Chain 1v1 Drill for Men’s Lacrosse: Technique, Contact, and Transition

This drill is a powerful tool for developing real 1v1 situations in Men’s lacrosse, focusing on both offensive and defensive skills. Unlike the Women’s version, this adaptation takes full advantage of the legal contact allowed in the boys’ game, emphasizing ball protection under pressure, aggressive defense, and quick transition between roles.

🎯 Drill Objective

• Improve individual offensive skills in handling pressure from physical defenders.

• Reinforce proper use of body positioning and legal stick checks in 1v1 defense.

• Stimulate fast transitions from offense to defense and vice versa.

• Build confidence in passing on the move and decision-making under pressure.

Drill Description

Initial Setup:

• Form two lines of male players: Line A (offensive) is vertical; Line B (defensive) is horizontal.

• One boy from Line A enters the 1v1 zone with a ball to face off against a boy from Line B.

First 1v1 Action:

• The offensive player uses cradle control, body fakes, and dodges to beat his defender.

• If successful, he completes a quick pass to the next boy in Line A, who enters immediately to challenge the next defender.

Immediate Transition:

• If the defender causes a turnover or strips the ball, he instantly becomes the attacker and his line switches to offense.

• The player who lost possession must immediately recover and play defense, applying pressure and attempting to win the ball back.

Key Rule:

• No skipping the duel—players must engage in a genuine 1v1 attempt before passing. Lateral or passive ball movement without attacking is not allowed.

Drill Variations

• Tighten the space to focus on ball control in close quarters, or expand the zone for longer dodges and speed changes.

• Add a shot clock (e.g., 5–7 seconds) to simulate game-time pressure.

• Allow the final pass to turn into a shot on goal, rewarding successful attackers with a finishing opportunity.

• Introduce a scoring system: 1 point per won duel, creating a competitive mini-tournament between groups of boys.

Keys to Success

• This drill is most effective when boys go full speed, replicating real in-game intensity.

• Offensive players must focus on shielding the ball with their body, using strong cradle mechanics, and staying explosive.

• Defenders should practice legal body contact, quick footwork, and smart stick checks (poke checks, lift checks).

• Encourage constant communication and hustle—two trademarks of a solid boys' lacrosse team.

Conclusion

The Chain 1v1 Drill for boys' lacrosse is dynamic, competitive, and essential for developing individual skills under pressure. It trains young male players to fight for possession, transition with speed, and compete with intensity—all traits that define great lacrosse athletes.

Perfect for warm-ups or technical segments in practice, this drill keeps every boy engaged, moving, and getting better with every rep.