add in a token defender
  • Work same side, pass down then jump cut

 

Jump Cut Shooting
  • After you make a pass, drift to middle like you are just moving the crease, explode back to teammate
  • Time up your cuts!
  • Wing players/passers, move your feet, don’t pass flat footed!
  • Finish the ball far pipe
Defensive SKill Session - Link to Drill Set Up Focus Points

A defensive drill that works on angles, stick work, and defensive positioning

Set Up

In front of the goal, set up 4 cones in a box not he 4 corners, and 1 cone in the middle. Have the defensive player start in the middle cone, which is the house. They will approach each cone, and recover to the house cone, and repeating until the finish all 4 cones. Put players in a line behind the cage, and start the next player once the player has reached their 2nd cone.

Coaching Points and Principles

Progressions

  • Add a coach/player at each cone to emphasize the angle of approach

4 Corner Approach Preview
  • Focus on your angles at each cone getting the proper foot upfield, that would drive a player away from the goal, and not to the middle of the field
  • On approaches, lead with your stick and break down by chopping your feet
  • On recoveries, open up to the inside with your stick in the passing lane
  • Switch hands if you are a more advanced player
4v2 w/ Hammer Picks - Link to Drill Set Up Focus Points

An uneven off ball game that emphasizes movement and spacing designed by Jim Mitchell of Princeton Lacrosse

Set Up

put a 2v1 on both sides of the field. 1 Side will start with the ball and an action, like pass down pick down, etc.. The off ball offense will execute a Hammer pick (Upfield Pick) and try to get their hands free. The team that initiated must make a pass to the off ball teammates, and then its a live 4v2

Coaching Points and Principles

Progressions

  • Add more defense to make it all even
  • Use longpole defense
  • Play 3v2 or 4v3 both sides
4v2 W/ Hammer Preview
  • Picks – working on angles and deception to execute picks and off ball screens
  • Timing – Make sure the off ball team is timing it up on knowing when to try and run the Hammer
4v3 Through X Game - Link to Drill Set Up Focus Points

A great small area game that works on moving the ball to opposite areas of the field to find quick scoring opportunities

Set Up

Split the field up in half, and put 4 offensive and 3 defensive players on the field. The offense starts with the ball, and must move the ball through X and play on the opposite side of the field. Once there is a dead ball, coach rolls a new ball in and the offense must move the ball back through X to the side they stared pin, and play until a dead ball

Coaching Points & Principles

Progressions

  • Play all even
  • Add in more constraints like emphasizes using picks

Screenshot 2025 10 17 At 12.04.31 pm
  • Move the ball quick!
  • Work on finding space off ball
  • Fine the 2v1, always an advantage for offense
  • Defense must communicate and play zone/man down mentality
6v6 Scrimmage - Link to Drill Set Up Focus Points

A live 6v6 scrimmage allows players to apply the skills and concepts practiced throughout the session in a game-like environment. Play continuously while encouraging communication, decision-making, and teamwork. Keep coaching interruptions to a minimum, using brief teaching moments between possessions to maintain the flow and maximize repetitions.

Constraint Ideas: Possession clock • Every player touches the ball • Assisted goals only • Bonus points for defensive stops or caused turnovers • Start from specific situations (clear, ground ball, man-up, etc.) • Limit dodges or require a dodge before shooting • Reward good spacing and ball movement • Play uneven numbers (6v5, 5v6).

6v6 Live Preview

Please Note:The practice is designed to bring value across multiple age and skill levels at the high school & collegiate levels. You can use this as a foundation to build and develop your own practice. With that being said, we highly encourage you to adjust the drills based on your team’s age and skill levels. Lacrosse Drive should always be used as a starting point — you can make drills easier or harder by changing the constraints.

At the High School and Collegiate levels, systems should live within the principles. Sets and formations provide structure and spacing, while the underlying principles ensure the team stays balanced, connected, and able to play together as one unit.

*If you don’t have the time for pre-practice, you can incorporate those skill session into practice

To make a drill easier, you might Increase the playing area, reduce the number of defenders or rules, add time or space to make decisions

To make a drill harder, you might: Shrink the field or add boundaries, add defenders or touch restrictions (e.g., “Play A gets 2 points for an assist”), or Limit time or space to force faster decisions

Small adjustments to field size, player numbers, and rules can significantly change the challenge level while maintaining the same core learning goal.

Open Field Partner Passing – Getting Loaded

Set Up

Put players in groups all around the field, and they should be about 10-15 yards apart. The players are going to pass the back back and forth staying in their general area. Some key points about the drill:

  • The Player receiving the ball should be receiving the ball loaded
  • Once they catch the ball, the player should take 2 steps toward their player making the pass

They will continue this for 1-2 minutes and then have them switch hands

Principles and Coaching Points

  • Catch loaded, we want to catch the ball being a threat in the open field
  • Step to your teammate when making the pass
  • Passes should be nice and crisp, we don’t want lobs or soft passes

Progressions

  • have player move further apart for added difficulty or closer together for less difficulty
  • Add a 3rd player in like a Triangle

View Drill Page →

Tampa Clearing Drill & Game

Summary

This drill will emphasize spacing, ball movement, and transition principles when clearing the ball. 

Set Up

Put 3 players of each team in every quarter part of the field. This is a 12v12 + goalies game. Start the ball with the goalie, and they play 4v3 keep away. After the 3rd completed pass, the last player with the ball carries it to the next quarter. They play 4v3 until 3 passes are made. Continue this until the team with the ball, advances to their offensive end, and they play 4v3 to the goal, and try to score. If there is a turnover or interception during the clearing, start a new ball with the opposite team. Coach can award 1 point for a team that successfully clears the ball, and award 1 point extra if they score. 

Principles and Coaching Points

  • Open field spacing in transition. 
  • Communication, call for the ball
  • Riding, disrupt player with the ball. 
  • Clearing!!

View Drill Page →

54

Summary

his transition drill will keep practice uptempo with constant unsettled 5 on 4’s. This is a great drill to use in the middle of practice as a warm up before an inter squad scrimmage.

SET UP

Put all the balls in both cages with the goalies. Put 3 Attack and 3 Defense on each offensive end. Split the midfielders up in half, and put 1 lines of each color on the box side of play. The play starts with a 5v4 scenario on end. Once there is a missed shot, save, or turnover, The goalie will put a new ball in play to go the other way. The goalie must outlet to a player in current field of play (not the new midfielder waiting). Send in one of the midfielders on defense, in to the hole, and play 5 on 4 until there is a goal, save, or turnover. Once the clearing team gets passed half field, the rinding midfielders are OUT.

PRINCIPLES & COACHING POINTS

  • Play fast!
  • Get the ball down the alley and through X
  • Find the 2v1
  • Defense communicate and get into a diamond set

PROGRESSIONS

– Send Opposite side midfielder in on defense

View Drill Page →

Offensive Skill Session

Set Up

Put 2 lines up top and 2 lines on the wings. The ball will start up top, and a pass diagonal to the far wing line. The player who makes the pass, will execute a “jump cut”.. We want to act line we are moving to space on the crease, but then we plant hard, change direction, and explode back to our teammate with the ball for a catch snd shot.

Coaching Points and Principles

  • After you make a pass, drift to middle like you are just moving the crease, explode back to teammate
  • Time up your cuts!
  • Wing players/passers, move your feet, don’t pass flat footed!
  • Finish the ball far pipe

Progressions

  • Add in a token defender
  • Work same side, pass down then jump cut

 

View Drill Page →

Defensive SKill Session

Set Up

In front of the goal, set up 4 cones in a box not he 4 corners, and 1 cone in the middle. Have the defensive player start in the middle cone, which is the house. They will approach each cone, and recover to the house cone, and repeating until the finish all 4 cones. Put players in a line behind the cage, and start the next player once the player has reached their 2nd cone.

Coaching Points and Principles

  • Focus on your angles at each cone getting the proper foot upfield, that would drive a player away from the goal, and not to the middle of the field
  • On approaches, lead with your stick and break down by chopping your feet
  • On recoveries, open up to the inside with your stick in the passing lane
  • Switch hands if you are a more advanced player

Progressions

  • Add a coach/player at each cone to emphasize the angle of approach

View Drill Page →

4v2 w/ Hammer Picks

4v2 W/ Hammer Preview

An uneven off ball game that emphasizes movement and spacing designed by Jim Mitchell of Princeton Lacrosse

Set Up

put a 2v1 on both sides of the field. 1 Side will start with the ball and an action, like pass down pick down, etc.. The off ball offense will execute a Hammer pick (Upfield Pick) and try to get their hands free. The team that initiated must make a pass to the off ball teammates, and then its a live 4v2

Coaching Points and Principles

  • Picks – working on angles and deception to execute picks and off ball screens
  • Timing – Make sure the off ball team is timing it up on knowing when to try and run the Hammer

Progressions

  • Add more defense to make it all even
  • Use longpole defense
  • Play 3v2 or 4v3 both sides
2-Player Game3-Player GameAdvancedAttackCollegeGame - Live PlayHigh SchoolIntermediateLacrosse IQMen’s LacrosseMidfieldOff Ball Offensive PlayOffense Spacing PrinciplesPositional / TacticalSmall Area GamesSmall Area GamesTeam Systems & Conceptual PlayU12U14

View Drill Page →

4v3 Through X Game

Summary

A great small area game that works on moving the ball to opposite areas of the field to find quick scoring opportunities

Set Up

Split the field up in half, and put 4 offensive and 3 defensive players on the field. The offense starts with the ball, and must move the ball through X and play on the opposite side of the field. Once there is a dead ball, coach rolls a new ball in and the offense must move the ball back through X to the side they stared pin, and play until a dead ball

Coaching Points & Principles

  • Move the ball quick!
  • Work on finding space off ball
  • Fine the 2v1, always an advantage for offense
  • Defense must communicate and play zone/man down mentality

Progressions

  • Play all even
  • Add in more constraints like emphasizes using picks

View Drill Page →

6v6 Scrimmage

6v6 Live Preview

A live 6v6 scrimmage allows players to apply the skills and concepts practiced throughout the session in a game-like environment. Play continuously while encouraging communication, decision-making, and teamwork. Keep coaching interruptions to a minimum, using brief teaching moments between possessions to maintain the flow and maximize repetitions.

Constraint Ideas: Possession clock • Every player touches the ball • Assisted goals only • Bonus points for defensive stops or caused turnovers • Start from specific situations (clear, ground ball, man-up, etc.) • Limit dodges or require a dodge before shooting • Reward good spacing and ball movement • Play uneven numbers (6v5, 5v6).

AdvancedBeginnerCollegeGame - Live PlayHigh SchoolIntermediateMen’s LacrosseU10U12U14

View Drill Page →