How can lacrosse players improve their dodging skills. What are the most effective dodging techniques in lacrosse. Why is dodging crucial for offensive success in lacrosse. Which dodging methods create the most separation from defenders.
The Importance of Dodging in Lacrosse
Dodging is a fundamental skill in lacrosse that can make or break a player’s offensive capabilities. It combines athleticism, stick work, and footwork to create space and opportunities on the field. Unlike predetermined moves, effective dodging requires players to “read” the defense and adapt accordingly.
The primary goal of an offensive player is to move towards the goal, traveling north and south on the field. Conversely, defensive players aim to push the offense in an east-west direction, forcing them away from scoring opportunities. Mastering dodging techniques allows attackers to maintain their goal-oriented trajectory while evading defenders.
Five Essential Lacrosse Dodges Every Player Should Know
To become a proficient dodger, players should focus on mastering these five fundamental techniques:
- Change of Speed Dodge
- Split Dodge
- Stutter-Step Dodge
- Drive, Bounce and Re-Drive Dodge
- Roll at the “X” Dodge
Each of these dodges serves a specific purpose and can be used in various game situations to gain an advantage over defenders.
Perfecting the Change of Speed Dodge
The Change of Speed Dodge is a deceptively simple yet highly effective technique that relies on varying your pace to throw off defenders. This dodge is executed in three distinct segments:
- Jog
- Slow down
- Sprint
To visualize this in terms of effort, think of it as a percentage of full sprint speed:
- Start at around 50% speed
- Slow down to 30%
- Burst to 100%
The key to success with this dodge lies in the timing of your speed changes. When executed correctly, it can create significant separation and opportunities to get your hands free for a pass or shot.
Tips for Executing the Change of Speed Dodge
- Practice varying your speeds to find the most effective combination
- Focus on smooth transitions between speeds
- Use this dodge when you have open field in front of you
- Combine with other dodges for more complex maneuvers
Mastering the Split Dodge and Stutter-Step Dodge
The Split Dodge and Stutter-Step Dodge are often grouped together due to their similarities in execution. The main difference lies in the hand you start with and whether you switch hands during the dodge.
Split Dodge Technique
In a Split Dodge, you start with one hand (e.g., left) and switch to the other (right) during the dodge. This change of direction and hand position can confuse defenders and create openings.
Stutter-Step Dodge Technique
The Stutter-Step Dodge involves starting and finishing with the same hand but incorporating a quick change of direction and speed. This dodge is particularly effective when you want to maintain your current hand position while still creating separation.
For both dodges, the key element is the change of speed just before changing direction. Slowing down momentarily allows for better balance control, which in turn enables a more explosive first step coming out of the dodge.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Executing the dodge too far from the defender, reducing its effectiveness
- Attempting the dodge too close to the defender, risking a collision or loss of possession
- Failing to slow down before changing direction, which can lead to poor balance
- Not protecting the stick during the hand switch (for Split Dodge)
The Drive, Bounce and Re-Drive Dodge: A Versatile Offensive Tool
The Drive, Bounce and Re-Drive Dodge is a highly versatile technique that should be in every offensive player’s arsenal. This dodge is particularly effective because it provides a moment to assess the defensive situation and make composed decisions.
Steps to Execute the Drive, Bounce and Re-Drive Dodge
- Drive towards the defender
- Bounce away from pressure
- Lift your head and hands to survey the field
- Protect your stick
- Re-drive or choose another action based on the defensive response
The beauty of this dodge lies in its flexibility. After the bounce, you have several options:
- Continue to re-drive
- Change direction into a split dodge
- Feed the ball to a teammate
- Take a shot if an opportunity presents itself
By incorporating this dodge into your gameplay, you create numerous decision-making opportunities without sacrificing field position or momentum.
Executing the Roll at the “X” Dodge
The Roll at the “X” Dodge is a powerful technique used when attacking from behind the goal. This dodge requires a combination of deception and quick stick protection to be effective.
Key Elements of the Roll at the “X” Dodge
- Start by driving as if you intend to continue around the goal
- Look upfield, simulating a potential feed to a teammate
- Execute a quick roll, changing direction
- Prioritize stick protection during and after the roll
One common mistake in this dodge is changing hands and leaving the stick behind after the roll. To avoid this, focus on “leading with your stick,” keeping it in front of your body as you change direction.
When to Use the Roll at the “X” Dodge
This dodge is particularly effective in these situations:
- When operating from behind the goal
- To create shooting opportunities from close range
- To set up quick passes to cutting teammates
- When the defender overcommits to one side
The Hitch and Drive Dodge: Creating Instant Separation
The Hitch and Drive Dodge is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to create separation from a defender. Its power lies in its simplicity and the element of surprise it introduces.
Executing the Hitch and Drive Dodge
- Approach the defender with body language suggesting a continued drive
- Suddenly plant your foot and pause (the “hitch”)
- Explode into a new direction or continue your drive with increased speed
The key to this dodge is selling the initial direction with convincing body language, then using the brief pause to throw off the defender’s timing and balance.
Advantages of the Hitch and Drive Dodge
- Creates quick separation in tight spaces
- Can be used effectively both with and without the ball
- Easily combined with other dodges for more complex maneuvers
- Effective against both on-ball and off-ball defenders
Developing Dodging Skills: Practice Techniques and Drills
Improving your dodging skills requires consistent practice and a focus on proper technique. Here are some drills and practice methods to enhance your dodging abilities:
1. Mirror Drills
Work with a partner, mirroring each other’s movements to improve footwork and reaction time. This drill helps develop the quick changes of direction essential for effective dodging.
2. Cone Drills
Set up a series of cones and practice different dodges around them. This helps improve your spatial awareness and ability to execute dodges in tight spaces.
3. Full-Speed Repetitions
Practice each dodge at full game speed against a passive defender. This helps build muscle memory and improves your ability to execute dodges under pressure.
4. Combination Drills
String together multiple dodges in sequence to create more complex movements. This mimics real game situations where a single dodge may not be sufficient.
5. Reaction Drills
Have a coach or teammate call out different dodges randomly, forcing you to react and execute quickly. This improves your decision-making skills and ability to read defensive positioning.
Remember, the key to mastering lacrosse dodges is consistent practice and a focus on proper technique. As you become more comfortable with these fundamental dodges, you’ll be able to combine them and create your own variations to keep defenders guessing.
Integrating Dodges into Team Offense
While individual dodging skills are crucial, it’s equally important to understand how these techniques fit into the larger context of team offense. Here’s how to effectively integrate dodging into your team’s offensive strategy:
Creating Space for Teammates
Dodging isn’t always about creating a scoring opportunity for yourself. Often, a well-executed dodge can draw defenders and create space for your teammates to operate. Practice dodging with the intention of setting up assists or creating off-ball opportunities for others.
Timing Your Dodges
Coordinate your dodges with your teammates’ movements. A perfectly timed dodge can coincide with a teammate’s cut, creating a prime scoring chance. Communication and awareness of your teammates’ positions are key to maximizing the effectiveness of your dodges.
Dodging from Different Field Positions
Different areas of the field call for different dodging techniques. Practice dodging from various positions:
- Behind the goal (using the Roll at the “X” Dodge)
- From the wings (employing Split Dodges or Change of Speed Dodges)
- Top of the box (utilizing Hitch and Drive or Stutter-Step Dodges)
Understanding which dodges work best from different field positions will make you a more versatile and unpredictable offensive threat.
Reading the Defense
Effective dodging isn’t just about executing the technique; it’s about choosing the right dodge for the situation. Learn to read defensive positioning and tendencies. Does the defender overcommit to one side? Are they giving you space or playing tight? Adjust your dodging strategy based on these observations.
Advanced Dodging Concepts: Building on the Basics
Once you’ve mastered the fundamental dodges, it’s time to explore more advanced concepts that can take your game to the next level:
Combining Dodges
String together multiple dodges to create more complex and unpredictable movements. For example, start with a Split Dodge, followed by a quick Hitch and Drive. These combinations can keep defenders off-balance and create even more separation.
Using Dodges to Set Up Shots
Practice transitioning smoothly from your dodge directly into your shooting motion. The quicker you can go from creating separation to releasing a shot, the less time the defense has to recover.
Dodging Against Different Defensive Strategies
Adapt your dodging techniques based on the defensive strategy you’re facing:
- Against a close-marking defender, focus on quick changes of direction and speed
- When facing a zone defense, use dodges to draw multiple defenders and create passing lanes
- Against a sliding defense, time your dodges to exploit gaps in the defensive rotation
Developing a Signature Move
While it’s important to have a diverse set of dodges, developing a signature move can make you even more dangerous. This could be a unique combination of dodges or a particularly well-executed standard dodge that becomes your go-to move in crucial situations.
Remember, the key to advanced dodging is not just executing the moves perfectly, but knowing when and how to use them effectively within the flow of the game. Continual practice and game experience will help you develop the instincts needed to make split-second decisions on which dodge to use in any given situation.
As you continue to refine your dodging skills, you’ll find that these techniques become an integral part of your overall lacrosse game. They’ll not only help you create scoring opportunities for yourself but also open up possibilities for your teammates, making you a more valuable player on the field. Keep practicing, stay creative, and never stop looking for ways to improve your dodging ability.
5 Types of Lacrosse Dodges by Hustle Training
The way you move with the ball on the lacrosse field is integral to your playmaking ability. If you can get past a defender and make room for yourself to execute an accurate pass or get a clear shot off, it could be the difference between an empty possession and a momentum-swaying goal. One way to gain space and room from opposing defenders is by dodging.
Dodging combines athleticism, stick work and footwork. Dodging is not about making preconceived moves but, instead, “reading” the defense and adjusting in order to gain an advantage. An offensive player’s job on the field is to go to goal; this means traveling north and south on the field. Defensive players want to push the offense off course, in an east-west direction, which forces them away from goal.
Just like a killer crossover in basketball, a lacrosse dodge can make defenders miss and open up all sorts of offensive options. But before players can be ready to roll out with three and four-move combos, it’s important for them to master these five fundamental dodges.
Teaching Youth Lacrosse Players How to Dodge
To effectively execute dodges, the attacker needs to recognize how much time and space they need for their footwork and stick work. Newer players need lots of feedback because they are more likely to attempt a dodge too far away or too close to a defender. If they attempt to dodge too far away from their defender, they will not eliminate their opponent. If they execute the dodge too close to the defender, they may actually lose possession by checking themselves as they collide with their defender or pull their stick into their opponent’s stick.
Change of Speed Dodge
With a change of speed dodge, we’re going to strictly focus on just that – changing speeds – so we’ll not be changing direction here. In this drill, the pattern that we’re using is broken up into three segments. We’re going to jog, slow down, and then sprint.
The other way to think about this would be from a percentage of full sprint. So if we want to finish in a full sprint at 100% we might come into this dodge around 50 slow down to 30 and then burst to a hundred and we can try many different variations of that. And all it takes is slowing down and speeding back up. And if you time it correctly, it can be very effective. And creating separation and opportunities to get your hands free.
Split Dodge and Stutter-Step Dodge
For this drill, we’re going to group a split dodge with a stutter-step dodge. The only difference we’re going to see here is in one case we go from right hand and stay righty and the other case we go from left hand and split to righty. Regardless of what hand we end up starting in for this drill, we want to focus on the change of speed the moment before we change direction. By slowing down, we allow ourselves to be in better control of our balance.
Therefore, giving us the opportunity to have a better first step. So the first step coming off the change of direction is typically the one that can be most important in creating separation.
Drive, Bounce and Re-Drive Dodge
Drive, bounce and re-drive is a Dodge that all offensive players should utilize very, very often. The reason that this Dodge is so effective is because the moment that we bounce away from pressure gives us a moment to both read the situation and then make our next decision with more composure. So every single time we bounce, we might have the opportunity to split our defender, but by continuing to re-drive, we don’t lose anything. And we only gain the opportunity to make a decision in that moment, whether it’s re-drive, changing direction into a split, or potentially even just feeding or shooting, are all different options that we want to be able to assess in those bounce moments.
So notice that as we bounce away from the pressure, we pick our head and hands up and then we protect our stick for the re-drive portion of this drill.
Roll at the “X” Dodge
For this Dodge, we’re going to drive and roll from behind the cage or “X”. The start of this move is predicated upon attacking as if we want to continue before we roll. In addition to this, we also want to look up field as if we’re looking to feed right before we use the roll Dodge. For the technique of the roll Dodge itself. We want to prioritize stick protection. So after we roll, one of the more common mistakes is changing hands and leaving our stick behind us. So we want to do our best to do what’s called lead with our stick, which means keeping our stick out in front of our body after we change direction.
Hitch and Drive Dodge
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The hitch and drive is one of the most effective ways to create separation from our defender. And it’s also very, very simple to use. What we want to do is have body language as if we’re about to take a shot, and then at the last second we change our mind, and in this case we’re going to drive straight forward. So as we set up this hitch and drive, it’s important to note that our eyes are on the target and not necessarily the defender. This emulates the body language of shooting technique and allows us to sell the shot a little bit more effectively.
Common Dodging Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Mistake: The ball is dropped when performing the face dodge.
Solution: Be sure the top hand is relaxed as the player pulls across their face. Check that both arms are moving together when the stick is pulled to the opposite side of the body.
Mistake: The defender checks the ball out of the stick.
Solution: During a roll dodge, make sure that the player steps around, not just beside, their opponent. Make sure the body is between the defender and the stick at all times to maximize stick protection. Make sure the player accelerates after the dodge and seals off their opponent leading with their stick.
Want more Fundamentals of Lacrosse?
Here are Five Basic Lacrosse Shots to Improve Your Attack Skills
The Best Wall Ball Drills for Youth Lacrosse Players
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Rat doto or how to split
Rat doto best doto.
I propose to consider such a moment of the macro game as a split, everyone knows about it, but not everyone uses it, but in vain, because mastering this aspect allows you to win games solo.
First, let’s look at what it is, from English split-divide, divide.
Perhaps the whole point lies in these words, the heroes disperse across the map, looking for places free from the enemy, and begin to push the lines in opposite directions.
Split push can be divided into 2 categories:
First – to distract attention, with this option we force the enemy heroes to move in the direction we need, waste teleports, time, and at the same time buy time for our allies, who get space to farm. This option is used when your team has mobile characters, but they cannot break quickly, or the enemy has a hero like Lion, when playing against which the risk of dying constantly increases as you approach the enemy base. Often this option is used by the Vega squadron team, the guys pick mobile heroes, delay time with ganks and splits, and having received the necessary artifacts, they already go to fight.
Secondly – you can split in order to demolish the enemy base, most often this option is used if it is impossible to win by fighting because the enemy has a corny better pick, or you have a frankly bad team, in such scenarios you should rely only on splitpush or a miracle, but the option that the first one will work is much higher.
With this option, it is important to buy time for the guy who is busy demolishing buildings, for this the team can get into a fight, or start pushing the opposite lane, sometimes it’s enough just to knock down the enemy tp. This variant was very clearly demonstrated by the notorious Alliance at Inter 2013.
What do you need for a quality split?
To begin with, understanding the situation on the map, you must constantly imagine the approximate location of the enemy. Of course, wards will help us with this. If there are no wards, then your allies can personally check where the enemy heroes are.
You also need a mobile hero, Antimage, Natures Prophet, Ember Spirit, QOP, Invoker, Wisp+1 are the best. However, a hero who bought Blink Dagger, but who has the ability to quickly kill creeps, the best option here would be Shadow Fiend. Also, don’t forget about Broodmother, this hero is literally made for split, so if your team needs time, this hero will give it plenty. And, perhaps, it is worth remembering Lone Druid, this character does not have the ability to quickly leave, however, he breaks buildings very quickly and does not come close to the enemy base, which makes it possible to escape in time, I remind you that Lone Druid’s battle cry ability gives a bonus to damage for ALL summoned creatures, that is, Necronomicon will also receive additional.
damage, thanks to which you can instantly drop towers and barracks.
You should always be aware that it’s not uncommon for the enemy team to also move quickly around the map and you don’t need to be greedy during the split so that the creeps begin to actively move in the opposite direction, it’s enough to kill one pack, thereby creating a difference in numbers and relaxing .
In addition, you need to constantly control the lanes, because if split-pushing is your only option to win, then 2 lanes pushed in your direction will be enough for the enemy to go on the third and impose a fight on you.
How do you know where to go when you can show up on the line?
Perhaps the whole difficulty lies precisely in this. As much information as possible will help us in answering both of these questions.
When to push?: a) It is necessary to control the presence of TPs on dangerous heroes. It is clear that the potential Crystal Maiden will not be able to defend the base from Antimage.
If we know for sure that the enemy cows do not have TP, then we are more likely to start breaking. If we see a calmly farming carry and a good half of his team, then again we start pushing in order to make the enemy move. b) We look at the map, if you don’t see heroes on the map that pose a danger to you and one of your teammates is not exposed to their gang, then most likely they left for you, which means it’s worth the wait. c) Fighting – if a battle broke out somewhere on the map and your presence there is not necessary, or you will not be able to get there, then rather, without wasting time, we go to push.
Which line? a) The one on which there are no enemies at the moment and they are out of reach b) Fluffy line, if a lot of creeps have accumulated on one of the lines and the risks of dying are minimal, then you need to go there. At the same time, you need to understand that such behavior is trite and easy to read, so if you do not see enemy heroes, you should know that there may be an enemy on this lane who is waiting for someone who will come to defend the tower.
c) It is always worth being where you are not expected. So, for example, if the opponent plays aggressively, and most of his heroes are on your half of the map, then it makes sense to go into the enemy jungle, and sometimes leaving there to kill creeps. An aggressive enemy rarely places wards in their jungle, which means we are not so easy to pick up from a blink. d) If possible, you need to choose a lane that is as far away from your allies as possible, so that even if you die, the enemy could not calmly start pushing, because somewhere on the top, your ally is already pushing in response.
What else can help us?
A smart split is easier to perform with a team and our team can help us in the following ways: a) Your team can start pushing, thereby forcing the enemy to spend TP, or force them to make a TP save by attacking the opponent’s core. b) Killing Roshan, here the enemy is forced to choose between two evils, either to defeat you, or to fight on Roshan. In any case, you will get a profit, it’s either easy Roshan or easy houses.
c) As I mentioned, allies can start pushing another lane.
If you are completely split-pushing, then you should think about the necessary artifacts. Of these, I would single out: a) Those that strengthen creeps, namely Ring of Basilius, Vladimir`s Offering, Assault Cuirass. b) Allow you to quickly kill enemy creeps, Battle Fury, Manta Style. c) Increase mobility or allow you to push without the intervention of the hero, these are Boots of Travel, Blink Dagger, Shadow Blade, Necronomicon, Manta Style here it is worth noting that Manta is an invaluable artifact in case of moving around the map, never neglect to use it and send illusions along the line , this will not only give time to go farm the neighboring forest, but also money, while we ourselves will be safe. d) They improve our survivability, this is again Manta Style, Linken`s Sphere, Black King Bar. e) The last type is artifacts that increase damage to buildings: Desolator, Assault Cuirass, Manta Style, Necronomicon.
Last item, enemy heroes.
When you take on a split, it is important to be aware of what kind of characters the enemy has and how dangerous they are for us, the worst enemies of split-pushers are heroes with an instant stun, a la Lion, Rubick. Playing against these characters is very difficult, because no reaction will save you from the Blink + Hex Combination, only your instinct and information. I would divide the opponent’s picks into 3 categories:
-Peaks without control, it’s a pleasure to play against such, you are free to do anything, the main thing is not to waste the escape and not to substitute.
-Peaks with control, but no instant disables, when playing against such picks, you need to be aware of the risks and it is advisable to always have an unused manta or something like that, because sometimes reactions to using blink, invis or something then in this spirit may not be enough.
-Picks with instant control, when you play against guys who are impossible to dodge from the stun, you must always control the map and think a few times before showing up in the lane with your own eyes, so it is advisable in moments when you cannot tell exactly where your opponent is , send summoned units along the line, illusions, and certainly not leave your half of the map.
In such situations, Linken`s Sphere helps out perfectly, so if you see such a situation, then be sure to collect Linken.
To sum up: if you have a mobile pick, then you need to use your advantage and drag slower opponents around the map. If you feel like you can’t win head-on, start splitting again, it’s quite possible that by doing so you will gain enough time or even space on the map due to broken barracks and this advantage will allow you to win. If my explanations were not enough, then I advise you to watch the game of the teams, Vega squadron and Alliance.
Some may find the game not very original, but the dynamics, the thrill of speed and the epic scenes of destruction leave no room for skepticism
This is not a harsh racing simulator in which you need to adjust the angle of attack of the rear spoiler to the millimeter. Split/Second (in Europe, the word Velocity is added to the name of the game) is also not a hybrid of a simulator with an arcade. The creation of Black Rock Studio is a concentrated action, not overshadowed by any additional “additives”. And it’s about destruction. The two words that best describe Split/Second are speed and chaos. The game is very simple in its essence, but in this case, the smaller the individual pieces, the stronger the construction.
The task is to get to the end of the season, and to do it in the most spectacular way possible.
Sometimes it’s much better to sit back, fill the scale to capacity, and then bring down on the rivals everything that the director sent. The main thing is to keep a distance and calculate the time, otherwise there is a risk of being imprinted in a falling crane “ordered” by oneself.
It was this kind of pastime that the crazy FlatOut series lacked.
