Transition, Clear, and Ride Fundamentals

River City Lacrosse - Coach's Book Copyright notice Copyright © 2012 by River City Lacrosse All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of personal use and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, email the publisher at the address below. Derek Bahler derek@rivercitylax.com www.rivercitylax.com *Many of the images located throughout this presentation originated from online sources and are not the property of Derek Bahler or River City Lacrosse. River City Lacrosse - Coach's Book

Transitions Defense Goal 1v2, 2v3, 3v4, 4v5 Offense 2v1, 3v2, 4v3, 5v4

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Transition Defense Goal: Make the offense take as much time as possible so that we can recover on defense Defense players must operate as one unit to be successful Don’t play anyone too far out Only defend the scoring area RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Transition Defense 1 v. 2 Very difficult to stop Your goal is to delay the offense until your teammate comes back to help Sluff-off your man and slide hard to the man with the ball when he becomes a threat Apply and sustain ball-pressure to hinder/delay him from passing to his teammate A M V RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Transition Defense M V A “Hot” 2 v. 3 2 Defenders Connected “on a string” Communicate “Hot/Ball” “Push” When one man goes out to play the ball the other replaces “Push” M V A “Push” “Hot” RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Transition Defense A2 V A3 A1 M 3 v. 4 – Fast Break As in a 2 v. 3 the defenders are connected “on a string” Point man plays the ball when he become a threat Point RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Transition Defense 3 v. 4 – Fast Break As the ball moves, defenders should rotate in the opposite direction of the ball The offensive players closest to the goal are the biggest threats, so they should always be covered Point man should drop off of the midfielder to cover the bigger threat A M V Point RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Transition Defense A1 D1 A3 D3 A2 D2 M1 D4 M2 Trailer 4 v. 5 – Slow Break Anytime there is no definitive fast break Defense must be aware of all offensive players Offense will usually try to overload a side and attack the weak side RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Transition Defense 4 v. 5 – Slow Break As a defense we must recognize this overload and defend the biggest threats On-ball defender should try to force the ball carrier back into the overloaded side where the traffic is Trailing defender should be sprinting to the hole A M V Overload Space Not a threat RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Transition Offense Goal: Create space for a shot inside the scoring area before the defense can recover Ways to do this: Use swing passes to move the ball quickly C-cut to avoid sliding defenders Pop to space off-ball RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Transition Offense With any type of transition offense, there is one rule to follow The number of passes should match the number of defensemen As with any situation, in transitions: Space favors offense Stay spread, keep your stick to the outside Time favors defense Move the ball quickly, swing passes are used primarily in transition situations RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Transition Offense Fast breaks Which ever position you play, always keep your feet moving Use C-cuts to avoid sliding defenders and move to space to free your hands Everyone needs to keep a box/square shape in a fast break Space favors offense. Getting too bunched up with cuts will make it easier for the defense. Move the ball quickly Time favors defense. Fast breaks only last for a matter of seconds One cradle, move the ball RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Transition Offense 2 v. 1 This is the relationship that we are working for at all times on offense In a 2 v. 1 the man w/ the ball wants to draw the defenseman by making himself a threat to score, and then make a feed to the open man The man off-ball should try to maintain a relationship that allows him to move to the ball, but remain in a good place to shoot Once he receives the ball, take a good shot Change planes! A M D RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Transition Offense 3 v. 2 In a 3 v. 2 the offense needs to capitalize quickly 3 Offensive players Form a triangle 2 Defensive players 2 passes Since there are 2 defenders, making one pass creates a 2 v. 1 Man w/ ball should draw a defender, and move the ball to the closest teammate M D2 A D1 RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Transition Offense 3 v. 2 (cont.) That offensive player should draw the second defender, while keeping a good relationship w/ goal and defender. Make yourself a threat, attack the scoring area Move your feet. Use a C-cut to get to space and free your hands from defenders The third offensive player should be cutting toward the ball while entering a scoring position Find the open space to make the pass easier for your teammate Change planes from where you catch to where you shoot M D2 A D1 C-cut to space RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Transition Offense 4 v. 3 – Fast break 3 defenders, 3 passes It is the point man’s responsibility to recognize which side the ball is coming down and set the point on the opposite side 4 offensive players should form a box/square Attackmen should form an L Point attackman should position himself outside the tracks, about 3 yards inside the restraining box Point Man A2 D2 A3 D3 A1 D1 M RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Transition Offense 4 v. 3 - Fast break (cont) Midfielder: 1st look – Diagonal attackman. Try to catch the defender cheating If look is there, give a good feed The attackman should be cutting to the ball Catch it and take a quick shot while changing planes 2nd look – Point attackman Never pass it down the same side He is already covered, so the defense doesn’t have to move Make your pass quickly. When the defender turns his hips to you, he is committed Time favors defense. Don’t wait till it’s too late and he is attacking your hands A D M 1st look 2nd look RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Transition Offense 4 v. 3 – Fast break (cont.) Point attackman: 1st look – Diagonal attackman 2nd look – Down to the same side attackman 3rd look – Shot (perfect time for a face dodge) 4th look – Back to middie A D M 1st 2nd 4th 3rd RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Transition Offense 4 v. 3 – Fast break (cont.) Same-side attackman: C-cut for more time/space 1st look – Opposite crease attackman 2nd look – Change plane w/ fake 3rd look – Middie diagonal Opposite crease attackman: 1st look – Shot far post, change planes w/ fake A D M 1st 2nd 3rd RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Transition Offense 4 v. 3 – Fast break Which ever position you play, always keep your feet moving Use C-cuts to avoid sliding defenders and move to space to free your hands Everyone needs to keep a box/square shape in a fast break Space favors offense. Getting too bunched up with cuts will make it easier for the defense. Move the ball quickly Time favors defense. Fast breaks only last for a matter of seconds One cradle, move the ball RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Transition Offense Slow Break If there is no definitive 4 v. 3 (i.e. 5 v. 4) Attack must recognize the situation Call it out: “SLOW” Get into position 1 attackman on each wing, about 2 yards above GLE X-attackman should run to the opposite side of the goal that the ball is coming down Trailing midfielder should come down on the opposite side of the ball A1 D1 A3 D3 A2 D2 M1 D4 M2 Trailer RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Transition Offense Slow Break (cont.) Midfielder w/ ball should immediately move the ball down the same side Wing attackman should move the ball quickly to the X man coming around the goal Attackman on the opposite wing should clear out for the X man A1 D A3 A2 M1 M2 RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Transition Offense A1 D A3 A2 M1 M2 Overload Space Slow Break (cont.) We are creating an overloaded side of the field Attackman and middie on the overloaded side should face the X-man As the X-man comes around the goal, shade towards him Trailer middie should fake to the overloaded side and cut towards the X-man Wing attackman should back up the X-man if he needs help, and back up shots X-man should drive to the GLE hard You are trying to draw a slide RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Transition Offense Slow Break (cont.) When the X-Man gets to the GLE you have 2 choices 1. If no one slides and you have your man beat, take it around and shoot 2. Pop out toward the sideline to free your hands and scan the field 3 options Look for the trailing middie first. Often with the overload, the defense forgets to cover him Off-ball players should caboose if their defender slides If nothing is there, don’t force it, roll back and pass it back in the opposite direction A1 D A3 A2 M1 M2 1st RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

Clears and Rides Clears Philosophy Execution Rides Types of rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides The Clearing Game In order to develop an effective clear, four basic areas must be covered: Individual Fundamentals Restarts Quick Changes of Possession Group Fundamentals RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Clearing Philosophy The clearing game is a key component to the success of lacrosse teams. Consider it to be an offensive weapon because it affords the opportunity for maximum offensive penetration on multiple occasions. An aggressive clearing game can place extreme pressure on opponents and many times will alter their offensive tempo. RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Philosophy Our philosophy of an effective clear depends on: Anytime possession is gained, seek to advance the ball down field as rapidly as possible in an organized fashion Look for 2v1’s all over the field, but take any high percentage outlet if it is a lead pass We should attempt to exploit the opponents defensive structure as we move up field; you must be able to adapt on the move to various riding schemes RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Philosophy… Goal is to take high percentage shots by outnumbering opponents while they adjust their ride and team defense The KEY to success lies within the simplicity of the clear RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

Individual Fundamentals – Points of Emphasis The following should be stressed in all individual drills: Always see the ball Look to pass vertically up-field first then horizontally Attack the goal in transition If nothing is open move to slow break Passing through X Cutting and Driving opposite pass RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Restart Situations Sideline End line Fouls – Non time serving *Preparation for pressure, jump and zone rides RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Restarts… Set up quickly and look for options before picking up ball ”Win the Whistle” Take as much field as official allows Spread the field ”Rest When You Get There” Carry only when no vertical pass can be made up-field RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Restarts… Follow your pass and cut crisply Look to create uneven situations Do not gamble on risky passes or poor shots Take the first quality shot when they are outnumbered After the initial clear, there are many options when the defense is back but not organized Move to your slow break RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

Preparation for Restarts Base Clear Pressure Adjust by moving down toward ball Create uneven situations in your defensive half Catch and carry RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Pressure Adjustment RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Preparation… Jump Rides Communication is key Up and Over- Diagonal One More- Next Pass Same Side Redirect- Through Goaltender Over- Across Field Horizontally Support- Pass Back RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Locations Over Up and Over Redirect One More Support RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Preparation… Zone Rides Adjust to get “behind” zones Play in the “gaps” Avoid carrying the ball Pass quickly Use cross-field passes to force the zone sideline to sideline RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Zone Ride Adjustment RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

Quick Change of Possession Goaltender Save Look up-field for 2v1 situation Use drills progressing from 1v1 – 6v6 and make it a point of emphasis in all drills All players break then re-break RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Quick Changes… Ground Ball Know location relative to goal and be aware of direction Stress 1st time ground balls Use goaltenders for outlets in GB drills Stress passing lanes 1v1 Outlet To Goaltender 2v1 Double Ball 2v2 Double Ball RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Quick Changes… Intercepted Pass Use “Bingo” call to alert teammates of transition situation Move the ball quickly Push the ball wide away from pressure then Attack the Goal! RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Group Fundamentals Progressive Clearing Defense and Attack Break Re-Break Full Field Team Counterattack ¾ Field Team RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Progressive Clearing Objectives: Teach Defense to stretch field and use the allowed time to clear Teach attackmen proper techniques and angles to ride effectively RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Break Re-Break Objectives: To teach defensive personnel to break immediately away from the cage to gain spacing To develop the ability to re-break into the desired clearing formation Work in a team setting on the secondary break RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Counterattack Objectives: To teach defensive personnel how to transition from defense to offense To teach defensive personnel how to read the approaching transition situation To teach attack personnel how to recognize transition opportunities and make the proper calls to ensure we get a quality shot RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

Group Fundamentals - Points of Emphasis In all practice drills attempt to play out to full field situations Using this style allows more players on the team the chance to play and contribute A well-planned substitution pattern is important if a team is going to run up-tempo transition for an entire game Have players run shorter time but harder RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Final Points Develop your clearing philosophy- without a clear vision it will be impossible to reach your goals Use individual drills that are consistent with your team philosophy Develop individual fundamentals which will enable you to execute your clear RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Final Points… Develop strategies which can be adjusted for various riding schemes and several restart situations Look to get your best passers and stick-handlers where you want them on the field RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Final Points… Keep your goaltender aggressive, allow him to check down his passing- if it’s not there fine; you still control the tempo Tempo is one of the most important aspects of lacrosse You must create the tempo that is best suited to YOUR team RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides A (Adjacent) Ride Force throw to far side defenseman .Let Defenseman bring ball up. Shut off goalie. A3 forces D3 toward sideline where LSM can jomp double. M1 covers center field area. M3 D2 LSM M3 M1 M2 M1 A3 A2 A1 D1 G D3 RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides *

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Triangle Ride Attack allows ball to move across field. A3 picks up D3 A1 pursues to trap. Man to man on strong side of field leaving D2 open for cross field pass. A2 picks up goalie should D3 be able to throw back. M3 D2 M2 M3 M1 M1 M2 A2 A3 A1 D1 G D3 RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides *

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Deep Zone Ride Allow the goalie or wing defense to bring ball up through the restraining line. When goalie crosses restraining line, attack jumps him forcing pass. If wing defense has ball, force them to pass to goalie. M1 M1 LSM M3 D2 M2 M3 A3 A2 A1 D1 G D3 RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides *

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides 10 Man Press Ride Attack covers goalie and Defense down low, third defenseman is at midfield ready to jump over. Middies must be aware of offsides. Riding goalie must come out of goal to cover clearing attack. D3 M3 D2 M3 M1 M2 M1 M2 A1 A2 A3 D1 G D3 RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides *

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Ball starts with goalie behind the goal. Options are: 1. Pass to M2 or D3 if uncovered; 2. Pass to open wing defenseman who will carry until picked up. Options are then to pass forward or back to goalie or across field. M1 M3 M3 M1 M2 M2 D3 A2 A3 A1 D1 D2 RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides G *

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Ball starts with goalie behind the goal. Attack 1 pressures the goalie to pass to one of the wing defensemen, D3. Attack 2 pressures D3, Attack 1 stays with goalie to shut off the adjacent pass. Attack 3 covers the Defenseman in the middle of the field, D2. D3 has two options; a pass to D2 cutting up field if Attack 3 does not cover or a pass to D1 moving up field on opposite wing. D1 can carry over midfield or look to M2. M3 must come back to be onside should D1 carry across midfield. M2 M3 M1 M2 M3 M1 D2 A3 A2 A1 D1 D3 RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides G *

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides 4 Across Clear (43) A1 Ball starts with midfielder or goalie behind the goal. Middie option is to run ball upfield. If attack jumps to double, then pass to defenseman. Far side defenseman may be open early, middie needs to look. A3 A2 M1 M3 M1 M2 D2 A1 A2 M3 A2 D3 D1 M2 RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides G *

RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides Ball starts with goalie behind the goal. 2 Defense stack at restraining line. Goalie calls clear and defense split toward wing lines. Attack 2 and Attack 3 must stay with D2and D3 on split. Attack 1 pressures the goalie to pass to one of the wing defensemen, D1. Attack 3 drops to pick up D1 heading upfield. D1 throws pass to D2. M3 must be aware to stay onside should D2 clear across midfield. D2 looks for M1 or M2. M2 M3 M2 M1 M3 M1 D2 D3 A2 A3 A1 D1 RCL Players' Manual - Transition, Clears, Rides G *