Enhancing Ball Retention and Accountability: A 2-Minute Offense Lacrosse Drill

2-Minute Offense with Full Accountability Lacrosse Drill

The 2-Minute Offense Drill focuses on maintaining offensive possession under pressure while incorporating significant consequences for turnovers. It's designed to simulate game situations and ensure players are engaged and accountable for their actions on the field.

Drill Setup:

• Field Setup: Can be conducted on half the field or simultaneously on both halves if staffing allows.

• Participants: Organize players into lines or groups that they are likely to play with in upcoming games to build team chemistry.

• Structure: Play 6v6 with each offensive unit attempting to maintain possession for two uninterrupted minutes.

Drill Execution:

• Objective for Offense: The offensive team must keep the ball for a full two minutes without stalling. The drill is designed to encourage active play rather than mere possession.

  • If the offense scores, they regain possession.

  • If a shot misses but is backed up, the offense retains the ball.

  • If possession is lost and the offense reclaims the ball before the defense clears midfield, they continue their attempt to complete the two minutes.

• Defensive Strategy: The defense should apply aggressive pressure, extending coverage up to the restraining line and 'box' to force turnovers or disrupt the offensive setup.

  • Upon gaining possession, the defense transitions into a clearing play.

Accountability Measures:

• Consequences of Turnovers: If the offense loses the ball and the defense successfully clears it over the midfield line:

  • The offensive unit involved must immediately run sprints for two minutes.

  • A fresh offensive and defensive unit replaces them, continuing under the same two-minute rule.

• Rotation and Engagement: After sprinting, the previous offensive players return to the field, likely increasing their focus on ball security due to the physical penalty.

  • Defensive players get rest between sets to encourage full exertion when playing defense.

Duration and Engagement:

• Time Management: Limit each offensive set to two minutes to maintain high energy and focus.

• Total Drill Time: Keep the drill to approximately 12-15 minutes to maximize engagement without exhausting players.

Drill Benefits:

• This drill teaches offensive players the importance of ball retention under pressure and instills a strong defensive ethic in the team. By incorporating physical consequences for losing possession, players become more cautious and strategic in maintaining control of the ball. The fast-paced nature of the drill keeps all players actively involved, either by participating in the drill or preparing to enter the game.