1-2-3 Box Drill

Objective:

• Enhance defensive sliding and recovery while simulating real-game situations in a fast-paced environment.

Setup:

• Players: Four offensive players positioned at each corner of the box (two at goal line extended and two at the restraining line). Three defensive players are aligned in a vertical line from the crease upwards, each assigned a unique number from one to three. A goalie is in the cage.

• Equipment: Lacrosse balls, goal.

Drill Execution:

Offensive Rules:

• Players must move the ball quickly, maintain spacing, and attempt to score.

• Offensive players can pass the ball up and down the alleys or across the formation.

• Players are only allowed to shoot off a pass that is either a skip pass across the crease or directly across it.

Defensive Rules:

• The defensive players slide to where the ball is located based on the coach's call.

• The coach calls out a number ("one", "two", or "three"), indicating which defensive player should slide to the ball carrier.

• After sliding, the designated defender must recover inside, positioning their stick in the passing lane and preparing for the next most dangerous offensive threat.

Drill Progressions:

Version One: Basic Recovery

• Coach calls out numbers in succession, directing different defenders to slide to the ball.

• Defenders focus on controlled slides followed by quick recoveries to the inside position.

Version Two: Advanced Recovery

• Add a line of backup defenders behind the offensive lines.

• When a defender slides out as called, they continue past the play and exit the drill.

• A new defender from the backup line enters, assuming the same number and responsibilities.

Version Three: Adding a Crease Offensive Player

• Add an additional offensive player at the crease.

• Defensive players must also account for the crease player during their recovery, adjusting to cover both the ball and potential crease threats.

Version Four: Offensive Movement

• Incorporate dynamic offensive movements such as cutters into the crease, adjacent players filling spots, and maintaining balanced spacing.

• This version simulates more complex game-like scenarios, challenging both offensive creativity and defensive responsiveness.

Key Points:

• The drill is designed to be run in quick, successive rounds to maintain intensity and focus.

• Encourage players to execute the drill with game-like speed and decision-making.

• Adjust the complexity of the drill based on the team's familiarity and skill level with the basic concepts.

This structured approach to the 1-2-3 Box Drill ensures that both offensive and defensive lacrosse skills are honed in a challenging and engaging environment, promoting rapid skill development and strategic thinking on the field.