Balancing Structure and Creativity in Women’s Lacrosse: Integrating Set Plays with a Principles-Based Offense

Finding Balance: Integrating Principles-Based Offense and Set Plays in Women’s Lacrosse

In women’s lacrosse, there’s often debate over whether to emphasize the flexibility of a principles-based offense or the precision of structured plays. While the principles-based offense is the ultimate goal, enabling players to make real-time decisions, adjust to the defense, and play creatively, there are times when a bit of structure can offer critical advantages.

Lorne Smith, a well-respected lacrosse coach, once shared that during his time at Princeton, his team often started with a simple play or set. This structure helped initiate movement, create spacing, and build momentum through one or two planned passes. After that, the offense would open up, allowing players to read the defense, react, and play fluidly. This approach—starting with structure, then transitioning into a principles-based offense—creates a balanced, adaptable strategy that can benefit any women’s lacrosse team.

When to Use Structure in a Principles-Based Women’s Lacrosse Offense

1. Transitioning from Defense to Offense in Women’s Lacrosse

• After a turnover or clear, a brief set play can help the women’s lacrosse team get organized. For example, a “quick start” set that moves the ball to a midfielder for an initial dodge lets players position themselves before transitioning into a more adaptable offense. This keeps the transition controlled, setting the stage for creative, dynamic play.

2. Establishing Spacing Against Zone Defenses in Women’s Lacrosse

• When facing a zone defense in women’s lacrosse, a structured play can help players create optimal spacing and identify weak spots within the zone. Starting with an overload on one side draws defenders, creating space on the opposite side. Once the defense shifts, the offense can then revert to a principles-based approach, encouraging quick ball movement, cutting, and improvisation as players respond to the defense.

3. Creating Momentum at the Start of Possession in Women’s Lacrosse

• Early in a possession, a structured play helps establish rhythm, positioning, and ball movement for the women’s lacrosse offense. For example, beginning with a perimeter “swing” play allows players to find their spots and settle into the offense. After this initial structure, the team can flow into principles-based play, relying on spacing, movement, and defense reading rather than specific, rigid actions.

4. End-of-Game Situations in Women’s Lacrosse

• In close games or high-stakes moments, starting with a structured play can help a women’s lacrosse team execute under pressure. For instance, a “last-shot” play designed to clear space for a specific player allows everyone to align for a final scoring opportunity while keeping room for flexibility if defenders adjust. After the initial setup, players can improvise, combining structure with adaptability to respond to the defense.

Benefits of Blending Structure with Principles-Based Offense in Women’s Lacrosse

1. Supports Creativity Without Chaos in Women’s Lacrosse

• By introducing structure at key points, players can rely on a foundation that keeps everyone organized. After the setup, they’re encouraged to be creative and make real-time decisions, balancing the freedom to innovate with the focus of teamwork.

2. Teaches Women’s Lacrosse Players to Adapt to Different Defenses

• Structure provides guidance in specific scenarios, like breaking a zone or starting a fast break. Once players become familiar with these setups, they gain confidence in adapting, flowing into fluid play, and reading defensive cues rather than following a rigid playbook.

3. Builds Confidence and Lacrosse IQ in Women’s Lacrosse

• Players develop confidence knowing they can rely on both structure and freedom. Starting with a set play reinforces teamwork and positioning, while the shift to principles-based offense sharpens players’ lacrosse IQ, helping them recognize and respond to the defense’s movements.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating structured plays at strategic points within a principles-based offense strikes the perfect balance for women’s lacrosse teams. Starting with plays to guide spacing, movement, or specific game situations helps players execute effectively while keeping the offense dynamic. This approach empowers women’s lacrosse players to make smart, instinctive decisions and respond with creativity. A balanced offense like this thrives on adaptability, teamwork, and smart fundamentals, creating a winning formula that enhances every possession with flexibility and purpose.