This section contains a series of pages taking you through everything that you need to know to get started as a lacrosse player. These are the fundamental skills that even the best players in the world work on, day in and day out. The thing about lacrosse is, the better you get at it, the more fun it becomes to play. If you can give yourself a strong foundation in all these basic fundamental skills, then you will be well on your way to becoming a great player!
When you lose the ball, ride it. The close attack must ride and ride hard until the ball is past midfield.
Always have one, preferably two, men behind the goal to back up shots.
Don't dodge if there is an open man. Don't hold the ball long unless you are planning a dodge. Keep it moving with quick, short passes.
Never try to force in, with the ball or by a pass, if the defense is drawn in. Pull them out first.
Place all shots, usually for a far corner, and shoot hard. When within five yards of the goal, the shot should be for a top corner.
Never stand so close together that one defense can cover two offense.
Zig your cuts, fake left - go right, fake right - go left. Don't always run at the same speed, change of pace is a very effective method of getting open.
Make your defenseman play you and you alone every second you are in the game. Keep moving all the time so that he must center his attention on you an not be in position to help out his fellow defensemen.
After picking up a loose ball, turn and face the crease immediately. If nobody is open, move in fast until you are picked up.
Always move to meet every pass, and circle away from your defenseman.
If an attack man is being ridden hard and can't dodge or get away - the nearest man on each side goes to help him.
Always be in position to back up shots and feeds. When a cut is made, or a shot is taken, the whole attack must play a part, moving to be in a position to backup a pass or a shot. Control the ball!
Take pains to make every pass a good pass.
On all long shots, a man must be on the crease.
Always remember that teamwork is the key to a good attack.
Don't rush at a man when riding - particularly behind the goal. Force him to pass - force him in the direction where there is help. Talk all the time and run hard. The success of an attack depends on their riding ability and their desire to have the ball.
Never make a pass to a man who is covered just to get rid of the ball.
Always keep your field balanced in order that you stay in better position to back up, and give your teammates space to work in.
Every man on the attack should try at least two dodges every game. Learn at least three different types of dodges.
When there is a loose ball on the ground, go after it fast and hard, you must have the ball!