Off Ball Defense
Effective off-ball defense in women's lacrosse is just as important as on-ball defense. While stopping the ball carrier is a primary focus, defenders who are not directly marking the ball must work together to dictate the attacker's movement, provide support, and communicate effectively. Understanding space, positioning, and vision are key elements to a strong defensive unit.
Understanding Space and Positioning
As an off-ball defender, one of your primary responsibilities is to assess the space between yourself, your attacker, and the ball. A strong defensive stance starts with maintaining balance—keeping your knees bent, weight evenly distributed, and staying light on your feet. Attackers will try to put you off balance with different dodges, so it’s crucial to stay grounded and ready to react.
One of the biggest challenges in off-ball defense is resisting the urge to turn and chase when your attacker moves away. Instead of following directly, maintain your positioning where you can see both your attacker and the ball. This helps you anticipate passes, provide help defense, and quickly adjust if your attacker makes a sudden cut.
Making Contact Safely
Making legal and controlled contact is essential in lacrosse defense. Referees closely watch for unsafe play, so defenders must avoid extending their elbows or using excessive force. Instead, keep your arms bent, feet moving, and body positioned to steer the attacker in a desired direction without knocking them off balance. The goal is to direct the attacker’s movement rather than react to their every move.
Dictating the Attack
A strong defender does not simply react to the attacker—they dictate the action. This means forcing the attacker in a specific direction, rather than allowing them to freely move. A well-coordinated defense forces attackers into less favorable areas of the field, such as towards the sidelines or into double teams.
When closing the space between yourself and an attacker, avoid sprinting directly at them. This can cause you to overrun the play, making it easier for the attacker to dodge past. Instead, approach in a controlled manner, break down your steps, and force them into a direction that benefits your defense.
Communication is Key
One of the most important aspects of off-ball defense is communication. Players need to constantly talk to their teammates about their positioning and responsibilities. Key phrases include:
"Help left!" or "Help right!" to indicate defensive support on one side.
"Force her right!" or "Force her left!" to direct an attacker into a weaker area.
"I’m your help!" to let the on-ball defender know they have backup.
A great example of effective communication happens when two defenders work together to contain an attacker. If one defender is guarding an attacker and another is positioned to help, the helper should call out their location, such as "Katelyn, I’m on your right!" This ensures the primary defender knows where her help is, should she get beat.
The V Position for Defensive Awareness
To maintain awareness, defenders should adopt the V position—a technique that helps players stay oriented. In the V position, a defender should:
Point one arm towards the ball.
Point the other arm towards their assigned attacker.
Continuously adjust as the ball moves.
This positioning prevents tunnel vision and ensures that defenders are always aware of both their assignment and the bigger play. It’s particularly useful for younger players, helping them focus on their positioning and movement as the ball shifts.
Maintaining Vision and Defensive Integrity
A defender should never have their back to the ball. When marking an off-ball attacker, step slightly away from them while keeping your eyes on both them and the ball carrier. This allows you to quickly react, provide help defense, and slide to cover open attackers when necessary.
For example, if an attacker cuts away from the play, the defender should back up instead of turning and chasing. This positioning allows them to stay involved in the defensive setup rather than being pulled out of the play.
Final Thoughts
Strong off-ball defense requires more than just individual skill—it demands teamwork, communication, and awareness. By maintaining proper positioning, staying balanced, and dictating an attacker's movement, defenders can control the game rather than simply reacting to it. Mastering the fundamentals of space, contact, vision, and communication will elevate a defender's ability to contribute effectively, creating a strong defensive unit capable of shutting down even the most aggressive offenses.
