Opposite Box Push Clear
Short Stick Midfielders:
One short-stick middie moves to the far end of the faceoff line, opposite the substitution box.
The other short-stick middie breaks out to the GLE, extending outside the restraining box on the side away from the substitution box.
Long Stick Middie (LSM):
The LSM breaks straight upfield, looking for a pass as they cross the midfield line.
Defensemen:
One long-stick defenseman exits the field via the substitution box.
Another defenseman positions themselves in the center of the field, just above the restraining box.
The third defenseman breaks out to the GLE outside the restraining box, on the substitution box side.
Substitution:
A short-stick midfielder enters the field from the substitution box as the long-stick defenseman comes off. This midfielder moves to the end of the faceoff line near the goalie, on the substitution box side.
Attackmen:
All three attackmen break upfield toward the restraining box on the opposite side, clearing space for the clear.
This setup maximizes field spacing, provides multiple passing options, and ensures smooth substitutions during the clear.
Pros and Cons of This Clear
Pros:
goalie who struggles in the clearing game: If you have a goalie who struggles in the clearing game the philiophy is generally to get the ball to short stick as soon as possible. Very often that short stick goes in front of the goalie, that is a high traffic area. Putting the short stick on the side lets him catch and in space making it an easy outlet.
Improves Clearing Percentage: The short stick has space to run which is traditionally more difficult for a long pole. If you have a long pole who is a strong ball handler you can consider putting him in that spot. By getting the ball to short sticks, who are typically better at handling under pressure, you increase the likelihood of a successful clear.
Easy outlet for help: As stated the short stick has space. Which also means he can draw the defensive ride. Having the other short stick as an outlet on the same side of the field creates a trusted help option to assist with the clear.
Effective Spacing opposite the substation box: The setup focuses on pushing away from the substitution box, spreading the field to open up passing lanes. During a clear, two areas typically generate the most chaos: in front of the goalie and near the substitution box. When your team has possession—whether on offense or during a clear—space becomes your greatest ally. While the defense aims to shrink the field and eliminate space, the offense seeks to expand it. Clearing the ball away from the substitution box helps achieve this by creating much-needed room for effective ball movement and reducing defensive pressure.
Maximizes Transition Opportunities: If your LSM has strong stick skills, keeping them on the field can create fast-break transitions and offensive chances.
Flexible Substitution Options: You can adjust the strategy by keeping the LSM low in the corner while subbing out another long pole, maintaining defensive strength if possession is lost.
Creates Mismatches: If the opposing team struggles to “match feet” during substitutions, this setup can lead to easy clears or advantageous 5v4 scenarios.
Cons:
Onside Delegation Challenges: Deciding who stays onside—the LSM, the box-side middie, or both—requires clarity and communication, which can falter under pressure.
Risk of Turnovers: If the ball is turned over, you risk being caught with a short stick covering an attackman or in a 4v3 defensive situation, which can be a significant disadvantage.
Effort-Heavy Substitutions: Ensuring quick substitutions, such as a box-side middie sprinting on while the LSM breaks upfield, requires high effort and precision.
Pressure Vulnerability: Teams that “match feet” effectively on substitutions can make this clear much harder to execute, disrupting the rhythm and reducing its effectiveness.
When to Use This Clear
Against Aggressive Rides: The spacing and substitution dynamics are effective against high-pressure rides, especially if your LSM can handle the ball well.
With a Skilled LSM: If your LSM has excellent stick work, keeping them on can help maintain possession and create offensive opportunities.
To Exploit Poor Subbing Coordination: When the opposing team struggles with matching substitutions, this clear can consistently create mismatches and open 5v4 opportunities.
In Late-Game Situations: Use this clear when protecting a lead, as it emphasizes control and precise execution to avoid turnovers.
Circumstances and Scenarios
Push Opposite the Box: Prioritize movement opposite the substitution box to create space and reduce pressure. However, having the LSM break upfield with a quick midline substitution is also an effective variation.
Defensive Recovery: If the clear fails, having the LSM low or positioned strategically helps mitigate the disadvantage of a short stick on an attackman.
Against Teams That Ride Aggressively: This clear works well when opponents apply full-field pressure, as it creates multiple passing options and punishes teams that fail to match substitutions effectively.
Man-Up Scenarios: Adapt the clear slightly for man-up situations, leveraging the spacing and substitution timing to maintain possession and control the clock.
Appropriate Level of Play
High School Varsity and Above:
Suitable for teams with strong stick skills and disciplined communication, especially in high-pressure situations.
Best for experienced players who can handle the demands of onside delegation and quick substitutions.
Collegiate Level:
Highly effective for exploiting substitution mismatches and creating fast-break opportunities.
Youth or Beginner Levels:
Likely too complex for younger players due to the communication and positioning requirements. A simpler clear might be more effective at these levels.
