Turn Ground balls into Fast Breaks
Ground balls are crucial in lacrosse, but too often, teams only focus on yelling "get the ground ball!" or practicing basic techniques. Few coaches teach how to turn ground balls into fast-break opportunities, which can be game-changing, especially if your team struggles in settled offensive sets or clears. This strategy is simple, relies on hustle, basic stick skills, and a few key rules, making it accessible for any team.
Key Principles:
Three Players on the Ground Ball
Aim for three players going after the ground ball. While this won’t always be realistic, striving for it ensures you’ll usually have at least two fighting for possession.Man, Ball, Outlet
Teach players to think "man, ball, outlet" while fighting for possession. Once the ball is won, get it to space quickly to exploit the unsettled situation.Off-Ball Triangle Formation
The remaining three players should position themselves in a triangle—two dropping back to support and one ready to attack. This formation provides structure for both offensive and defensive scenarios.Fast Break Execution
If the ball is won near X, treat it like a slow break: move the ball to X, swing it to the weak side, and capitalize on the open shot.
On defense, set up with two players low to defend and one high for a clear. If the ball is won, the top player can initiate the fast break; if lost, they can immediately drop back to defend.
Consistent Structure
The triangle setup ensures every player knows their role, whether your team wins or loses the ground ball. It eliminates chaos, reduces decision-making, and keeps the play fast and organized.
Bonus Tips:
If the ground ball is near the defensive goal, have the goalie step out behind the cage to receive a pass, avoiding risky passes in front of the goal.
Maintaining the triangle also makes it easier for teammates to find each other in transition, enabling quicker decisions and smoother play.
This approach encourages fast, efficient gameplay without requiring advanced lacrosse IQ, just coachable players who follow a few simple rules.
