While it used to be the case that either teams ran all man or all zone, today’s top lacrosse programs blend the two like fruity ingredients in a smoothie. This is especially true at the collegiate level where many elite teams employ a combination of zone and man defenses. To varying degrees, teams deploy man and zone defenses to match the attack’s skill and speed. In addition, some teams use a mix of zones in order to maximize their defensive personnel and coverage options.
Whether you are running a traditional zone defense, or a more hybrid version with elements of man-to-man principles, the key to success is the ability to communicate effectively and execute your plan as a unit. This is why it is critical that all defenders understand what their role and responsibilities are in the defense. In this article we will discuss some of the most popular lacrosse zone defenses as well as provide some tips for coaching your players to play them successfully.
A great way to illustrate the basics of a defensive scheme is by using a diagram to help your team visualize how the zones overlap and interconnect. Here is a simple breakdown of a typical Backer Zone:
The two short stick defenders behind the goal challenge their offensive counterparts with basic man-to-man principles. They extend when their man has the ball and sink in when they don’t. The four long sticks set up above the goalline extended picking and cutting to open passing lanes.
If the long stick defender on the back side of the zone (L1) is responsible for sliding to cover the crease area and the middle of the zone, then M2 can lock off the top attacker and prevent him from skating into the crease to take a shot or pass. M2 should call out ‘SWITCH’ as the ball carrier passes through his zone so that other defenders know to slide in to assist him.
One of the key issues to remember when coaching a lacrosse zone is that you are giving up some topside shots, which can be difficult for most goalies to stop. To offset this fact, it is critical that the defense communicates constantly to make sure everyone is on the same page. This communication can include things like who has responsibility for a particular cutter or screen, which direction the long stick defenders should slide based on the direction of the pass, and who is responsible for clearing out the top of the zone.
In a traditional zone, the goalie is the last line of defense. Hence, it is the goalie’s responsibility to be aware of where all of the on-ball and off-ball defenders are at all times. This will help them to play a more aggressive game that takes the offense out of their comfort zone and forces them into unfavorable shooting angles. The more aggressive the defense plays the less reliant they will be on the goalie to make hero save after hero save.
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