How can lacrosse players improve their backdoor exits and drop-step defensive moves. What are the key components of effective triangle passing drills with backdoor cuts. How do professional players like Alex Woodall execute these techniques.
The Importance of Backdoor Techniques in Lacrosse
Backdoor techniques are crucial skills for lacrosse players to master, as they can create scoring opportunities and help maintain possession. These moves involve quick changes of direction and deceptive movements to evade defenders and find open space on the field.
One key backdoor technique is the backdoor exit, which allows a player to quickly move the ball away from pressure after winning a faceoff. Another important skill is the drop-step defensive exit, which helps players maintain possession while moving away from oncoming defenders.
Perfecting the Backdoor Exit with Alex Woodall
Alex Woodall, a professional lacrosse player for the MLL Philadelphia Barrage and NLL New York Riptide, demonstrates the proper execution of a backdoor exit:
- Clamp the ball quickly to win the faceoff
- Assume a tripod stance with eyes and nose over the ball
- Cock back the top wrist to secure the ball
- Swing the leg through to seal off the defender
- Add a fake by dragging the ball forward before exiting backdoor
This technique allows players to maintain control of the ball while creating space and evading defenders.
Mastering the Drop-Step Defensive Exit
The drop-step defensive exit is another essential skill for lacrosse players. Woodall breaks down this technique into four key steps:
- Win the clamp and assume the tripod stance
- Take a big drop step with the left leg, using the stick as a kickstand
- Exit backward by dragging the ball to the left foot and popping it up between the shoulders
- Swing the back leg through to seal off the defender
This move allows players to maintain possession while moving away from pressure, creating opportunities for successful passes or advancing up the field.
Implementing Triangle Passing Drills with Backdoor Cuts
Triangle passing drills incorporating backdoor cuts are excellent for developing players’ overall lacrosse skills. These drills focus on moving without the ball, leading passes, and catching and throwing on the run.
Setting Up the Drill
- Arrange three cones in a triangle formation, 10-20 yards apart
- Line up players behind one cone
- Mix offensive and defensive players to ensure well-rounded skill development
When executed correctly, this drill improves players’ ability to read the field, make quick decisions, and execute precise passes and catches.
Key Components of Effective Backdoor Cuts
Backdoor cuts are essential for creating scoring opportunities and maintaining offensive flow. Players should focus on the following elements when executing backdoor cuts:
- Timing: Coordinate cuts with teammates and ball movement
- Deception: Use head and body fakes to mislead defenders
- Acceleration: Quickly change speeds to create separation
- Spatial awareness: Identify open areas on the field
By mastering these components, players can significantly improve their effectiveness in executing backdoor cuts and creating scoring chances.
Enhancing Stick Skills Through Backdoor Drills
Backdoor drills not only improve players’ movement and field awareness but also enhance their stick skills. Here are some ways these drills contribute to overall skill development:
- Catching on the move: Players must receive passes while in motion
- Quick releases: Emphasizes rapid ball movement and precise passing
- Ambidexterity: Encourages using both hands for catching and throwing
- Soft hands: Develops the ability to cushion passes and maintain control
Regularly incorporating backdoor drills into practice sessions can lead to significant improvements in players’ overall lacrosse skills.
Adapting Backdoor Techniques for Different Positions
While backdoor techniques are often associated with offensive players, they can be adapted and utilized by players in various positions:
Attackmen
Attackmen can use backdoor cuts to create scoring opportunities near the goal, exploiting gaps in the defense and receiving quick passes from teammates.
Midfielders
Midfielders can employ backdoor movements to transition from defense to offense, finding open spaces to receive outlet passes and initiate fast breaks.
Defensemen
Defensemen can utilize backdoor principles when clearing the ball, using deceptive movements to evade offensive pressure and make successful outlet passes.
Goalies
Goalies can incorporate backdoor concepts into their clearing game, using quick changes of direction to find open teammates and initiate offensive possessions.
Incorporating Backdoor Techniques into Game Strategies
To maximize the effectiveness of backdoor techniques in game situations, coaches and players should consider the following strategies:
- Set plays: Design offensive sets that incorporate backdoor cuts to create scoring opportunities
- Transition game: Use backdoor movements to exploit defensive mismatches during fast breaks
- Clearing strategies: Implement backdoor principles in clearing patterns to beat offensive rides
- Man-up situations: Utilize backdoor cuts to create openings in zone defenses during power plays
By integrating these techniques into various game scenarios, teams can gain a competitive edge and improve their overall performance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Backdoor Lacrosse Techniques
As players work to master backdoor lacrosse techniques, they should be aware of common mistakes that can hinder their effectiveness:
- Telegraphing movements: Giving away intentions through obvious body language or eye contact
- Poor timing: Cutting too early or too late, missing opportunities for open passes
- Lack of deception: Failing to use fakes or changes of speed to mislead defenders
- Improper stick positioning: Holding the stick in a way that makes it difficult to receive passes quickly
- Neglecting off-ball movement: Staying stationary when not in possession, making it easier for defenders to anticipate cuts
By addressing these common errors, players can significantly improve their execution of backdoor techniques and overall effectiveness on the field.
Advanced Backdoor Strategies for Experienced Players
As players become more proficient in basic backdoor techniques, they can incorporate advanced strategies to further elevate their game:
Multiple Cuts
Experienced players can chain together a series of cuts, using initial movements to set up more effective backdoor opportunities.
Coordinated Team Movements
Advanced teams can synchronize multiple backdoor cuts to create confusion in the defense and open up scoring lanes.
Backdoor Picks
Combining backdoor cuts with off-ball picks can create mismatches and free up teammates for high-percentage shots.
Delayed Backdoor Cuts
Players can use hesitation moves or delayed cuts to throw off defensive timing and create unexpected openings.
By mastering these advanced strategies, experienced players can take their backdoor game to the next level and become even more dangerous on the field.
The Role of Conditioning in Executing Backdoor Techniques
Effective execution of backdoor techniques requires not only skill but also proper conditioning. Players should focus on developing the following physical attributes:
- Agility: The ability to change direction quickly and smoothly
- Acceleration: Rapid increases in speed over short distances
- Endurance: Sustained energy to maintain effectiveness throughout the game
- Core strength: Stability and power for explosive movements
- Flexibility: Range of motion for executing cuts and dodges
Incorporating specific conditioning exercises that target these areas can significantly improve a player’s ability to execute backdoor techniques consistently and effectively throughout a game.
Mental Aspects of Mastering Backdoor Lacrosse
While physical skills are crucial, the mental aspects of backdoor lacrosse techniques are equally important. Players should focus on developing the following mental skills:
- Field vision: The ability to read and anticipate defensive movements
- Decision-making: Quick thinking to choose the most effective backdoor option
- Confidence: Trust in one’s ability to execute moves under pressure
- Adaptability: The capacity to adjust techniques based on defensive reactions
- Focus: Maintaining concentration throughout the game to identify backdoor opportunities
By honing these mental skills alongside physical techniques, players can become more effective and consistent in their backdoor lacrosse game.
Utilizing Technology to Improve Backdoor Lacrosse Skills
In today’s digital age, players and coaches can leverage technology to enhance their backdoor lacrosse skills:
Video Analysis
Using slow-motion video replay, players can study their technique and identify areas for improvement in their backdoor movements.
Virtual Reality Training
VR simulations can provide immersive practice environments for players to work on their decision-making and spatial awareness in backdoor situations.
Mobile Apps
Specialized lacrosse training apps can offer drills, tutorials, and tracking tools to help players develop their backdoor skills.
Wearable Technology
Sensors and tracking devices can provide data on player movements, helping to optimize backdoor cut timing and efficiency.
By incorporating these technological tools into their training regimen, players can gain valuable insights and accelerate their skill development in backdoor lacrosse techniques.
Adapting Backdoor Techniques for Different Levels of Play
Backdoor lacrosse techniques can be adapted to suit various levels of play, from youth leagues to professional competitions:
Youth Lacrosse
Focus on basic movements and spatial awareness, using simplified drills to introduce backdoor concepts.
High School
Incorporate more complex backdoor strategies and emphasize the importance of timing and coordination with teammates.
College
Implement advanced backdoor techniques within sophisticated offensive systems, focusing on quick decision-making and execution.
Professional
Utilize highly refined backdoor movements, often combined with other elite-level skills to create scoring opportunities against top-tier defenses.
By tailoring backdoor techniques to the appropriate skill level, coaches can ensure players develop a solid foundation and continue to progress throughout their lacrosse careers.
The Future of Backdoor Lacrosse Techniques
As the sport of lacrosse continues to evolve, so too will backdoor techniques. Some potential developments in this area include:
- Integration with data analytics to optimize backdoor play calling and execution
- Development of new stick technologies that enhance ball control during backdoor movements
- Increased emphasis on backdoor techniques in defensive strategies
- Evolution of rules that may impact the effectiveness of certain backdoor moves
Players and coaches who stay ahead of these trends and continue to innovate in their approach to backdoor lacrosse will have a competitive advantage as the sport progresses.
Conclusion: The Impact of Mastering Backdoor Lacrosse Techniques
Mastering backdoor lacrosse techniques can significantly elevate a player’s game and contribute to team success. By focusing on proper execution, consistent practice, and continuous improvement, players can develop these skills into powerful weapons on the field.
From the foundational backdoor exit demonstrated by Alex Woodall to advanced strategies employed at the highest levels of play, backdoor techniques offer a wealth of opportunities for creating scoring chances and maintaining possession. As players progress in their lacrosse careers, the ability to effectively use backdoor movements will become increasingly valuable, setting apart those who have honed these skills from their competitors.
Whether you’re a beginner just learning the basics or an experienced player looking to refine your technique, investing time and effort into mastering backdoor lacrosse skills will undoubtedly pay dividends in your overall performance and contribution to your team’s success.
Master the Backdoor Exit, Drop-Step Defensive Exit with Alex Woodall
Master the Backdoor Exit, Drop-Step Defensive Exit with Alex Woodall | USA Lacrosse Magazine
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Master the Backdoor Exit, Drop-Step Defensive Exit with Alex Woodall
Fri Jul 24 2020 | Matt DaSilva | Pro
MLL
PHOTO BY MASON PERRICONE
This article appears in the July/August edition of US Lacrosse Magazine, a digital-only publication available exclusively to US Lacrosse members. Join or renew today for access to this 96-page edition, which includes immersive and interactive features as well as video tips from professional players. Thank you for your support!
Virtual training is all the rage these days. Whether through Zoom, YouTube or Instagram, the resources to connect players and coaches despite their physical separation have surged. US Lacrosse even established a digital emporium, Lax at Home, loaded with drills, at-home workouts, stick-skill exercises, e-learning and development opportunities to keep members active and connected during the pandemic.
For more than a decade, US Lacrosse Magazine has provided the platform for some of the sport’s top players to share tricks of the trade. We went next level for this digital-only edition. Seven elite professional and U.S. national team players put on a clinic for our cameras at US Lacrosse’s Tierney Field in Sparks, Md. These next several pages are chock full of tips and drills for youth and high school players, including embedded videos.
We are here to help you get ready to get back on the field. For more ways to train on your own, visit uslacrosse.org/lax-at-home. Next up in our digital-edition how-to series is Alex Woodall.
Note: Faceoff rules vary by level of play and not all of these tips will be legal at every level.
Alex Woodall
Towson ’19 / MLL Philadelphia Barrage / NLL New York Riptide
Backdoor Exit
com/video/439346613″>
1. Clamp the ball
Winning the faceoff starts with a quick clamp.
2. Get to tripod stance
Stand up and lift the butt end of your stick with your eye and nose over the ball. This is a triple-threat position from which you can exit forward, backward or backdoor.
3. Cock back top wrist
This will keep the ball nestled in the back of your stick.
4. Swing leg through
Seal off the defender.
5. Add a fake
Drag the ball forward to lure the defender in that direction before exiting backdoor.
Drop-Step Defensive Exit
1. Assume the position
As with any exit, you must first win the clamp, get to your feet and form the tripod stance.
2. Drop step
With your left leg, take a big drop step, using your stick like a kickstand.
3. Exit backward
Drag the ball straight to your left foot and pop it up between your shoulders.
4. Swing your back leg through
Seal off the defender by keeping your back to him
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Triangle Passing Drill: Backdoor Cuts
/in Passing and Catching Drills, Practice Drills & Games /by Ryan Wallace
This simple variation of the classic Triangle Passing Drill is a great way to get your players’ heads up and feet moving. “Backdoor Cuts” are a simple move every player needs to know to get open for a pass. This drill works on moving without the ball, leading passes, and catching and throwing on the run.
Like the basic Triangle Passing Drill, this variation is easy to set up and doesn’t require much space on the field. A “Backdoor Cut” (or “Back Cut”) is just the opposite of a “V-Cut”- one more easy way to get open to get the ball.
THE DRILL:
Figure 1. Set up 3 cones in a triangle. The cones should be roughly 10 to 20 yards apart from each other. You can shrink the distance if necessary, depending on your players’ stick skills.
Put all of your players in a line behind one of the three cones. Be sure to mix offensive and defensive players together. Everybody on your team needs to be able to run, catch, and throw with both hands.
If you have more than 20 players at practice, create multiple sets of cones to ensure your players get the maximum repetitions in your drills. There’s no reason your players should come to practice to stand around waiting in line.
PRACTICE TIPS:
- Switch directions halfway through the drill- move the ball clockwise, catching left-handed and throwing left-handed.
- Time Your Drills for your players’ age and attention span. Move on to something else once a drill or game becomes unproductive.
- Move towards the ball– “Attack the pass in the air.” Move towards the passer to shorten the distance and stay in front of the Defense.
- Stick in the outside hand– Beginning players need to practice both hands equally. Keep the stick protected, away from the defender.
- Challenge your players- add a second ball into the drill to keep things moving quickly and keep your players focused.
VARIATIONS:
- Add a defensive player at each cone. Make the Backdoor cuts and V-Cuts actually work against light coverage.
- Put the cones closer together for Quick Stick passing and even more reps. Try 5 or 10 yards apart.
- Ground balls– Get your players used to picking up ground balls and passing at lightning speed.
- Dodges– Use this same setup to practice the Roll Dodge, Split Dodge, etc. Make your move then move the ball quickly.
