The Art of Playing Offense Without the Ball in Lacrosse

Lacrosse is a team game, and while one player has possession at any given time, the success of an offensive set depends on the other five players moving intelligently off the ball. Too often, players stand still and watch the ball carrier work, but that’s a recipe for stagnation and easy defensive coverage. If you want to be a great offensive player, understanding what to do when you don’t have the ball is just as important as dodging and shooting. Here are the four key principles every off-ball player should focus on: Create, Cut, Pass, and Anticipate.

1. Create: Be Active and Dangerous

Creating opportunities without the ball means making yourself a factor in the offense, even when you aren’t the one dodging or passing. Here’s how you do it:

• Occupy Your Defender – Standing still allows one defender to cover two offensive players. Instead, stay active with quick cuts, jab steps, and V-cuts to keep your defender engaged and unable to help elsewhere.

• Set Picks – Whether on-ball or off-ball, setting a smart pick forces the defense to react and can open space for your teammates.

• Communicate – Use your voice to direct traffic, call out openings, and help the ball carrier recognize where an opportunity might develop. You have a better vantage point than the dodger and can alert teammates to defensive movement.

2. Cut: Timing is Everything

A well-timed cut can lead to easy goals, but cutting without purpose is just wasted energy. Here’s how to cut effectively:

• Read the Defense – If you see the back of your defender’s head or their eyes shift away from you toward the ball, that’s your cue to cut.

• Set Up Your Cut – Don’t just run in a straight line; set up your defender by taking a step in one direction before cutting hard the other way. If you can get your defender to turn their hips, you’ll gain a step.

• Time Your Cut – You should be most open when the ball carrier is most ready to pass. Cut too early, and they won’t see you. Cut too late, and the passing window may have closed.

• Don’t Cut into Traffic – If a teammate is dodging to the goal, don’t clog their lane with a poorly placed cut. Instead, space out and give them room to attack.

3. Pass: Be a Smart Outlet

Good off-ball players don’t just cut—they position themselves to keep the offense flowing and provide passing options.

• Be an Outlet – If your teammate gets double-teamed, they need a safe passing option. Always be aware of where you can provide an escape valve.

• Stay in a Passing Lane – If you’re standing behind a defender, you’re invisible to the ball carrier. Move your feet to create a clear passing lane.

• Catch in a Threat Position – When you receive the ball, be ready to shoot, dodge, or pass immediately. If you catch the ball flat-footed with your stick low, you’re wasting valuable time.

4. Anticipate: Think One Step Ahead

Great players don’t just react; they anticipate what’s coming next.

• Read the Play Before It Happens – Know your team’s offense and the likely movements of both the ball carrier and the defense.

• Recognize Defensive Rotations – Understand who the slide and second slide will be. If you know where the defense is shifting, you can position yourself in the open space before they recover.

• Practice Anticipation – During drills, consciously predict where the ball will go next and position yourself accordingly. The more you train this, the more natural it becomes.

Bonus Tip: Watch Your Defenseman

Defenders are trained to keep their head on a swivel to see both their man and the ball. If you recognize when your defender is ball-watching, you can take advantage and sneak into open space. Quick backdoor cuts when your defender turns their head can result in easy goals.

Playing the Crease Smartly

If you find yourself near the crease, avoid clogging space. Follow these rules:

• Match Your Position to the Ball – If the ball is up top, stay low. If the ball is behind the goal, stay high. This gives you room to cut.

• Use the Two-Man Game – Set picks for teammates and roll to the goal after the pick instead of standing still.

Final Thoughts: Play Off-Ball Like a Pro

The best offensive players don’t just wait for their turn with the ball; they actively contribute by moving, cutting, passing, and anticipating plays. If you focus on these principles, you’ll be a far more dangerous and valuable offensive player. So next time you’re on the field, ask yourself: Am I just standing, or am I creating opportunities for my team?