Double Triangles High & Low
Running a man-up offense in lacrosse with a midfield triangle rotating together while the attack triangle rotates together provides several key benefits:
1. Constant Motion Confuses the Defense
Keeping both triangles rotating forces the defense to constantly adjust, making it difficult for them to settle into a comfortable zone or lock onto matchups.
Defenders must track not just one player moving, but three coordinated players rotating together, increasing the likelihood of missed slides and open passing lanes.
2. Maintains Offensive Structure
Both triangles maintain shape rather than players randomly cutting and creating unstructured chaos.
The spacing remains consistent, allowing for easier ball movement and reducing the risk of turnovers.
The two triangles provide built-in outlets for resetting the play without sacrificing an attack opportunity.
3. Creates Natural Overloads and 2v1 Situations
The midfield triangle rotates in sync, shifting the defenders in the zone and potentially overloading one side.
The attack triangle does the same, forcing defensive rotations and increasing the chance for an open look inside.
If the defense collapses to cover the movement, it opens up skip passes to attackmen on the perimeter.
4. Easier to Read Defensive Reactions
Since both triangles rotate in predictable, structured movement, offensive players can easily recognize:
Who is sliding early
Where the gaps in the defense are forming
Which side is vulnerable for an inside feed or outside shot
This makes decision-making easier for ball carriers and passers.
5. Maximizes Shooting and Dodging Opportunities
The midfield triangle rotation can drag short-stick defenders out of position, creating openings for step-down shooters or skip passes.
Attack triangle rotations can force defenders into tough inside/outside recovery slides, leading to quick-stick goals inside or time-and-room shots from the perimeter.
6. Forces Defenders to Work Through Picks and Seals
Rotating triangles naturally create picks and screens without needing explicit set plays.
Midfielders rotating can screen for each other, helping a shooter find space.
Attackmen rotating can set picks near GLE (goal line extended) or crease seals for inside finishing.
7. Easy to Reset if Play Breaks Down
Since the triangles maintain shape, the offense can quickly reset into a new cycle instead of scrambling.
If a shot isn’t there, the ball can be worked back around and reinitiated without losing momentum.
This structure is an excellent way to create sustained pressure, controlled chaos, and high-percentage scoring chanceswhile keeping the defense under constant stress.
