Crease Slide vs. Adjacent Slide in Lacrosse: A Detailed Guide to Defensive Strategy

Difference Between a Crease Slide and an Adjacent Slide in Men’s Lacrosse

In men’s lacrosse, sliding is a critical aspect of team defense, allowing defenders to provide help when one of their teammates is about to be beaten by an offensive player. Two primary types of slides are commonly used: crease slides and adjacent slides. Each has its own advantages, disadvantages, and specific scenarios where one may be better suited than the other.

What Is a Crease Slide?

Definition:

A crease slide involves a defender sliding from the crease area (the circular area around the goal) to help a teammate in trouble. This defender, usually positioned closest to the crease, leaves the crease or the player they’re covering to assist the on-ball defender.

How It Works:

• Primary Position: The crease defender, typically guarding an attacker near the crease, monitors the ball and is prepared to slide when needed.

• Help From Inside: When the on-ball defender is beaten, the crease defender slides out from the inside (near the goal) to cover the attacker. The goal of the crease slide is to protect the center of the field (the most dangerous area) and force the offense to take shots from the outside.

• Rotation and Recovery: After the crease slide, other defenders must rotate and cover the attackers left open by the sliding defender. The defense must shift to prevent easy passing lanes and shooting opportunities.

What Is an Adjacent Slide?

Definition:

An adjacent slide involves a defender sliding from the next adjacent position (the player nearest to the on-ball defender) rather than from the crease. This defender helps the on-ball defender by sliding laterally or diagonally, depending on where the pressure is coming from.

How It Works:

• Primary Position: The adjacent defender is positioned next to the on-ball defender, covering another offensive player.

• Quick Help: When the on-ball defender is beaten, the adjacent defender slides over to help while other defenders rotate to cover the new open attacker.

• Lateral Movement: Unlike the crease slide, the help comes from a defender who is positioned further away from the crease but is close to the action on the perimeter.

Scenarios When to Use a Crease Slide vs. an Adjacent Slide

When to Use a Crease Slide

1. Attacking Dodges Toward the Goal:

• Scenario: An attacker is dodging from behind the goal (X position) or from the wings and driving directly toward the goal.

• Why Use a Crease Slide: In these situations, the attacker’s goal is to get into the high-percentage scoring area close to the net. A crease slide protects the most dangerous part of the field by sliding from the inside to the ball, preventing an easy shot.

• Example: An attackman starts a dodge from behind the goal (X), beats the on-ball defender, and drives to the crease. The defender on the crease slides out to stop the attacker, forcing them to pass or take a lower-percentage shot from the outside.

2. Against Crease-Centered Offenses:

• Scenario: Teams with strong players who hover around the crease, looking for quick passes or dodges from nearby.

• Why Use a Crease Slide: In these cases, protecting the center of the field is crucial. A crease slide helps neutralize players who are looking to make plays from the inside or crease area.

• Example: The offense sets up a dodger from the top center (midfield) while a crease attacker looks for a feed. If the dodger beats the on-ball defender, the crease defender slides out to meet them and stop the play.

3. When the Defense Wants to Force Outside Shots:

• Scenario: The offense is trying to break down the defense through dodging and cutting toward the goal.

• Why Use a Crease Slide: A crease slide prioritizes protecting the goal area, forcing offenses to take shots from farther out, which are typically less dangerous.

• Example: A midfielder dodges down the alley toward the crease, and the crease defender slides to prevent a direct shot. The offense is forced to pass to an outside shooter.

When to Use an Adjacent Slide

1. Against Isolated Attackers or 1v1 Dodges:

• Scenario: The offense isolates one of their top dodgers, often on the wings or top of the field, hoping to create a one-on-one situation.

• Why Use an Adjacent Slide: An adjacent slide provides immediate help from the closest defender, helping prevent a strong dodger from getting to the goal quickly.

• Example: A midfielder dodges from the top corner, and their defender is beaten. The adjacent defender on the wing slides over to help stop the dodger before they get too close to the goal.

2. Defending Against Wide-Spaced Offenses:

• Scenario: The offense spaces their players out across the field, often running set plays designed to exploit defensive gaps.

• Why Use an Adjacent Slide: An adjacent slide is ideal here because it provides fast help while minimizing the risk of leaving multiple players wide open in well-spaced offensive sets.

• Example: An attackman dodges from the wing in a wide 1-4-1 offensive set, and their defender is beaten. The adjacent defender slides, and the other defenders adjust their positioning to cover.

3. When You Want to Avoid Opening the Middle of the Field:

• Scenario: The offense is trying to exploit the middle of the defense, using dodges and off-ball movement to draw the defense into the crease.

• Why Use an Adjacent Slide: Sliding from the adjacent position keeps defenders from abandoning the middle of the field. This strategy helps protect against quick passes to cutters or players near the crease.

• Example: The offense is running a pick-and-roll, hoping to draw the crease defender out. Instead of a crease slide, the adjacent defender slides to help, keeping the crease defender in position to guard against a quick pass or cut.

When One Strategy Is Better Than the Other

Crease Slide Advantages:

• Better for Protecting the Crease: The crease is the most dangerous area for scoring. Sliding from the crease ensures that the goal is well-protected.

• Effective Against Central Dodges: If the attacker is coming straight at the goal, the crease slide can cut off high-percentage shots.

• Helps Slow the Offense: The crease slide often forces the offense to take a step back or pass out, disrupting their rhythm.

Crease Slide Disadvantages:

• Larger Rotations Needed: After a crease slide, the defense has to rotate more extensively, covering a lot of ground to ensure attackers aren’t left open.

• Risk of Leaving the Crease Open: Once the crease defender leaves to slide, the crease may be left unguarded, allowing attackers to cut or receive a quick pass.

Adjacent Slide Advantages:

• Faster Help: The adjacent defender is typically closer to the action, allowing for quicker support without requiring large rotations.

• Limits Open Attackers: Adjacent slides often leave fewer offensive players open, minimizing the chance for easy passes to uncovered attackers.

• Ideal for Perimeter Play: When the offense is spaced out or focusing on one-on-one dodges, an adjacent slide allows defenders to cover more ground efficiently.

Adjacent Slide Disadvantages:

• Can Leave Adjacent Attackers Open: Sliding from an adjacent position can leave another offensive player open for a quick pass and shot if the defense doesn’t rotate fast enough.

• Less Crease Protection: Since the slide doesn’t come from the inside, attackers closer to the crease might find gaps in the defense to exploit.

Conclusion

Both the crease slide and adjacent slide are essential elements of lacrosse defense, but they are best suited for different situations. A crease slide is ideal for protecting the middle of the field, especially when the offense is attacking from the inside or dodging directly toward the goal. On the other hand, an adjacent slide is more effective when defending against perimeter dodges or well-spaced offenses, providing quicker help without exposing the middle of the field.

Understanding when to use each slide based on the offensive setup, dodging style, and defensive positioning can significantly enhance a team’s defensive performance. Practicing both types of slides and knowing which to deploy in specific scenarios will give defenders the tools they need to shut down opposing offenses.