transition, clear, and ride fundamentals. copyright notice copyright © 2012 by river city lacrosse...

Transition, Clear, and Ride Fundamentals

River City Lacrosse - Coach's Book 2

Copyright notice• Copyright © 2012 by River City Lacrosse• All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be

reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of personal use and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, email the publisher at the address below.

• Derek [email protected]

*Many of the images located throughout this presentation originated from online sources and are not the property of Derek Bahler or River City Lacrosse.

http://www.rivercitylax.com/

Transitions

• Defense• Goal• 1v2, 2v3, 3v4, 4v5

• Offense• Goal• 2v1, 3v2, 4v3, 5v4

• Goal:– Make the offense take as much time as possible

so that we can recover on defense

– Defense players must operate as one unit to be successful

– Don’t play anyone too far out• Only defend the scoring area

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides 4

Transition Defense

Transition Defense

• 1 v. 2– Very difficult to stop– Your goal is to delay the

offense until your teammate comes back to help

– Sluff-off your man and slide hard to the man with the ball when he becomes a threat

– Apply and sustain ball-pressure to hinder/delay him from passing to his teammate


A

M

V

Transition Defense• 2 v. 3– 2 Defenders• Connected “on a

string”

– Communicate• “Hot/Ball”• “Push”

– When one man goes out to play the ball the other replaces


M

V

A

V

A

M

V

A

V

A

“Hot”

“Push”

“Hot”

“Push”

Transition Defense

• 3 v. 4 – Fast Break– As in a 2 v. 3 the

defenders are connected “on a string”

– Point man plays the ball when he become a threat


A2 V A3VA1

V

M

Point

Transition Defense• 3 v. 4 – Fast Break– As the ball moves,

defenders should rotate in the opposite direction of the ball

– The offensive players closest to the goal are the biggest threats, so they should always be covered• Point man should drop off

of the midfielder to cover the bigger threat


A A

AM

VV

V

Point

Transition Defense

• 4 v. 5 – Slow Break– Anytime there is no

definitive fast break– Defense must be aware

of all offensive players– Offense will usually try

to overload a side and attack the weak side


A1D1

A3D3

A2D2

M1D4

M2

Trailer

Transition Defense• 4 v. 5 – Slow Break– As a defense we must

recognize this overload and defend the biggest threats

– On-ball defender should try to force the ball carrier back into the overloaded side where the traffic is

– Trailing defender should be sprinting to the hole


A

A

A

M

M

V

Overload

Space

V

V V

V

Not a threat

Transition Offense

• Goal: Create space for a shot inside the scoring area before the defense can recover

– Ways to do this:• Use swing passes to move the ball quickly• C-cut to avoid sliding defenders• Pop to space off-ball


Transition Offense• With any type of transition offense, there is

one rule to follow– The number of passes should match the number

of defensemen• As with any situation, in transitions:– Space favors offense• Stay spread, keep your stick to the outside

– Time favors defense• Move the ball quickly, swing passes are used primarily

in transition situations


Transition OffenseFast breaks• Which ever position you play, always keep your feet moving

– Use C-cuts to avoid sliding defenders and move to space to free your hands

• Everyone needs to keep a box/square shape in a fast break– Space favors offense. Getting too bunched up with cuts will

make it easier for the defense.• Move the ball quickly

– Time favors defense. Fast breaks only last for a matter of seconds– One cradle, move the ball


Transition Offense2 v. 1

This is the relationship that we are working for at all times on

offense

• In a 2 v. 1 the man w/ the ball wants to draw the defenseman by making himself a threat to score, and then make a feed to the open man

• The man off-ball should try to maintain a relationship that allows him to move to the ball, but remain in a good place to shoot

• Once he receives the ball, take a good shot– Change planes! RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears,

Rides 14

A

M

D

Transition Offense• 3 v. 2– In a 3 v. 2 the offense

needs to capitalize quickly– 3 Offensive players

• Form a triangle

– 2 Defensive players• 2 passes

– Since there are 2 defenders, making one pass creates a 2 v. 1

– Man w/ ball should draw a defender, and move the ball to the closest teammate


M

D2 AD1

A

Transition Offense3 v. 2 (cont.)• That offensive player should draw the

second defender, while keeping a good relationship w/ goal and defender.– Make yourself a threat, attack the

scoring area– Move your feet. Use a C-cut to get to

space and free your hands from defenders

• The third offensive player should be cutting toward the ball while entering a scoring position– Find the open space to make the pass

easier for your teammate– Change planes from where you catch to

where you shootRCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears,

Rides 16

M

D2 A

D1

A

C-cut to space

Transition Offense4 v. 3 – Fast break• 3 defenders, 3 passes

– It is the point man’s responsibility to recognize which side the ball is coming down and set the point on the opposite side

• 4 offensive players should form a box/square– Attackmen should form an L

• Point attackman should position himself outside the tracks, about 3 yards inside the restraining box


Point Man

A2D2

A3D3

A1D1

M

Transition Offense4 v. 3 - Fast break (cont)• Midfielder:

– 1st look – Diagonal attackman. Try to catch the defender cheating• If look is there, give a good feed

– The attackman should be cutting to the ball– Catch it and take a quick shot while changing

planes

– 2nd look – Point attackman– Never pass it down the same side

• He is already covered, so the defense doesn’t have to move

– Make your pass quickly. When the defender turns his hips to you, he is committed• Time favors defense. Don’t wait till it’s too

late and he is attacking your handsRCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides 18

AD

AD

ADM

1st look

2nd look

Transition Offense4 v. 3 – Fast break (cont.)• Point attackman:– 1st look – Diagonal

attackman– 2nd look – Down to the

same side attackman– 3rd look – Shot (perfect

time for a face dodge)– 4th look – Back to

middie


AD

A

D

AD

M1st

2nd

4th

3rd

Transition Offense4 v. 3 – Fast break (cont.)• Same-side attackman: • C-cut for more

time/space– 1st look – Opposite

crease attackman– 2nd look – Change plane

w/ fake– 3rd look – Middie

diagonal• Opposite crease

attackman:– 1st look – Shot far post,

change planes w/ fakeRCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides 20

AD

A

DA

D

M1st

2nd

3rd

Transition Offense4 v. 3 – Fast break• Which ever position you play, always keep your feet moving

– Use C-cuts to avoid sliding defenders and move to space to free your hands

• Everyone needs to keep a box/square shape in a fast break– Space favors offense. Getting too bunched up with cuts will

make it easier for the defense.• Move the ball quickly

– Time favors defense. Fast breaks only last for a matter of seconds– One cradle, move the ball


Transition OffenseSlow Break• If there is no definitive 4 v. 3 (i.e. 5

v. 4)• Attack must recognize the situation• Call it out: “SLOW”• Get into position

– 1 attackman on each wing, about 2 yards above GLE

– X-attackman should run to the opposite side of the goal that the ball is coming down

• Trailing midfielder should come down on the opposite side of the ball


A1D1

A3D3

A2D2

M1D4

M2

Trailer

Transition OffenseSlow Break (cont.)– Midfielder w/ ball

should immediately move the ball down the same side

– Wing attackman should move the ball quickly to the X man coming around the goal

– Attackman on the opposite wing should clear out for the X man


A1D

A3D

A2

D

M1DM2

D

Transition OffenseSlow Break (cont.)• We are creating an overloaded

side of the field• Attackman and middie on the

overloaded side should face the X-man– As the X-man comes around the

goal, shade towards him• Trailer middie should fake to the

overloaded side and cut towards the X-man

• Wing attackman should back up the X-man if he needs help, and back up shots

• X-man should drive to the GLE hard– You are trying to draw a slide


A1D

A3

D

A2

D

M1

D

M2

D

Overload

Space

Transition OffenseSlow Break (cont.)• When the X-Man gets to the GLE you

have 2 choices1. If no one slides and you have your man beat, take it around and shoot2. Pop out toward the sideline to free your hands and scan the field– 3 options

• Look for the trailing middie first. Often with the overload, the defense forgets to cover him

– Off-ball players should caboose if their defender slides

• If nothing is there, don’t force it, roll back and pass it back in the opposite direction


A1

D

A3D

A2D

M1

D

M2

D

1st

Clears and Rides

• Clears• Philosophy• Execution

• Rides• Types of rides

The Clearing Game

In order to develop an effective clear, four basic areas must be covered:

• Individual Fundamentals• Restarts• Quick Changes of Possession• Group Fundamentals


Clearing Philosophy

The clearing game is a key component to the success of lacrosse teams. Consider it to be an offensive weapon because it affords the opportunity for maximum offensive penetration on multiple occasions. An aggressive clearing game can place extreme pressure on opponents and many times will alter their offensive tempo.


Philosophy

Our philosophy of an effective clear depends on:• Anytime possession is gained, seek to advance the ball down

field as rapidly as possible in an organized fashion• Look for 2v1’s all over the field, but take any high percentage

outlet if it is a lead pass• We should attempt to exploit the opponents defensive

structure as we move up field; you must be able to adapt on the move to various riding schemes


Philosophy…

• Goal is to take high percentage shots by outnumbering opponents while they adjust their ride and team defense

• The KEY to success lies within the simplicity of the clear


Individual Fundamentals – Points of Emphasis

The following should be stressed in all individual drills:• Always see the ball• Look to pass vertically up-field first then horizontally• Attack the goal in transition• If nothing is open move to slow break– Passing through X– Cutting and Driving opposite pass


Restart Situations

• Sideline• End line• Fouls – Non time serving

*Preparation for pressure, jump and zone rides


Restarts…

• Set up quickly and look for options before picking up ball– ”Win the Whistle”

• Take as much field as official allows• Spread the field– ”Rest When You Get There”

• Carry only when no vertical pass can be made up-field


Restarts…

• Follow your pass and cut crisply• Look to create uneven situations• Do not gamble on risky passes or poor shots• Take the first quality shot when they are

outnumbered• After the initial clear, there are many options when

the defense is back but not organized– Move to your slow break


Preparation for Restarts

• Pressure– Adjust by moving down

toward ball– Create uneven situations

in your defensive half– Catch and carry

Base Clear


Pressure Adjustment


Preparation…

• Jump Rides– Communication is key• Up and Over- Diagonal• One More- Next Pass Same Side• Redirect- Through Goaltender• Over- Across Field Horizontally• Support- Pass Back


Locations

• Over• Up and Over• Redirect• One More• Support


Preparation…

• Zone Rides– Adjust to get “behind” zones– Play in the “gaps”– Avoid carrying the ball– Pass quickly – Use cross-field passes to force the zone sideline to

sideline


Zone Ride Adjustment


Quick Change of Possession

• Goaltender Save– Look up-field for 2v1

situation– Use drills progressing

from 1v1 – 6v6 and make it a point of emphasis in all drills

– All players break then re-break


Quick Changes…• Ground Ball– Know location relative to goal

and be aware of direction– Stress 1st time ground balls – Use goaltenders for outlets in

GB drills • Stress passing lanes• 1v1 Outlet To Goaltender• 2v1 Double Ball • 2v2 Double Ball


Quick Changes…• Intercepted Pass– Use “Bingo” call to alert teammates of transition situation– Move the ball quickly– Push the ball wide away from pressure then Attack the Goal!


Group Fundamentals

• Progressive Clearing– Defense and Attack

• Break Re-Break– Full Field Team

• Counterattack– ¾ Field Team


Progressive Clearing

Objectives:• Teach Defense to stretch field and use the

allowed time to clear• Teach attackmen proper techniques and

angles to ride effectively


Break Re-Break

Objectives:• To teach defensive personnel to break

immediately away from the cage to gain spacing

• To develop the ability to re-break into the desired clearing formation

• Work in a team setting on thesecondary break


Counterattack

Objectives:• To teach defensive personnel how to transition from

defense to offense• To teach defensive personnel how to read the

approaching transition situation• To teach attack personnel how to recognize transition

opportunities and make the proper calls to ensure we get a quality shot


Group Fundamentals - Points of Emphasis

• In all practice drills attempt to play out to full field situations

• Using this style allows more players on the team the chance to play and contribute

• A well-planned substitution pattern is important if a team is going to run up-tempo transition for an entire game

• Have players run shorter time but harder


Final Points

• Develop your clearing philosophy- without a clear vision it will be impossible to reach your goals

• Use individual drills that are consistent with your team philosophy

• Develop individual fundamentals which will enable you to execute your clear


Final Points…

• Develop strategies which can be adjusted for various riding schemes and several restart situations

• Look to get your best passers and stick-handlers where you want them on the field


Final Points…

• Keep your goaltender aggressive, allow him to check down his passing- if it’s not there fine; you still control the tempo

• Tempo is one of the most important aspects of lacrosse– You must create the tempo that is best suited to

YOUR team


A (Adjacent) RideForce throw to far side defenseman .Let Defenseman bring ball up. Shut off goalie. A3

forces D3 toward sideline where LSM can jomp double. M1 covers center field area.

D2

D1 G

A2

A3

A1

M3

M1

LSM

M1

M3

D3

M2


Triangle RideAttack allows ball to move across field. A3 picks up D3 A1 pursues to trap. Man to man on

strong side of field leaving D2 open for cross field pass. A2 picks up goalie should D3 be able to throw back.

D2

D1 G

A2

A3

A1

M3

M1

M2

M1

M3

D3

M2


Deep Zone RideAllow the goalie or wing defense to bring ball up through the restraining line.

When goalie crosses restraining line, attack jumps him forcing pass. If wing defense has ball, force them to pass to goalie.

D2

D1 G

A2

A3

A1

M3

M1

LSM

M1

M3

D3

M2


10 Man Press Ride

D2

D1 G

A2

A3

A1

M3

M1 M

2

M1

M3

D3

M2

D3

Attack covers goalie and Defense down low, third defenseman is at midfield ready to jump over. Middies must be aware of offsides. Riding goalie must come out of goal to cover clearing attack.


2-2-2 Clear (22)Ball starts with goalie behind the goal. Options are: 1. Pass to M2 or D3 if uncovered; 2. Pass to open wing defenseman who will carry until picked up. Options are then to pass forward or back to goalie or across field.

D3

D2

D1 G

A2A

3

A1

M3

M1

M2M

2

M1

M3


3-1-3 ClearBall starts with goalie behind the goal. Attack 1 pressures the goalie to pass to one of the wing defensemen, D3. Attack 2 pressures D3, Attack 1 stays with goalie to shut off the adjacent pass. Attack 3 covers the Defenseman in the middle of the field, D2. D3 has two options; a pass to D2 cutting up field if Attack 3 does not cover or a pass to D1 moving up field on opposite wing. D1 can carry over midfield or look to M2. M3 must come back to be onside should D1 carry across midfield.

D3

D2

D1

G

A2

A3

A1

M3M

1

M2M2M

1

M3


4 Across Clear (43)Ball starts with midfielder or goalie behind the goal. Middie option is to run ball upfield. If attack jumps to double, then pass to defenseman. Far side defenseman may be open early, middie needs to look.

D3M

2

D1

G

A2

M3

A1

M3

M1

A2

M2

M1 D

2

A1

A2

A3


3-2-2 ClearBall starts with goalie behind the goal. 2 Defense stack at restraining line. Goalie calls clear and defense split toward wing lines. Attack 2 and Attack 3 must stay with D2and D3 on split. Attack 1 pressures the goalie to pass to one of the wing defensemen, D1. Attack 3 drops to pick up D1 heading upfield. D1 throws pass to D2. M3 must be aware to stay onside should D2 clear across midfield. D2 looks for M1 or M2.

D3

D2

D1 G

A2

A3 A

1

M3M

1

M2M2

M1

M3


transition, clear, and ride fundamentals. copyright notice copyright © 2012 by river city lacrosse...

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