The Invert in Men’s Lacrosse: Exploiting short stick defenders Behind the Goal
An invert in men’s lacrosse is an offensive strategy that manipulates the defense by moving a short-stick defender, typically more accustomed to playing up top near the perimeter, into a position where they must defend behind the goal. This strategy is especially effective when the short-stick defender is forced to cover a midfielder at the “X” (behind the net), an area where they are typically less experienced and comfortable. Moving a midfielder behind the goal forces the defense into uncomfortable situations, creating opportunities to exploit weaknesses, particularly if they have weaker or slower short-stick defenders.
Purpose of the Invert
• Exploit Defensive Mismatches:
• The key objective is to draw a short-stick defender into an unfamiliar position behind the goal, where they must defend dodges and feeds from a quicker midfielder. Defending from behind the goal requires different angles and footwork, making it easier for the offense to dodge or force a mistake.
• Pressure Defensive Systems:
• The defense may be forced to slide or rotate early when the ball is carried behind the goal. This movement can create openings for cutters or shooters, as defensive players may be out of position or unable to rotate quickly enough to cover offensive players near the crease.
• Create Space:
• Drawing a defender behind the goal stretches the defense, giving more space for attackers up front. With one defender behind, offensive players in front of the net have more room to move, cut, and shoot without being crowded.
Execution of the Invert
1. Ball Carrier Moves to X:
• The midfielder with the ball, guarded by a short-stick defender, moves behind the goal. This forces the defender to operate in an unfamiliar area and react to the dodging midfielder’s movements.
2. Dodge or Feed from X:
• Dodge: The midfielder can dodge from behind the goal, using their speed and agility to get above goal-line extended (GLE) and create a shot opportunity or draw a slide.
• Feed: The ball carrier can look for open teammates around the crease, especially if the defense commits to an early slide or loses track of their assignments.
3. Defense’s Response:
• Early Slide: Defenses might slide early to stop the dodge from behind the net. While this can prevent a shot, it opens up passing lanes and leaves other offensive players open for high-percentage shots.
• Stay Home: If the defense chooses not to slide, it gives the dodging midfielder more room to attack the goal, forcing the defense to react late and often leading to a shot opportunity.
Advantages of the Invert
• Exploiting Weaknesses in Short-Stick Defenders:
• At the high school level and below, short-stick defenders are often less comfortable defending behind the net. This unfamiliarity makes them slower to react, giving the offensive player more room to maneuver and create scoring chances.
• Stretching the Defense:
• By moving a defender behind the goal, the offense forces the defense to spread out. This opens passing lanes and shooting opportunities, especially when defenders are pulled out of position or forced into uncomfortable roles.
Challenges for the Defense
• Communication:
• Defending an invert requires clear communication. Defenders must decide whether to switch, slide, or stay home when a midfielder moves behind the net. Any breakdown in communication can lead to easy scoring opportunities for the offense.
• Unfamiliar Angles:
• Short-stick defenders, especially at younger levels, are more accustomed to defending dodges from the perimeter. Moving behind the goal forces them to defend from unfamiliar angles, leading to slower reaction times and more mistakes.
Key Players for this Strategy
This strategy is best executed by agile, quick midfielders who can dodge effectively and create opportunities from behind the net. Teams leverage the invert to create mismatches when they recognize a defense has weak short-stick defenders or struggles to communicate when their assignments shift.
Why the Invert Works Well at Younger Levels
• Defensive Inexperience:
• At the high school level or below, defenders are often less skilled at handling dodges from behind the net. This inexperience allows offenses to capitalize on the defensive breakdowns caused by the unfamiliarity of playing at X.
• Opens Up Space for Attackers:
• By drawing defenders behind the goal, the offense opens up space in front of the net. This gives cutters and shooters more room to operate, leading to easier opportunities for high-percentage shots.
The invert is a highly effective tactic designed to create mismatches, force defensive slides, and open up scoring opportunities by exploiting defenders’ weaknesses, particularly those less familiar with defending from behind the goal. It’s an especially potent strategy at younger levels, where defenders may not have the same experience or communication skills to handle the complexity of the play.
