In lacrosse, offensive spacing refers to the positioning of players on offense. Winning teams employ effective spacing in the offensive end, keeping players far enough apart to create passing lanes and scoring opportunities but still close enough to offer support. Teams can practice a few simple drills to improve their offensive spacing.
Square Drill
For this drill, position four cones about 10 yards apart on the field in the shape of a square. Station one player at three of the cones, leaving one cone open. The players must always remain adjacent to the ball, meaning the ball is in the cone next to them. So if player 1 passes to his right to player 2, player 3 must hustle to the cone on the other side of player 2 to stay in the correct position. The square drill teaches players to stay active and work for proper spacing.
Good Guys
This drill pits good guys against bad guys. Players form five lines. The first player in lines one, three and five are the good guys, while the first players in lines two and four are bad guys. On the whistle, the coach flings a ball downfield and the good guys and bad guys must race to retrieve it. To win the drill, players must complete a successful pass to each member of their respective team. While the drill may seem like it will create a mad scrum for the ball, players soon realize they need proper spacing if they want to complete the required passes.
Seven Lines
The coach starts this drill with four lines of attackers and three lines of defenders positioned at midfield. On the whistle, the coach passes the ball to one of the first attackers in line. The first three defenders in line must race into position to guard the net, while the first four attackers attempt to move the ball quickly and efficiently into scoring position. The attackers must use proper spacing to take full advantage of the extra man and get a quality shot on goal. After a shot is taken, the seven players race off field and get in the back of the lines.
Six-on-Six
A half-field drill, six-on-six has the offensive players working the ball around the box to create cutting lanes and potential scoring chances while the six defenders attempt to guard the goal. To mix things up, the coach can assign each defender a number before the drill starts. Then, when the six-on-six starts to bog down, the coach calls out a number and the corresponding defender leaves the field, creating a six-on-five advantage for the offense. The attackers should focus on proper spacing and working the ball to the open man for a quality shot.
References
- Lax Lessons; 7 Lines; September 2010
- Lacrosse Magazine; Finding Space: Teaching Youth Players (or World Team Players) the Secret of the Game Part II: Translating Finding Space to Your Offense; Kevin Sheehan
- Lacrosse Magazine; Finding Space: Teaching Youth Players (or World Team Players) the Secret of the Game; Kevin Sheehan
- How to Play Lax: Advance Lacrosse Team Drills
- Amherst Lacrosse Club: Progressive Training Drills
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