What are the most effective lacrosse defensive strategies. How can teams implement a strong house zone defense. Which schools produce the best lacrosse defensemen. Discover key tactics and top programs for lacrosse defense
Understanding the House Zone Defense in Lacrosse
The house zone defense is a fundamental strategy in lacrosse that provides a strong defensive framework. But what exactly is it and how does it work?
In a house zone defense, defenders are assigned to specific areas of the field rather than individual opposing players. The “house” refers to the area directly in front of the goal, typically extending out to about 12-15 yards. Defenders work together to protect this crucial scoring area while also being ready to extend out to challenge shooters.
Key elements of an effective house zone include:
- Clear communication between defenders
- Quick slides to provide help defense
- Proper positioning to clog passing and shooting lanes
- Efficient stick checks to disrupt offensive flow
When executed properly, the house zone can significantly limit an opponent’s scoring opportunities. It allows the defense to concentrate its efforts on protecting the most dangerous areas of the field while forcing the offense to take lower percentage shots from the perimeter.
Advantages of the House Zone Defense
Why do many lacrosse teams opt for a house zone defensive strategy? There are several key advantages:
- Simplifies defensive assignments, especially for less experienced players
- Provides strong protection of the goal area
- Allows for easier double-teaming of ball carriers
- Can be effective against both settled offense and fast breaks
- Reduces the impact of offensive picks and screens
While the house zone has its strengths, it’s important for teams to be versatile and able to adapt their defensive approach based on the specific opponent and game situation.
Mastering Man Down Defense in Lacrosse
Man down defense is a critical aspect of lacrosse that can often make the difference between winning and losing. But how can teams effectively defend when they’re at a numerical disadvantage?
The key to successful man down defense is a combination of proper positioning, communication, and aggressive but controlled play. Defenders must work together to clog passing lanes, force low-percentage shots, and look for opportunities to create turnovers.
Effective man down defensive strategies include:
- Utilizing a compact zone formation
- Quick rotations to cover open attackers
- Pressuring the ball carrier to force rushed decisions
- Anticipating and intercepting passes
- Smart use of double-teams in certain situations
Teams that excel at man down defense often practice specific drills to simulate these high-pressure scenarios. This preparation allows defenders to react instinctively and confidently when faced with man down situations in games.
Common Mistakes in Man Down Defense
Even experienced teams can struggle with man down defense if they fall into certain traps. Some common mistakes to avoid include:
- Over-committing to the ball and leaving shooters open
- Poor communication leading to defensive breakdowns
- Failing to recognize and adapt to the offense’s formation
- Becoming too passive and allowing the offense to dictate play
- Losing track of off-ball cutters and backdoor opportunities
By recognizing and addressing these potential pitfalls, teams can significantly improve their man down defensive performance.
Top Colleges for Producing Elite Lacrosse Defensemen
Certain college programs have developed reputations for consistently producing top-tier lacrosse defensemen. But which schools truly stand out in this regard?
While there’s room for debate, several programs have distinguished themselves as elite developers of defensive talent:
- Syracuse University
- University of Maryland
- Johns Hopkins University
- University of Virginia
- Duke University
These programs combine excellent coaching, top-notch facilities, and a culture of defensive excellence to attract and develop some of the best defensive prospects in the country.
What Makes These Programs Stand Out?
Several factors contribute to the success of these top defensive programs:
- Experienced coaching staffs with defensive expertise
- Emphasis on fundamental skills and techniques
- Competitive practice environments that push players to improve
- Strong strength and conditioning programs
- Opportunities to face elite offensive talent in practice and games
Players who come through these programs often leave with a comprehensive understanding of defensive strategies and the physical tools needed to succeed at the highest levels of lacrosse.
Essential Equipment for Lacrosse Defensemen
Having the right gear is crucial for lacrosse defensemen to perform at their best. But what equipment do top defenders rely on?
Key pieces of equipment for lacrosse defensemen include:
- A sturdy, legal defensive head (like the Maverik Tank 2.0 or STX X20)
- A durable shaft (such as the Maverik Wonderboy Defense or Warrior Burn XP Carbon)
- Protective gloves (like the STX Surgeon RZR or Maverik Max)
- Arm pads for additional protection (e.g. Nike Vapor Elite)
- A properly strung pocket for consistent checking and ball control
Investing in quality equipment can give defensemen the confidence and tools they need to dominate on the field.
Choosing the Right Defensive Head
The defensive head is perhaps the most important piece of equipment for a lacrosse defenseman. When selecting a head, consider factors such as:
- Stiffness and durability
- Weight and balance
- Face shape and sidewall design
- Stringing options and pocket consistency
- Legal specifications for your level of play
Popular options like the Maverik Tank 2.0 and STX X20 offer a blend of strength, control, and legal design that many top defensemen prefer.
Developing Key Skills for Lacrosse Defensemen
Becoming an elite lacrosse defenseman requires mastering a specific set of skills. But what are the most crucial abilities that top defenders need to develop?
Essential skills for lacrosse defensemen include:
- Footwork and body positioning
- Stick skills for checking and ball control
- Communication and field awareness
- Understanding of defensive schemes and rotations
- Physical strength and conditioning
Consistent practice and dedication to improving these fundamental skills can elevate a defenseman’s game to new heights.
Drills to Improve Defensive Skills
Targeted drills can help defensemen hone their skills and prepare for game situations. Some effective drills include:
- 1-on-1 takeaway drills to practice footwork and checking
- 3-on-2 and 4-on-3 drills to work on slides and rotations
- Wall ball routines to improve stick skills
- Agility ladder exercises for quicker feet
- Communication drills to enhance on-field awareness
Incorporating these drills into regular practice sessions can help defensemen develop the skills and instincts needed to excel on the field.
Analyzing Successful Defensive Strategies in College Lacrosse
College lacrosse teams employ a variety of defensive strategies to shut down opposing offenses. But which approaches have proven most effective at the highest levels of the game?
Some of the most successful defensive strategies in college lacrosse include:
- Aggressive man-to-man defense with well-timed slides
- Zone defenses that adapt to offensive formations
- Hybrid systems that combine man-to-man and zone principles
- Pressure defenses that force turnovers and disrupt offensive flow
- Strategic double-teaming of key offensive players
The most effective teams are often those that can seamlessly switch between different defensive looks to keep opponents off balance.
Case Study: University of Virginia’s Defensive Success
The University of Virginia’s men’s lacrosse team has consistently fielded one of the top defenses in college lacrosse. Their success can be attributed to several factors:
- A strong emphasis on fundamentals and individual defending skills
- Excellent communication and teamwork among defensive units
- Adaptive strategies that adjust to opponent tendencies
- Aggressive but disciplined play that limits fouls and man-down situations
- Integration of athletic midfielders into defensive schemes
By studying and adapting elements of successful programs like Virginia, other teams can work to elevate their own defensive performances.
The Evolution of Lacrosse Defense: Past, Present, and Future
Lacrosse defense has undergone significant changes over the years, adapting to new rules, equipment, and offensive strategies. But how has the position evolved, and what might the future hold?
Key developments in lacrosse defense include:
- Increased emphasis on athleticism and speed
- More sophisticated defensive schemes and rotations
- Adoption of analytics and video analysis for game planning
- Rule changes affecting defensive play and equipment
- Greater specialization of defensive roles
As the game continues to evolve, defensemen must adapt their skills and strategies to remain effective against increasingly dynamic offenses.
Emerging Trends in Lacrosse Defense
Looking to the future, several trends are likely to shape the development of lacrosse defense:
- Integration of technology for real-time analysis and coaching
- Increased focus on off-ball defending and team defense concepts
- Development of more versatile defensemen who can contribute offensively
- Continued emphasis on speed and agility in defensive recruiting
- Potential rule changes to balance offensive and defensive play
By staying ahead of these trends, coaches and players can position themselves for success in the evolving landscape of lacrosse defense.
As we’ve explored the various aspects of lacrosse defense, from fundamental strategies like the house zone to the equipment and skills needed for success, it’s clear that this crucial aspect of the game requires a combination of physical ability, mental acuity, and strategic thinking. Whether you’re a player looking to improve your defensive skills, a coach seeking to implement more effective strategies, or simply a fan wanting to better understand the intricacies of the game, a deep appreciation for the art of lacrosse defense can enhance your enjoyment and understanding of this dynamic sport.
Best Lacrosse Gifts for Defensemen
Maverik Tank 2
Maverik
The Maverik Tank 2.0 lacrosse head is the latest defensive head to leave the factory of Maverik Lacrosse and is the stiffest head they have ever made. You will see elite level close D guys using this lacrosse head to go against their worthy opponents.
148314
$99.99
STX Surgeon RZR Gloves
STX
The STX Surgeon RZR lacrosse gloves are one of the lightest, high-end gloves available on the market without suffering protection. They also offer one of the best palms in the game.
120852
$179.99
Maverik Mission BLANK
Maverik
The Maverik Mission Blank lacrosse shaft is the first ever, no frills super light shaft that is made especially for those that let their game do the talking. This shaft is coming in right around 5 oz. with the patented ABE butt end that lets you determine where you want you bottom hand to rest without the need for heavy tape jobs. The new Maverik Blank is quickly climbing the top sellers list with those players that want the best lightweight materials without all the glitz and glam that other manufactures are splashing around. This price point is amazing for a shaft. This haft is lightweight, strong and we are already seeing high demand with the elite high school summer ball crowd.VIDEO: LEARN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CARBON andamp; METAL LACROSSE SHAFTS
59953
$114.99
–
$159.99
Lax.com Bucket of Balls NOCSAE Approved
Lax.com
The Lax.com bucket of lacrosse balls is perfect for backyard tosses or practice. The customized Lax.com bucket of lacrosse balls contains 40 NOCSAE/SEI approved lacrosse balls. The lacrosse balls come inside a Lax.com custom carrying bucket. This is the perfect gift for any laxer.
40339
$119.99
$99.99
STX Hammer 900
STX
The STX Hammer 900 is built for total domination. When you are throwing checks using your STX Hammer 900, attackmen will remember you after the final whistle.
163818
$99.99
$74.99
Maverik Wonderboy Defense
Maverik
The all new Maverik Wonderboy Defense shaft is coming in 10% lighter than the previous model. At about 6 oz. these attack and defense poles have been the go to for advanced youth and high school players for years. Simple graphics, light weight and durable. Maverik started the lightweight value revolution with these shafts and you will see them all over the place across the nation.VIDEO: LEARN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CARBON andamp; METAL LACROSSE SHAFTS
61080
$129.99
STX X20
STX
<p>STX X20 – Men’s Lacrosse Head – Made Specifically For Defense</p>
<iframe src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/d8kkrt5e3Sg” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture” allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/PSKNdVrONfc” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture” allowfullscreen></iframe>
148966
$99.
99
Maverik Max Glove
Maverik
New 2020 Maverik Max Lacrosse Glove
120064
$159.99
$127.99
Warrior Burn XP Carbon Defense Shaft
Warrior
The Burn XP Carbon men’s lacrosse shaft is designed with increased flex to generate Xtreme Power and offers a speed die shape. Our Pro’s really like the new Dot Matrix grip because it gives you added grip and gives your shots complete control power.
164990
$209.99
Warrior Burn XP-D
Warrior
The Warrior Burn XP-D men’s defensive lacrosse head is designed to give defensemen extreme power. This head is roughly 10 grams lighter than its predecessor allowing for extreme power on checks and shots.
164982
$99.99
Nike Vapor Elite Arm Pad 2021
Nike
Nike Vapor Elite arm pads have strategically placed padding with stretch zones for optimal flexibility. The dual adjustable straps offer a secure fit.
149510
$99.99
ECD Hero 2..jpg)
0 Custom Stringing
East Coast Dyes
Our top men’s lacrosse head stringers are current or former college lacrosse players who have been stringing heads for 10+ years. Every head that we send out has to be approved by one of our Pros.
78375
$51.99
What School Has Produced the Best Lacrosse Defensemen?
Welcome to something special: Position U. In this six-part series, your favorite college lacrosse lover, Ryan Conwell, will break down the NCAA DI men’s programs that can consider themselves the best at producing a given position in recent history. First, let’s get into who produces the best lacrosse defenseman, a.k.a. Defense U.
When trying to determine which schools have a reputation for producing the best players at a certain position, there are a number of factors that need to be considered. It’s easy enough to just create a list off the top of your head, but in an effort to try and be as objective as possible, I of course lean on my old friend: math! I needed to find a way to consistently note which players could be considered better than others while also doing so in a manner which could be calculated in some way.
The result was making a formula that took into account All-America votes (via USILA), postseason awards, and also success at the pro level. For that last piece, I considered draft picks and rounds, but depending on the year, too many players get drafted and never play, or play a limited amount of time. So instead, I looked at All-Star rosters across the PLL and MLL to give an additional nudge.
The next question was how far back to look. Since we’re dealing with college, going beyond four years was a given. One great recruiting class does not mean your school is all of a sudden the best at producing defenders. We need a long enough trend to make a real pattern emerge. So, I went to 10 years, but the year 2020 kind of stuck out. Because, well, *you know why.* To make up for 2020’s lack of postseason awards and All-Star Games, I added 2011 to the mix as well. More is better, right?
The benefit of going all the way back to 2011 for Pro All-Star Games is it gave some of those wily vets a chance to impact the rankings of their schools as well.
That way, there’s a small nod to the true history of a program in addition to the heavily weighted recent past. So mashing all these numbers together produced a list of the top programs to produce players at each position.
To continue the Position U series, we’ll now take a look at which program has produced the best lacrosse defensemen and gets to lay a claim as recent history’s “Defense U.”
Defense U: Who Has Produced the Best Lacrosse Defensemen?
3: Johns Hopkins
The third member of our top three is none other than Johns Hopkins, which makes sense when most of the time this list considers was when the program was under the direction of Dave Pietramala, who is viewed as one of the best defenders ever. But Petro wasn’t on the field for any of these accolades – those belonged to his players. And to be totally fair, many of these points are solely at the hands of Tucker Durkin.
youtube.com/embed/RA66O8Mn9X8?feature=oembed” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture” allowfullscreen=””>
Durkin has been a perennial professional all-star but also was a two-time Schmeisser Award winner on top of his All-American nods. But Durkin alone did not get Johns Hopkins here. He also had support from the pro careers of Matt Bocklet and Michael Evans to put the Jays over the next schools on the list.
2: Notre Dame
The Golden Domers are nearly synonymous with “good college lacrosse defense” at this point. It has been a central part of their team identity ever since they rose to national prominence as a program and became a Championship Weekend regular, and they’re rightfully close to being Defense U.
What was interesting in how these rankings shook out if that while had a big bump via the professional ranks, Notre Dame dominated in First Team All-Americans and Schmeisser Award winners.
Matt Landis and John Sexton led the way here, but you also have to give credit to players like Jack Kielty, Garrett Epple, Steve O’Hara, Kevin Randall, and Kevin Ridgeway.
1: Maryland
The Terps are definitely know for recently being among the stingiest of stingy defenses. That is what led them to so many Final Fours, and it’s not a recent trend, either.
But what shot the Terps way above the other teams on the list was actually their success within the pros. Sure, they had a ton of First and Second Team All-Americans at close defense, but what really put them over the top was how many of those players have gone on to repeatedly make All-Star rosters, like Matt Dunn, Michael Ehrhardt, Bryce Young, and Jesse Bernhardt.
When you put it all together, Maryland has produced the best defensemen in men’s college lacrosse in the last decade and can claim the title of Defense U!
Honorable Mentions
Didn’t see who you thought you would up there? Here’s how the next bunch finished in our Defense U standings, in order:
4: Syracuse
5: Duke
6: Loyola
7: North Carolina
8: Cornell
9: Georgetown & Ohio State
10: Yale
Position U Series
You can find the rest of the Position U series here, which will include Attack U, Defense U, Faceoff U, Midfielder U, LSM U, and Goalie U, with a new one coming each week into early November.
Animal protection | Safety
- Safety
Filter
Material
Plastic
Manufacturer
ANYSMART
bird x
Bradex
Dazon
i4Technology
Isotronic
Miteless
NADZOR
Raid
Sitetek
Weitech
hail
EUROGARANT
Space
Chiston
CLEAN HOUSE
Show all parameters
Product material
ABS plastic and stainless steel
Relative humidity, %
Principle of deterrence/destruction
Bioacoustics, reproduction of the cry of birds of prey
Fan and electrical discharge
Fan with trap
Visual
Ultrasound and horn
Ultrasound
Ultrasound and LED flashes
Ultrasound, horn, LED flashes
electrical discharge
Illumination color
warm light
Doesn’t matter
Length cm
4
6
7
8
10
eleven
12
13
13.
5
14
15
16
18
20
21
22
23
thirty
35
54
Show all parameters
Width cm
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
12
13.5
13
15
18
21
thirty
35
Show all parameters
Action area, m2
Maximum range, m
Motion sensor
Eat
Power supply
from the solar battery
Doesn’t matter
Lure type
Imitation of human heat and breathing, ultraviolet
UV LEDs
Protection class
IP65
Country
Belgium
Germany
Holland
Italy
China
PRC
Russia
USA
Taiwan
Fast delivery
Yes
Apply
Models found: 0
Show
Professional metal detectors for gold, silver, copper and other metals
What is the difference between searching with a professional metal detector
The principle of searching for different metal detectors is the same, the differences begin when the user makes settings for treasure and coin search according to local conditions.
- Metal detectors for professionals, in addition to the programmed settings, also have manual, fine settings. Modes are set “under the soil”, “under the metal”, “under the size”, “under the depth”, etc. You can correctly set the manual settings or choose a set of automatic ones already having some experience, for beginners it will be a little difficult.
- Professional metal detectors are set to search for objects made of certain metals after reconnaissance of the area. Unlike the simplest ones with discrimination in 3-5 modes, multifunctional ones have a multi-segment discrimination setting by type of metal. The exception is narrowly targeted search engines, for example, metal detector for gold .
- Ground balance is a feature that is almost never found in entry-level metal detectors. In professional ones, it is possible to adjust the search exactly according to the soil and the level of debris. The menu has the appropriate programs and the possibility of manual settings.
Thanks to this function, the search with the metal detector is efficient, the signal reaches the target regardless of the mineralization of the soil, the presence of “hot” stones, mixed soils. - Professional metal detectors “are not distracted” by extraneous interference found in trashy areas and soils with high mineralization due to the “interference rejection” function. Thus, the user does not receive false signals, does not waste time on useless excavations, the search for treasures and coins is purposeful.
- The Pin-Point function of the pros determines the position of the find with maximum accuracy, displaying the coordinates on the screen – the depth and position relative to the edges of the coil. It remains only to stick a shovel and dig up the treasure. The best mid-range metal detector will not be able to determine the position of the target so accurately.
- Ground professional metal detectors are equipped with a very informative display, which reflects absolutely all settings levels, operating parameters and search results. The response time of such devices is negligible and the information on the display is displayed instantly.
- As a rule, metal detectors of the highest level are high-frequency or multi-frequency with the possibility of choosing a frequency, or automatic tuning by parameters.
- The best metal detector coils are powerful and highly sensitive. Some manufacturers complete their products with additional coils of a different principle of operation. The set of expensive devices also includes protective cases, headphones and other useful accessories.
- Professional metal detectors most often have good protection against moisture and temperature changes, so you can search with a metal detector in any weather.
Thanks to this function, the search with the metal detector is efficient, the signal reaches the target regardless of the mineralization of the soil, the presence of “hot” stones, mixed soils.
The response time of such devices is negligible and the information on the display is displayed instantly. It should be noted that professional metal detectors work effectively only with the right settings, optimally matched to the search conditions and each other. Not everyone has enough knowledge and experience to correctly set all the parameters. The best metal detector can turn into a useless toy if you don’t know how to use it.
Professional metal detectors for special purposes
Multifunctional metal detectors, with which enthusiastic diggers search for treasures and coins, are universal ground detectors. They work effectively on any soil and with any metal. They are intended for a wide range of users with sufficient knowledge and experience behind them. Another thing is narrow-purpose ground metal detectors.
- Gold detector – configured only to search for gold nuggets, rarely supplemented by a silver search function. Absolutely useless for finding items from other metals. Therefore, it will be effective only in areas where there are geophysical prerequisites for gold deposits.
- Mining and ore metal detectors – aimed at searching for ores of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, they react only to large deposits. Therefore, for searching for coins and treasures, made of the same metals is completely unsuitable. In addition, work can only be carried out on dense and mineralized soil, on rocky terrain.
