Advanced Skills

If a player is fundamentally strong at all the basics, then it is time to move on to some more advanced skills and tips to become a more well-rounded lacrosse player for high levels of competition. However, it is revealing to note that if a player were to just become great at all the basic level fundamentals, then he would enjoy a great deal of success in lacrosse. You do not have to do anything fancy to be a great lacrosse player. If you are a good athlete who can run up and down the field, throw, catch, scoop and shoot, then you are going to be a very valuable asset to your team.

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List of articles in category Advanced Skills
Title Hits
Goalie Saves Hits: 1885
Attack - Two Man Games Hits: 1825
Position Specific Drills Hits: 2415
Goalie Stance Hits: 1617
Goalie Positioning Hits: 2257
Goalie Communication Hits: 1574
Midfield Hits: 1589
Attack - Dodging Hits: 4106
On-Ball Defense Hits: 1880
Off-Ball Defense Hits: 2488

Some great tips to get you going:

Never Stand Still

When you have the ball, never stand still - keep moving all the time - if necessary run backwards and forwards - but keep moving. When you are ready to make a pass, take one step back quickly and move. If you are standing still, you're wrong.

Ride Hard

When you lose the ball, ride it. The close attack must ride and ride hard until the ball is past midfield.

Take Quality Shots

Shoot plenty, but only if you feel you have a good shot. Shoot to get hot, shoot to stay hot.

Try Some Dodges

Every man on the attack should try at least two dodges every game. Learn at least three different types of dodges.

Don’t Force it

Never try to force in, with the ball or by a pass, if the defense is drawn in. Pull them out first.

Move the Ball

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.

Cut Hard and Fast

Make full cuts - go through and out - don't cut at half speed or hang around the crease after your cut.

Back Each Other Up

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!

Give and Go

After receiving a pass, as the ball moves around the outside, look first at the man who threw you the ball to see what he is doing, then at the crease.

Pick a Corner

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.

Be an Outlet

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.

Feed Passes

All feed passes must be thrown crsiply and accurately. If it's a bad pass, do your best and make a great catch to help your buddy out.

Get it Off the Ground

After picking up a loose ball, turn and face the crease immediately. If nobody is open, move in fast until you are picked up.

After the Clear

After the ball has been cleared, if you have a wide open opportunity to dodge, do it. If you are sure a man is open, pass to him, otherwise settle the ball down and let your attack get set up. Remember, after a clear the midfielders will need time to catch their breath. Middies rest on offense, not defense, Control The Ball!

Don’t Rush at Him

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.

Crease Play

On every screen shot the crease man should check-up on the defense man's stick, and immediately face the goalie, so that he is ready to bat in a rebound.

Never Pass to a Covered Player

Never make a pass to a man who is covered just to get rid of the ball.

Move to Meet the Pass

Always move to meet every pass, and circle away from your defenseman.

Circle Away From Pressure

Always move to meet every pass, and circle away from your defenseman.

Make Him Play You

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.