How does the new 32-second shot clock rule affect lacrosse faceoff specialists. What skills are now required for FOGOs to succeed in the modern game. Why is the traditional FOGO role becoming obsolete in professional lacrosse.
The Changing Landscape of Lacrosse Faceoffs
The world of professional lacrosse is undergoing a significant transformation, particularly in the role of faceoff specialists. Traditionally known as FOGOs (Face Off, Get Off), these athletes are facing new challenges and expectations in light of recent rule changes in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL).
Greg Gurenlian, a former Redwoods faceoff athlete and seven-time All-Star, explains the shift in perception: “I’ve always hated the term FOGO because it’s so old school. We used to call guys FOGOs when they literally couldn’t catch and throw and all they could do is sit on a knee and clamp.”
The New Shot Clock Rule
The PLL introduced a game-changing rule for the 2023 season: reducing the shot clock following a won faceoff from 52 seconds to 32 seconds. This adjustment has had far-reaching implications for faceoff specialists and team strategies.
- 32-second shot clock after a won faceoff
- 52-second shot clock still in effect after the first 32 seconds of play
- Applies when defense forces a turnover or shot-clock violation
The End of the Traditional FOGO?
The new shot clock rule has effectively eliminated the luxury of the “Face Off, Get Off” strategy. Faceoff specialists now find themselves playing extended minutes, participating in both offense and defense as the clock winds down.
Trevor Baptiste, Atlas’ faceoff athlete and the 2022 MVP, experienced the impact firsthand: “There was one stretch in the second quarter [against the Redwoods in Week 1] where we were on the field for like three minutes straight. It was back and forth, up and down. Faceoff, then into another faceoff. It’s a lot.”
The Balancing Act
Faceoff specialists now face a delicate balance between their primary role and contributing to overall team play. Gurenlian emphasizes the high stakes: “Sub out too soon, stay in too long or don’t do your part on defense? Then you’re a liability. Become that, and you’re one or two bad games away from never playing again.”
Adapting to the New Reality
The evolving landscape demands a more versatile skill set from faceoff specialists. They must now be prepared to seamlessly transition into offense or defense, all while maintaining their expertise at the faceoff X.
Speed, Smarts, and Power
The faceoff position now requires a combination of:
- Increased speed to cover more ground
- Tactical awareness to make quick decisions
- Physical power to dominate at the X and contribute in open play
The Impact on Team Strategies
Coaches are adapting their strategies to accommodate the new reality of faceoff play. Mike Pressler, Atlas coach, explains his approach: “We put short sticks on the wings, anticipating setting up the offense and knowing Trevor’s going to win a majority of faceoffs and if we lose it, we can still get our LSM on the field.”
Challenges for Coaches
The new rule presents several challenges for coaching staff:
- Deciding when to leave faceoff specialists on the field
- Managing defensive assignments after lost possessions
- Balancing playing time to prevent fatigue
- Adapting to varying weather conditions and their impact on player endurance
The Future of Faceoff Specialists
As the game evolves, so too must the athletes who specialize in faceoffs. Gurenlian sees the change as positive: “I love the rule because it will incentivize kids to continue to work on the rest of their game.”
Evolving Skill Sets
Future faceoff specialists will need to develop a more comprehensive skill set, including:
- Offensive capabilities
- Defensive awareness
- Improved conditioning
- Tactical versatility
Impact on Player Recruitment and Development
The changing landscape is likely to influence how teams recruit and develop faceoff specialists. Gurenlian predicts: “If you have the choice between him and a guy who can get the ball and do other things, that guy is going to be more attractive from a draft or signing standpoint.”
Implications for Youth and College Lacrosse
The evolution of the faceoff role at the professional level is likely to trickle down to collegiate and youth levels. Young players aspiring to become faceoff specialists will need to focus on developing a well-rounded game from an early age.
Case Study: Trevor Baptiste’s Adaptation
Trevor Baptiste, widely regarded as one of the best faceoff specialists in the game, provides an excellent example of how top players are adapting to the new rules.
Baptiste’s Performance
In the 2023 season, Baptiste has demonstrated remarkable adaptability:
- 65-87 (74.4 percent) faceoff win rate
- League-leading 38 ground balls
- Extended playing time in both offensive and defensive roles
Baptiste’s success underscores the potential for faceoff specialists to thrive in this new era, provided they can expand their skill set and maintain elite-level fitness.
The Debate: Pros and Cons of the New Rule
The introduction of the 32-second shot clock rule has sparked debate within the lacrosse community. While some see it as a positive evolution of the game, others have reservations about its impact.
Proponents’ Arguments
- Encourages more dynamic, fast-paced play
- Incentivizes skill development among faceoff specialists
- Creates more excitement for fans
- Reduces the effectiveness of stalling tactics
Critics’ Concerns
- Potential for increased player fatigue and injury risk
- May disadvantage teams with less depth at the faceoff position
- Could lead to lower-quality offensive possessions
- Might reduce the strategic nuances of the game
As the debate continues, it’s clear that the role of the faceoff specialist in lacrosse is undergoing a significant transformation. The coming seasons will likely see further adaptations from players, coaches, and teams as they navigate this new landscape.
Training and Development for Modern Faceoff Specialists
As the demands on faceoff specialists evolve, so too must their training regimens. Coaches and players are developing new approaches to prepare for the multifaceted role required in today’s game.
Key Areas of Focus
- Enhanced Cardiovascular Conditioning: To handle extended playing time
- Offensive Skill Development: Improving shooting, passing, and dodging abilities
- Defensive Positioning and Tactics: Learning to contribute effectively on defense
- Mental Preparation: Developing the focus to switch between faceoff, offense, and defense rapidly
- Strategic Understanding: Improving overall game IQ to make quick decisions in various situations
Faceoff specialists are now incorporating elements of midfield training into their routines, recognizing that their role has expanded beyond the faceoff X. This holistic approach to development is crucial for success in the modern game.
The Global Impact: International Lacrosse and Rule Changes
While the PLL’s rule change has immediate implications for professional lacrosse in North America, its influence is likely to be felt on a global scale. As lacrosse continues to grow internationally, how might this evolution in the faceoff role impact the sport’s development worldwide?
Potential International Adoption
International lacrosse governing bodies may consider adopting similar rules to align with the professional game. This could lead to:
- Standardization of rules across different levels of play
- Changes in how national teams recruit and develop faceoff specialists
- Increased emphasis on all-around athletes in international competitions
- Potential shifts in game strategy at the international level
As lacrosse pushes for Olympic inclusion, the evolution of rules and player roles could play a crucial part in shaping the sport’s global appeal and competitiveness.
Technology and Analytics in Faceoff Development
The changing landscape of faceoff play has spurred innovation in training technologies and analytical approaches. Teams and players are leveraging data and technology to gain competitive edges in this crucial aspect of the game.
Emerging Technologies
- High-speed cameras for technique analysis
- Force plate technology to measure explosive power
- GPS tracking to monitor movement patterns and fatigue
- Virtual reality simulations for decision-making practice
Advanced Analytics
Teams are developing more sophisticated metrics to evaluate faceoff performance beyond simple win percentages. New analytical approaches include:
- Possession time generated from faceoff wins
- Defensive contribution metrics for faceoff specialists
- Fatigue impact analysis on faceoff performance
- Situational win percentages (e.g., late-game, man-up situations)
These technological and analytical advancements are helping players and coaches refine their approaches to the faceoff, adapting to the new realities of the position.
The Psychological Impact on Faceoff Specialists
The evolving role of faceoff specialists carries significant psychological implications. Players who have spent years honing their skills for a specific, specialized role now face the challenge of expanding their game and redefining their identity on the field.
Mental Challenges
- Adapting to increased on-field responsibility
- Managing the pressure of contributing beyond faceoffs
- Maintaining confidence while developing new skills
- Coping with potential changes in playing time or role
Sports psychologists are likely to play an increasingly important role in helping faceoff specialists navigate these mental challenges and embrace their evolving role in the game.
The Ripple Effect: Impact on Other Positions
The transformation of the faceoff specialist role has implications that extend beyond just one position. How are other players and positions adapting to this new reality?
Midfielders
Midfielders may find themselves:
- Taking on more faceoff responsibilities
- Adjusting their offensive and defensive positioning to accommodate faceoff specialists staying on the field
- Developing skills to complement and support versatile faceoff players
Attackmen and Defensemen
These players might need to:
- Adapt to quicker transitions between offense and defense
- Develop strategies to exploit or defend against faceoff specialists in extended play
- Adjust communication patterns to integrate faceoff specialists into offensive and defensive schemes
As the game continues to evolve, the interconnectedness of all positions becomes increasingly apparent, with each role adapting to complement the others in this new, fast-paced environment.
The Future of Lacrosse: Beyond the Faceoff
As we witness the evolution of the faceoff specialist role, it’s natural to wonder about the broader implications for the future of lacrosse. How might this change catalyze further evolutions in the sport?
Potential Future Developments
- Further rule changes to enhance game speed and excitement
- Emergence of new hybrid positions
- Increased emphasis on versatility in player development at all levels
- Evolution of offensive and defensive strategies to leverage multi-skilled players
- Changes in game format or field dimensions to accommodate new playing styles
The transformation of the faceoff specialist role may be just the beginning of a broader evolution in lacrosse, as the sport continues to adapt and grow in the 21st century.
Conclusion: The New Era of Faceoff Specialists
The introduction of the 32-second shot clock rule in professional lacrosse has ushered in a new era for faceoff specialists. No longer confined to the narrow definition of a FOGO, these athletes are now expected to be versatile contributors across all aspects of the game.
This evolution presents both challenges and opportunities. Players must adapt their skills, training regimens, and mental approaches to thrive in this new landscape. Coaches are tasked with developing strategies that maximize the potential of their faceoff specialists while maintaining overall team effectiveness.
As the sport continues to evolve, the role of the faceoff specialist will likely continue to change and expand. The players who can adapt most effectively to these new demands will be the ones who thrive, setting new standards for what it means to be a faceoff specialist in modern lacrosse.
Ultimately, this transformation may lead to a more dynamic, exciting version of the sport, with increased versatility and athleticism across all positions. As lacrosse looks to grow its global appeal and push for Olympic inclusion, the evolution of the faceoff specialist role may prove to be a crucial step in the sport’s ongoing development.
The fate of the FOGO, it seems, is to evolve into something new – a more complete, versatile athlete who can impact the game in multiple ways. As this evolution continues, fans, players, and coaches alike will be watching with keen interest to see how it shapes the future of lacrosse.
Fate of the FOGO: How the New Shot Clock Rule Affects the Faceoff
Win the clamp, scoop up the ground ball, safely get it to an attackman, sprint back to the box. Breathe.
Repeat.
Those were once the main responsibilities of a faceoff athlete – or a faceoff, get off athlete (FOGO) – as it was appropriately named. But the days of the FOGO are dwindling. As only eight starting spots at the stripe exist professionally in outdoor lacrosse, more skill became required from these athletes over time, especially this PLL season.
“I’ve always hated the term FOGO because it’s so old school. We used to call guys FOGOs when they literally couldn’t catch and throw and all they could do is sit on a knee and clamp,” former Redwoods faceoff athlete and seven-time All-Star Greg Gurenlian said.
With the Premier Lacrosse League’s new 32-second shot clock rule, the term “FOGO” may never be used again.
Before the 2023 season, the PLL changed the shot clock following a won faceoff from 52 seconds to 32 seconds. The 52-second shot clock is still in effect, but begins after the first 32 seconds of play when a defense forces a turnover or shot-clock violation. With the new rule, faceoff athletes find themselves playing offense and defense as the 32 seconds wane and there’s not enough time to sub off, essentially killing the notion of the FOGO.
Trevor Baptiste, Atlas’ faceoff athlete and the 2022 MVP, stayed on the field for minutes at a time through the first three weeks of the 2023 season, but he felt the effects of the new rule immediately.
“There was one stretch in the second quarter [against the Redwoods in Week 1] where we were on the field for like three minutes straight. It was back and forth, up and down. Faceoff, then into another faceoff. It’s a lot,” Baptiste said. “I was definitely tired in that moment. Sometimes you just don’t have enough time to sub and you still have to get something out of that possession.”
It’s a balancing act. Sub out too soon, stay in too long or don’t do your part on defense? Then you’re “a liability,” Gurenlian said.
Become that, and you’re “one or two bad games away from never playing again.”
This is the pros, after all.
With only eight teams in the PLL, everything is matchup based. When Gurenlian was playing against a more athletic faceoff opponent, he would make sure to closely guard his guy and not just run off the field and leave his matchup open with an opportunity to score. If he went against a bigger, less mobile opponent, he thought the opposite.
“If I win, I need to keep this guy out here as long as I can and get him caught up on defense because then he’s a liability,” Gurenlian said. “For Trevor, how he plays against TD Ierlan (Redwoods) or Petey LaSalla (Whipsnakes) is going to be way different than how he plays against Connor Farrell (Chrome).”
The faceoff position requires more speed, smarts and power than it did a year ago, when faceoff athletes had more time and less pressure to make a play.
Luckily for Atlas, it has Baptiste, who is 65-87 (74.4 percent) and grabbed 38 ground balls – leading the league in both – this season.
Because of that, Atlas coach Mike Pressler said he puts short sticks on the wings, anticipating setting up the offense and knowing “Trevor’s going to win a majority of faceoffs and if we lose it, we can still get our LSM on the field.”
But with the new rule, which Pressler said so far, he isn’t a fan of, tons of questions follow even with a wunderkind like Baptiste.
“If you’re going to leave him out there after every faceoff win, that doesn’t mean you score,” Pressler said. “If you turn it over or a goalie makes a save, what does he do? Does he run in the hole and play defense, does he run off for substitution? You’re asking so much more of your single faceoff guy that you’re carrying on your roster. We’re not even in July yet, and in some of these places it’s going to be super hot and super humid.”
Gurenlian, however, “loves” the rule because it “will incentivize kids to continue to work on the rest of their game,” he said. While not any position player can step up to the faceoff, the faceoff athlete will have to slot into offense or defense, and play well while doing it.
Remember, “you can’t be a liability.”
So, where does that leave the FOGO?
“You want to get the guy who’s the best at getting you the ball,” Gurenlian said. “But if you have the choice between him and a guy who can get the ball and do other things, that guy is going to be more attractive from a draft or signing standpoint.”
Syracuse Orange men’s lacrosse: add FOGO from transfer portal
As the summer of the transfer portal has progressed for the Syracuse Orange men’s lacrosse program, Gary Gait and his staff have added a number of players who figure to feature prominently for next year’s team.
Despite all the activity, there was one glaring team need that remained unaddressed.
That changed earlier this week when the Orange added the FOGO that they so desperately needed via the portal, as former Canisius FO specialist Johnny Richiusa announced via his Instagram his intention to transfer to SU.
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Richiusa is coming off a solid freshman season for Canisius in which he finished with a .521 win percentage (149-of-286) and 104 ground balls (7.43 per game).
His winning percentage ranked him third in the MAAC, while his total FO wins and ground balls per game were good for second in the conference. He was named conference FO Player of the Week four times, and was named to the MAAC All-Rookie team at the end of the season.
The Rochester-area (Penfield) native will join a unit attempting the very difficult task of replacing Jakob Phaup as the Orange’s starting FOGO.
It’s not just that Phaup had a very successful year last season, finishing 11th in the nation in win percentage at .578. It’s that he was the Orange’s ironman of the dot in 2022.
After splitting face-off duties in the opening game blowout of Holy Cross with the since-departed Jack Savage and freshman Jack Fine, Phaup took every single face-off for SU the rest of the season.
In fact, he took 401 straight face-offs to end the season after that first game. In doing so, he set a program record for FOs taken in a single season (419) and took a whopping 96 percent of the team’s FOs for the season (419-of-438).
Simply put: that’s a lot to replace. It’s a lot of production. It’s a lot of effort. It’s a lot of wear-and-tear. Phaup was a fifth-year senior last year with a whole career’s worth of experience guiding him through a physically taxing season.
Is it fair to expect Richiusa, coming off his first year in the college game, to replace all those face-offs by himself? Perhaps not.
For comparison’s sake, Richiusa, as Canisius’ primary FOGO last season, did take 76 percent of his team’s face-offs (286-of-377). That’s obviously not a Phaup-level of face-offs, but honestly I’m not sure anybody should be taking 96 percent of his team’s draws these days unless he’s one of the elite FOGOs.
So, it may not simply be a case of adding Richiusa to the roster and plugging him in as the set-it-and-forget-it FOGO.
