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Lacrosse Video Tip

Presented by Brian Lalley, Camp Director
St. Olaf College - Boys Lacrosse Overnight & Day Camp

Lacrosse 2-Man Game

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Albion College competes in Division 3.

LACROSSE 2-MAN GAME

Xcelerate Nike Lacrosse National Program Director, Brian Lalley, discusses the 2-Man Game:

More and more, we are seeing teams use the two-man game to try and create confusion for the defense, and advantages for the offense. As an offensive player, we need to know that defending a two-man game is centered around awareness and communication. How do we limit their ability to recognize the two-man game and communicate through it?

1. Setting a Legal Pick

If we are making contact, our feet cannot be wider than shoulder width apart and our feet must be still. You cannot resist contact or be moving in any way. Make sure you are aware of these rules so that your team does not lose a possession to a moving pick.

2. Effective Picks

Since the first goal of the defense is to recognize the two-man game we want to use that knowledge against them. Generally, an on-ball defender will be forcing a ball carrier in one direction. Therefore, we want to set this pick in the defender’s blind spot (on his back). We also know that the defense wants to communicate either a switch or a stay on the matchups. Getting a quick change of direction and sprinting to go set the pick and get your feet set will minimize their time to communicate.

As a ball carrier, it is important to take an angle where you can run right off the picker’s shoulder. If you leave space in between the picker and ball carrier, the on-ball defender can stay right on the ball without being disrupted by the pick.

3. Options Off the Pick

When we see an opponent having trouble getting through a pick and they are trying to keep their matchups, we want to stay big and then roll opposite towards the cage. This will free up the ball carrier and force the defense to rotate. If we are recognizing the defense is setting up a switch, we want to slip out of the pick. This is when a picker leaves the two-man game before the ball-carrier arrives, as his guy is preparing to switch to the ball. This is a very effective and safe play as we leave the play before contact is made.

4. Location of Picks

Picks can be set close or far from the cage. Generally, teams that are setting picks closer to the net are looking to shoot right off it. Setting picks further away from the goal provides more space to pick and roll or pick and slip to before the defensive rotation.

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