Pairs offense explained in detail

What Is a Pairs Offense?
Pairs offense is a flexible, effective system that can be adapted to different player abilities and levels of competition. It’s all about creating small advantages through quick decision-making, reading the defense, and running two-man games in tight spaces. The key is practice, understanding, and variation in your approach. When executed well, pairs can lead to efficient scoring opportunities and is a key concept at all levels of lacrosse.

Pairs offense focuses on creating two-man games that force defenders to make decisions quickly. Some core actions include:

• Mirrors: One player mirrors the dodger’s movement without setting a pick.

• Shallow Cuts: Cutting out of the dodger’s path to create space.

• Pick and Pop/Roll: Setting a pick, then either popping to open space or rolling toward the goal.

• Refusals: Dodging away from a pick if the defender overcommits.

Who Can Run It?

Anyone. This offense doesn’t require a team full of “slick” players. Players with quick decision-making abilities, such as basketball players, box lacrosse players, or hockey players, can easily adapt. Beginners can also thrive using pairs concepts, as it doesn’t require flawless stick handling from every player—just a good understanding of positioning and timing.

Where to Run It?

• Wings & X (Behind the Goal): The best areas to run pairs are on the wings or behind the goal at the Goal Line Extended (GLE). Close to the goal, this offense creates maximum pressure on defenders.

• Inside the Crease: Picking near the crease puts defenders in difficult positions, especially if they switch or try to fight through the pick.

• Not at Top Center: Picking at the top center of the field is less effective unless it’s part of a larger sequence involving multiple picks.

Why Run It?

• Create Mismatches: The main objective is to force defenders to switch or double, which creates mismatches and advantages elsewhere on the field.

• Gain Separation: Picks are used to help players create separation from defenders, opening lanes for feeding or shooting.

• Force Defensive Communication: When defenders have to make quick decisions about whether to switch or stay with their man, mistakes and breakdowns are more likely.

Cons:

• No Lefties?: Pairs offense shines when you can run it on both sides, ideally with one left-handed attackman. Without a lefty, certain actions might be limited.

• Ball Skills: While the whole team doesn’t need to be elite passers, having at least a few proficient ball movers is key for fluidity.

• Moving Picks: Sometimes players inadvertently move during picks, which leads to fouls and frustration.

• Double Teaming: One concern coaches have is the risk of getting doubled. However, this is often a strategic goal—to make two defenders focus on one offensive player.

Pros:

• Fun and Engaging: Players enjoy this fast-paced offense once they understand the concepts, especially as it allows chemistry to develop between teammates.

• Opportunities for Smaller Players: Pairs offense provides a chance for players who aren’t the biggest or fastest to excel, especially those with strong stick skills.

• Widely Used: Pairs is run at every level of lacrosse, from high school to college (D1, D2, D3, NAIA, MCLA), and even the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL).

• Prepares for College: Installing pairs concepts early prepares players for the advanced offensive systems they’ll see at the collegiate level.

• Difficult to Defend: Even if the defense anticipates a pick, it’s hard to stop when executed correctly.

How to Execute a Pairs Offense

1. Arrive Detached: Players setting picks should create separation from their defender before arriving at the pick point. A defender close to the picker can easily communicate the pick to the on-ball defender, reducing its effectiveness.

2. Compress the Space: Close the distance between the ball handler and picker, forcing the defense to make quick decisions.

3. Disguise the Pick: Both the ball handler and picker should disguise their intentions. Ball carriers can act as if they won’t use the pick, then quickly change direction, while pickers should vary their angle and timing.

4. Make Reads: Players need to read how the defense is playing the pick. If the defense stays with their man, the offense can force switches by executing strong picks. If the defense switches, the picker can slip or roll early to exploit the gap between defenders.

Types of Picks:

• Stick Pick: Stand firm, letting the defender run into you.

• Clip Pick: Brush the defender’s body, setting up the opportunity to roll to the goal.

• Slip Pick: Open up and roll before the defender makes contact.

• Swing Pick: Set the pick, then quickly switch directions to confuse the defense.

• Re-Pick: Adjust the pick if the initial one isn’t effective.

Off-Ball Actions:

• Screens: Off-ball players can set screens on defenders, freeing up teammates for cuts or shots.

• Mumbo: A screen set by an outside player to free up an inside cutter.

• Pin: A screen set from the top of the field, helping a teammate break free toward the goal.

What to Avoid:

• Jumping into Picks: Jumping into a pick often results in moving pick fouls.

• Chasing Picks: If the ball handler refuses the pick, the picker should not chase after them.

• Late Off-Ball Actions: Off-ball actions need to happen in tandem with on-ball picks to keep the defense on its toes.

Drills to Practice:

1. Weave passing: A basic stick skill drill that mimics exchanges and outlets similar to working in pairs.

2. Pass, Pick & slip shooting drill: Working on setting picks and shooting