At any given point a lacrosse team plays with six position players on the field, not including a goalie. Although it bears some similarities to football and soccer, the reduced personnel participating at one time on the field has caused lacrosse to develop offensive and defensive strategies separate from those used in other field sports, which feature as many as 11 players on the field. The 3-3 defense is a zone defense used in settled situations, which are points of the game where an offense is not making a fast break toward the basket. The 3-3 is also one of the simplest defenses used, making it easy to learn and implement, even with young players.
Step 1
Divide the space on the defensive half of the field into six zones. These zones will run three long across the width of the field and feature two rows of defenders standing between an offensive attack and the goal. Assign one player to each of these six zones.
Step 2
Place one defender a few yards out, and directly in front of, the goalie. You don't want to put the defender too close or his body will obstruct the goalie's view, but having a defender in this position will help force opponents to either the left or right. This will make it easier for the goalie to defend, since attacks from the non-ball side will be tougher to set up.
Step 3
Instruct your players to operate within their zones. If one player leaves their zone, it will create an imbalance in the defense that the offense could exploit. Typically, if no offensive players are in or near your zone, it is easier for a zone player -- particularly ones at the outer edges -- to drift in and provide defensive help in other zones, but these players need to be aware of their own zone and ready to pop back and provide defense if an offensive player tries to attack from their territory.
Step 4
Instruct the players to reduce the size of their zones, effectively bringing defenders in closer to the goal, if you are struggling with penetration by the offense. The more congested the area around the goal is, the harder it will be for the opponent to get good, clear shots on the goal.
References
- "Lacrosse: Technique and Tradition"; David G. Pietramala, et al.; 2006
- iSport: Lacrosse Field Dimensions
Member Comments