Crease Roll and Shoot Drill
This is an drill is excellent for teaching players to dodge from the X position, moving side to side and finding space in the five-by-five location at the top of the area.
Purpose of the Drill:
• Teach players to effectively dodge around ‘X’ (the area behind the goal).
• Practice moving from side to side behind the cage.
• Help players find and utilize the “five-and-five” location at the top of the island.
• Improve shooting techniques such as the jump shot and question mark shot.
• Enhance goalies’ experience with shots from various angles.
Setup:
• Players:
• Form a line of players behind the cage (goal), off the field.
• Goalies:
• Position a goalie in the goal; have additional goalies ready to switch in.
• Equipment:
• Lacrosse balls for each player.
• Cones (optional) to mark the five-and-five spot.
Execution Steps:
1. Starting Position:
• The first player in line begins behind the cage (at ‘X’) with a ball.
2. Drive from ‘X’:
• Drive up from the ‘X’ position toward one side of the cage.
3. Dodge to One Side:
• Move to one side of the goal, simulating evading a defender.
4. Roll Back Around the Crease:
• Perform a roll dodge around the crease area toward the opposite side.
• This involves pivoting on one foot and turning the body to face the opposite direction.
5. Reach the Five-and-Five Spot:
• Advance to the “five-and-five” spot, which is:
• Five yards up from the Goal Line Extended (GLE).
• Five yards out from the center of the goal (toward the sideline).
6. Shooting Options:
• Option A: Jump Shot
• From the five-and-five spot, execute a jump shot toward the goal.
• Option B: Question Mark Shot
• Continue the motion by rolling around and performing a question mark shot:
• Pivot back toward the field, bringing the stick over the shoulder in a high arc resembling a question mark.
7. Finish and Reset:
• After shooting, retrieve the ball if necessary.
• Return to the end of the line behind the cage.
8. Goalie Rotation:
• After every three players, switch goalies to give each one practice.
9. Repeat the Drill:
• Continue the drill until all players have had multiple turns.
Key Focus Points:
• Dodging Techniques:
• Emphasize smooth and quick roll dodges to change direction effectively.
• Footwork and Body Positioning:
• Maintain proper footwork when approaching the five-and-five spot.
• Keep the body low and protect the stick from potential defenders.
• Shooting Skills:
• Focus on accuracy and shot selection when performing jump shots and question mark shots.
• Encourage proper shooting form to maximize power and precision.
• Spatial Awareness:
• Understand the importance of the five-and-five area as a high-percentage scoring zone.
• Be aware of imaginary defenders to simulate game situations.
Benefits of the Drill:
• Offensive Skill Development:
• Enhances ability to attack from behind the goal and create scoring opportunities.
• Improved Agility and Speed:
• Develops quick direction changes and acceleration.
• Shooting Proficiency:
• Builds confidence in executing shots from critical areas on the field.
• Goalie Practice:
• Provides goalies with varied shots to improve their reaction times and save techniques.
Additional Tips:
• Coaching Cues:
• Provide feedback on players’ dodging and shooting techniques.
• Encourage players to perform the drill at game speed for realism.
• Variations:
• Introduce a defender to increase difficulty once players are comfortable.
• Use cones or markers to clearly define the five-and-five spot.
• Safety Considerations:
• Ensure players have enough space to perform the drill without collisions.
• Emphasize proper warm-up before starting the drill to prevent injuries.
• Encouragement:
• Motivate players to experiment with both shooting options to find their strengths.
• Foster a supportive environment where players can learn from mistakes.
Summary:
This drill is designed to improve players’ ability to dodge from behind the goal, utilize critical scoring areas, and execute advanced shooting techniques. By repeatedly practicing these movements, players develop the skills necessary to become more effective attackers during games. Additionally, goalies benefit from facing realistic shots, enhancing their defensive capabilities.
