West Genny : 3v2 Fast Break Transition Drill

The West Genny Drill is an essential lacrosse drill that works on fast break situations, decision-making, and quick ball movement in a 3v2 unbalanced scenario. It’s also excellent for conditioning when performed at a high intensity, making it a great tool for both skill development and endurance training.

Setup:

• Players: 5 players per sequence – 3 offensive players and 2 defensive players, plus 1 goalie.

• Starting Position:

• Three lines behind each goal.

• Three players start with the ball on one side, while two defenders and a goalie are set up on the defensive side.

• Balls: Multiple balls placed near the start lines.

How to Run the Drill:

1. Initiate the Fast Break:

• One team starts with a 3-on-2 fast break from their own goal.

• They sprint down the field, passing and moving to create a scoring opportunity while the defenders try to stop them.

2. Scoring or Turnover:

• The offense tries to score, but whether they score or lose possession, the last player to touch the ball (on either team) goes to the back of the line.

3. Defensive Rotation:

• The remaining two offensive players transition immediately to defense for the next play.

• The two players who just defended the previous possession go to the back of the lines.

4. New Offense:

• Three new players from the opposite team bring the ball down in a fast break scenario, facing the new defenders who just switched from offense.

Key Elements:

• 3v2 Fast Break: This drill simulates an unbalanced fast break situation, with the offense having an extra player advantage, forcing the defense to communicate and rotate effectively.

• Continuous Transition: The drill is continuous, with players constantly switching between offense and defense, keeping the flow of the game fast and engaging.

• Last Player Rule: After each play, the last player to touch the ball rotates out while the other two transition to defense, ensuring quick thinking and hustle from everyone involved.

Intensity and Conditioning:

• High Tempo: The rapid transitions between offense and defense make this an ideal drill for conditioning, as players must stay engaged, move quickly, and communicate effectively.

• Endurance: With the continuous flow of players transitioning from offense to defense, this drill becomes a great way to build endurance and agility.

Variation for Conditioning:

• Add more reps or adjust the pace so that players have minimal rest time between sequences.

• Increase the preset number of goals or turnovers required to win the drill to extend playtime and enhance conditioning.

Summary:

The West Genny Drill is a fantastic way to practice 3v2 fast breaks and improve both offensive and defensive skills. By emphasizing quick transitions and unbalanced situations, players develop better decision-making and ball movement under pressure. Additionally, the drill’s fast pace makes it an excellent conditioning tool, building endurance and keeping players active.

The West Genny Drill, named after the renowned West Genesee High School lacrosse program in New York, was created by legendary coach Mike Messere. It became a staple in lacrosse training due to its focus on fast-break situations, quick decision-making, and defensive communication. Designed to simulate real game scenarios with constant 3v2 transitions, the drill improves both offensive and defensive skills while also serving as an excellent conditioning tool. It has been widely adopted across all levels of lacrosse, from youth to collegiate teams, solidifying its place in lacrosse coaching strategies.