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.

Filters
List of articles in category Advanced Skills
Title Hits
Goalie Saves Hits: 2440
Attack - Two Man Games Hits: 2463
Position Specific Drills Hits: 2932
Goalie Stance Hits: 2246
Goalie Positioning Hits: 2752
Goalie Communication Hits: 1990
Midfield Hits: 1987
Attack - Dodging Hits: 4515
On-Ball Defense Hits: 2303
Off-Ball Defense Hits: 2941

Some great tips to get you going:

Ride Hard

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

Loose Ball on the Ground

When there is a loose ball on the ground, go after it fast and hard, you must have the ball!

Fake Passes

When you have the ball, be constantly faking passes - keep your defense man's stick moving. Go ahead, throw that sky-whammy.

Back Up shots

Always have one, preferably two, men behind the goal to back up shots.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Never Pass to a Covered Player

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

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.

Hard Work

Hard work is great, but hard and efficient work is even better.

Balance the Field

Always keep your field balanced in order that you stay in better position to back up, and give your teammates space to work in.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Teamwork is Key

Always remember that teamwork is the key to a good attack.

Away From the Defense

In moving the ball around the circle, make all passes sharp, short, and to the outside, away from the defense man.

Possessing the Ball

When in possession of ball, make the defense man play your stick - watch his stick - the position of it will determine the direction of your feed and the type of dodge you might try.