3-3 Zonde Defense
The video showcases how Weslyan effectively used the 3-3 zone to defeat Salisbury in the 2018 national championship game. If you’re interested in the 3-3 zone, this game is a prime example of its effectiveness. Below, we’ll break down the structure, benefits, drawbacks, and strategic insights for using this defense.
What is the 3-3 Zone?
The 3-3 Zone is a basic defensive setup in lacrosse that divides the field into six zones:
• 3 players across the top: Usually midfielders
• 3 players across the bottom: Usually defensemen
Each player is responsible for a specific zone but also provides support to their adjacent teammates.
Advantages of the 3-3 Zone
• Simple Slide Packages:
• The first slide comes from the crease.
• The second slide comes from the defender farthest from the ball.
• The third slide comes from the defender adjacent to the second slide.
• Easy to Learn: The simplicity of the setup makes it ideal for introducing players to zone defense and slides.
• Adaptable to Personnel:
• Typical setup has defensemen on the bottom and middies on top, but adjustments can be made based on personnel or opponent tendencies (e.g., long poles covering top shooters or specific dodgers).
• If you have a long-pole middie, you might place them at the center to reinforce the defense around the crease.
• Depending on scouting, you might adjust by placing stronger defenders in areas the opponent prefers to attack (e.g., top right).
Disadvantages of the 3-3 Zone
• Vulnerability to Overloads:
• Once the offense recognizes the 3-3 zone, they can create a 3v2 overload on one side of the zone, leading to high-quality scoring chances.
• Adjustment: The defense needs to rotate as if a slide is occurring to counter these overloads.
Key Defensive Instructions: “Stay Topside”
In lacrosse, staying topside means positioning yourself to keep the offensive player from advancing to the middle or the shooting angle with the best view of the goal.
Why Stay Topside?
• Better Shooting Angles: The closer an offensive player gets to the middle of the field, the more of the goal they can see and shoot at. By staying topside, the defender forces them to areas with poor shooting angles or even behind the goal, where they can’t shoot.
• Team Defense: Staying topside allows defenders to funnel offensive players toward help (i.e., the crease slide or adjacent slide), creating 2v1 scenarios that benefit the defense.
Scenarios and Player Positioning in the 3-3 Zone
1. Top Corner (Midfielders):
• Goal: Force the offensive player down the sideline and into the alley, away from the center.
• Stay topside to prevent the offensive player from cutting to the middle.
2. Lower Corner (Defensemen):
• Goal: Apply pressure and try to force the offensive player behind the goal.
• Stay topside to prevent them from getting above Goal Line Extended (GLE).
3. Back Center (X Position):
• This area can be pressured more aggressively since it’s behind the goal.
• Defenders at X know they have adjacent help and can take more risks.
4. Side of the Zone:
• This is the weak spot between the top middies and the bottom defensemen, where offenses will often attempt to overload.
• Lower defenders should step up to force players behind the goal, while crease defenders can offer help if the offensive player beats their man underneath.
5. Top Center:
• The top-center middie can press the ball as far out as the coach is comfortable, with the adjacent middies helping to force the offensive player down the alley.
Dealing with Overloads
• If the offense creates a 3v2 overload on one side of the zone, defenders need to rotate quickly as if a slide is happening. This rotation allows the defense to adjust and prevent a high-percentage shot.
The Importance of Team Defense
Even though an individual defender may lose a 1v1 battle, staying topside and positioning themselves correctly allows the rest of the defense to help. The 3-3 zone teaches players how to work together, use the slide system, and force offensive players into less dangerous shooting areas.
Conclusion: Principles Over Plays
• The 3-3 Zone is a foundational defense that relies on communication, positioning, and teamwork.
• While it’s simple to teach, the principles of staying topside and using effective slide packages are valuable tools in any defensive scheme.
• Ultimately, lacrosse is a dynamic game, and defenses must be adaptable. The 3-3 Zone provides a strong foundation for players to develop the skills and understanding needed for more complex defensive strategies.
