33 Zone Ride

The 3-3 Zone is an effective and easy-to-teach ride in lacrosse. Its primary objective is to shift the attack and midfield lines laterally across the field to force the clearing team into making challenging passes. This zone ride removes the easy option of manipulating an attackman near the midfield line and ensures robust backup to counter any attempts to run through the defense for a clear. However, an open clear remains the best way to counter this ride.

Structure of the 3-3 Zone

• Attackmen Responsibilities:

  • Each attackman covers one-third of the field between the restraining line and the midfield line.

  • As the ball moves to one side, the attack line shifts laterally toward that side.

  • The backside attackman takes a deeper position to cover a player staying onside at the midfield line, allowing the other attackmen to shift towards the ball.

• Midfielders Responsibilities:

  • Each midfielder covers one-third of the field between the midfield line and the far restraining line.

  • The midfield line shifts laterally in response to the ball's position, similar to the attackmen.

  • The backside midfielder is responsible for stopping fast breaks as the clear progresses.

Key Concepts to Emphasize

• Shifting: The farther a player is from the ball, the farther they can be from their man or area of responsibility. Proper lateral shifting limits short passes and easy dodging paths while preparing players to double-team ball carriers.

• No Runners: Do not allow the clearing team to run the ball over the midfield line.

• Squeezing the Field: Utilize the 6-on-4 advantage to compress the field and pressure the clearing team.

• Foosball Movement: Shift players sideways in a synchronized manner, emphasizing heavy pressure on the ball side.

Teaching the 3-3 Zone Ride

Step 1: Introducing the Attack Movements

1. Set up a drill with:

   • 3 attackmen.

   • A goalie, 2 low-wing defenders, and 2 players at the intersection of the sideline and midfield.

2. Start with the goalie throwing the ball to one side:

   • The ball-side attackman pushes down to the ball.

   • The backside attackman covers the backside player near the midfield line.

3. Practice overpasses:

   • The attackman who was back at the midfield line crashes down to play the ball.

   • The attackman initially on the ball hustles back toward the midfield line to cover the midfielder.

4. Rotate midfielders into this drill to:

   • Save players’ legs.

   • Help midfielders understand the attack’s movements in front of them.

Step 2: Integrating the Midfielders

1. Add the midfielders to the drill:

   • Practice their lateral shifting left and right as the ball is passed.

2. Rotate attackmen into the midfielder roles to:

   • Familiarize them with the midfielders’ responsibilities behind them.

Execution and Adjustments

First Row (Attackmen)

• Attackmen drop back to the midfield line after a shot.

• Cover the closest players to the ball.

• Guard midfielders loosely on your side of the midfield line to force lob passes.

• Double or triple-team dodgers when possible.

Second Row (Midfielders)

• Cover the away box side and ensure the LSM gets to the middle quickly.

• Always stay as deep as the deepest player in your zone.

• Do not allow players to get behind you.

Third Row (Defenders)

• Position defenders on the ball line and up the line.

• Adjust by bumping a close defender up to LSM if needed.

• Rotate the LSM from the box to take the close position.

Final Notes

• Emphasize heavy pressure on the ball side during foosball-style shifts.

• Ensure players are disciplined in their shifting to create challenging passing lanes and prevent easy clears.

• Reinforce communication and positioning to maximize the efficiency of the 3-3 Zone Ride.