Lacrosse is a physical sport, with players using speed and power to gain an edge on both offense and defense. However, to win faceoffs, brute strength can sometimes take a back seat to experience and smarts. There are many ways to win a faceoff, and fundamentals like positioning and timing play an important role in some of the most effective ways to beat your opponent.
Stand Tall
Set up properly every time. The correct stance is one of the most important elements of a face off. Simply by setting up properly every time, you have an advantage over opponents that set up sloppily. Line up as close to the ball as you can, keep the weight off your hands, and place your hands on the stick the same way every time.
Read The Wrist
Read your opponent. Similar to hockey faceoffs, a lot can be gained from reading body tendencies and body language. Since you will faceoff against the same player numerous times over the course of a game, reading your opponent can be key. Check for the left wrist position. If it is off the ground, he will most likely punch at the ball with his stick.
Back At It
Counter your opponent's actions. If your opponent goes into her bag of tricks and clamps the ball, use your jump move and punch directly at the ball with your stick. This can jar the ball free and give possession to your team.
Stick Type
Choose the right stick shape. Some lacrosse players prefer offset sticks, where the basket is set back a touch from the shaft. However, for winning faceoffs, a straight-on head allows you to get more of your stick closer to the ball from the start. Offset comes in handy for employing faceoff moves like the clamp or jump.
Stiffness
Employ the correct stick flex. Good faceoff winners prefer stiff heads -- as opposed to very flexible heads -- because these sticks provide stability through one of the roughest areas of the sport.
Anticipate
Anticipate a go-to move. While reading body language is important, being able to anticipate a go-to move is even more critical. The three major face off moves -- clamp, jump and punch -- can all work in various situations. Anticipating that one is coming gives you the upper hand.
Trash Talk
Talk a lot of trash. One way to win face offs effectively is to get inside your opponent's head. Trash talk his lacrosse ability or his faceoff moves. If anything can distract your opponent from his game, use it. This technique will distract him from the task at hand and even a small mishap could lead to an easy faceoff win.
Tie Up
Add some left hand action. If you both choose the same move, like the clamp, add more left hand action. This will dislodge the sticks and jar the ball free.
Member Comments