How can defenders effectively use long sticks in lacrosse. What are the key techniques for successful long pole defense. Why is proper positioning crucial for lacrosse defenders. How can long stick midfielders impact the game on both ends of the field.
The Evolution of Long Stick Play in Lacrosse
Lacrosse has witnessed a significant evolution in the use of long sticks, particularly in defensive roles. Traditionally, long sticks were primarily associated with defensive positions, but the modern game has seen a shift in their application. Now, long stick midfielders (LSMs) and defenders are becoming increasingly versatile, contributing to both defensive and offensive plays.
Todd Zahurak, coach of the Westwood lacrosse team, highlights this trend: “He baits people into doing things they don’t want to do, and creates unsettled opportunities for us. He’s a shooter. He moves the goalie and shoots to spots with purpose.” This statement underscores the expanding role of long stick players beyond mere defense.
The Changing Landscape of Long Stick Roles
In contemporary lacrosse, teams typically employ three players with long poles as designated defenders. Additionally, an LSM serves as a versatile player, transitioning between offensive and defensive ends. This strategic deployment allows for greater flexibility in gameplay and can create unexpected advantages for the team.
Essential Tips for Long-Pole Defenders
Mastering the art of long stick defense requires a combination of skill, strategy, and practice. Here are five crucial tips for long-pole defenders to enhance their game:
- Maintain stick position
- Utilize the ‘2-45’s’ technique
- Develop versatile passing and catching skills
- Perfect the ‘Banana’ approach
- Embrace multidimensional play
Proper Stick Handling and Positioning
One of the fundamental principles of effective long stick defense is maintaining proper stick position. Coaches emphasize the importance of keeping the stick in the dominant hand and avoiding switching hands or bringing the stick over the opponent’s body when on the ball. This approach allows defenders to maintain focus on body positioning rather than relying excessively on the stick.
Is switching hands detrimental to defensive play? While it may seem intuitive to switch hands for better reach, doing so can often lead to a loss of body control and positioning. By keeping the stick in the dominant hand, defenders can maintain a more consistent and effective defensive stance.
The ‘2-45’s’ Technique: A Game-Changer for Defenders
The ‘2-45’s’ technique is a powerful tool in a defender’s arsenal, applicable both on and off the ball. This approach involves positioning the stick at a 45-degree angle in two key situations:
- On-ball defense: Create a cushion to control the dodger’s movement
- Off-ball defense: Maintain an athletic posture and occupy passing lanes
How does the ‘2-45’s’ technique improve defensive effectiveness? By adopting this stance, defenders create a middle ground between two extremes. It prevents wild checks that can lead to penalties while still allowing enough control to guide the opponent’s movement. Off the ball, this posture keeps defenders engaged and ready to intercept passes or quickly react to offensive shifts.
Mastering Versatile Ball Handling Skills
Proficient ball handling is crucial for long stick defenders, especially during clearing situations. The ability to pass and catch with hands choked up or at the bottom of the stick can make a significant difference in maintaining possession and initiating counterattacks.
Why is versatile ball handling important for defenders? Turnovers in the clearing game often lead to opponent goals. By mastering various grip techniques, defenders can adapt to different scenarios, whether it’s a quick pass under pressure or a long clear to initiate a fast break.
Practicing Different Grip Techniques
To improve ball handling skills, defenders should practice:
- Catching and throwing with hands choked up on the stick
- Passing and receiving using the full length of the stick
- Quick stick work to improve reaction time and accuracy
The ‘Banana’ Approach: Perfecting Ball Approach Techniques
The ‘Banana’ approach is a sophisticated technique for defenders when closing in on an opponent with the ball. This curved route to the ball carrier provides a strategic advantage by limiting the offensive player’s options.
How does the ‘Banana’ approach benefit defenders? By taking a curved path, defenders can guide the opponent towards a less favorable area of the field. This approach contrasts with a straight-line approach, which gives the attacker equal opportunity to dodge in either direction.
Implementing the ‘Banana’ Approach
To effectively use the ‘Banana’ approach:
- Start your approach from the direction you don’t want the attacker to go
- Curve your path towards the ball carrier
- Finish your approach by positioning yourself between the attacker and the goal
Embracing Multidimensional Play: Beyond Traditional Defensive Roles
Modern lacrosse demands versatility from its players, including long stick defenders. The most effective players are those who can contribute across various aspects of the game, not just in their primary defensive role.
How can defenders expand their skill set? Coaches recommend:
- Practicing with a short stick during the off-season
- Participating in box lacrosse or other leagues to gain different perspectives
- Developing offensive skills to contribute in transition plays
The Benefits of Versatility
By broadening their skill set, defenders can:
- Contribute more effectively to transition plays
- Provide unexpected offensive threats
- Adapt to various game situations and tactical changes
Advanced Strategies for Long Stick Midfielders (LSMs)
Long Stick Midfielders play a unique role in lacrosse, bridging the gap between defense and offense. Their versatility allows teams to maintain defensive strength while also providing an additional offensive threat.
What makes an effective LSM? Key attributes include:
- Superior stick skills for both defensive checks and offensive contributions
- Excellent field vision to read plays and anticipate movements
- High endurance to cover ground between defensive and offensive ends
- The ability to create and capitalize on unsettled situations
Maximizing LSM Impact
To leverage the full potential of LSMs, coaches can:
- Develop specific transition plays that utilize the LSM’s unique position
- Train LSMs to be comfortable initiating offense after defensive stops
- Incorporate LSMs into man-up and man-down situations for added versatility
Enhancing Team Defense Through Long Stick Coordination
Effective team defense in lacrosse relies heavily on the coordination and communication among long stick defenders. By working in unison, defenders can create a formidable barrier against opposing offenses.
How can teams improve their defensive coordination? Key strategies include:
- Regular communication drills to enhance on-field awareness
- Practicing slide packages to perfect timing and positioning
- Developing a shared understanding of defensive principles and tactics
Building a Cohesive Defensive Unit
To foster a strong defensive team dynamic:
- Encourage defenders to study film together to identify patterns and tendencies
- Implement situational drills that simulate game scenarios
- Develop a common language for quick, effective on-field communication
By focusing on these advanced techniques and strategies, long stick defenders and midfielders can significantly enhance their impact on the game. The evolution of long stick play in lacrosse continues to reshape the sport, offering exciting opportunities for players to contribute in diverse and impactful ways.
5 Tips for Long-Pole Defenders – Coach Speak – Presented by Coalition Lacrosse
5 Tips for Long-Pole Defenders
I often find myself attempting to teach the same fundamental things to defenders each year I get a new group. A lot of them come to me with bad habits or unsure of how to use their long-stick properly. Through the years of coaching and learning I’ve developed a few techniques that we teach our guys to help them be more effective defenders. Before you read, you should know this is how WE teach our guys. That doesn’t mean it’s the ONLY way. Every coach has their own style, and the following tips are what we believe in.
1. Don’t switch hands or bring your stick over the opponent’s body (when you are on the ball).
– When you switch hands you take away the focus of your body positioning and rely too much on your stick. You should be comfortable with your stick in your dominant hand and learn how to defend every spot on the field. A lot of times guys will bring their stick over and it will either slow their feet or actually send the opponent to an area you should be defending.
2. Use the 2-45’s.
On Ball – When you’re on the ball your stick should be away from your body at about a 45-degree angle. This allows you to create a cushion that forces the dodger to make his move away from you while playing in a nice wide stance. This is a middle ground between two ways you don’t want to play. If you play with your stick to your side, it gives the opponent too much room to operate and can cause you to throw wild checks that lead to penalties. If you play with your stick straight out (which is what A LOT of coaches teach) it jams up your arms and makes it harder to control the dodger with your hands.
2015 Blue Crew Defender – Charlie Przybylo
Off Ball – Off ball stance/posture is very underrated.
A lot of players will think of it as a time to relax and take a break. Some will let their stick hang to the side or even on the ground. In order to help maintain an athletic posture, put your stick up at a 45-degree angle. This is also a time you can/should switch hands to make sure your stick is in a passing lane. It may seem minor but by simply having your stick up in a passing lane, you can make life very difficult for opponents.
3. Learn how to pass/catch with your hands choked up and on the bottom of the stick.
– Handling the ball is paramount for TEAM defense. Turnovers in the clearing game lead to goals. Top defenders can handle any situation and make the necessary play. Some ground balls are better choked up. Some are more effective with using the length of your stick. You should be able to move the ball quickly no matter how you’re holding the stick.
4. Banana
– Approaching the ball is a skill that takes YEARS of training and practice..jpg)
It’s something that you can do perfect for 95% of the game but it only takes one bad approach to give your opponent the edge. Make it easier on yourself by taking a curved route (like a banana) to the ball. You should always come from the area you DON’T want him to go and then finish your approach. If you go straight at your opponent, you are giving him an equal chance to go in either direction. If you take a curved approach, even if he begins his dodge early, you are standing in the area you are trying to defend.
5. Don’t be one-dimensional
– Some beginners or young players pigeon-hole themselves into a position too early. I’ll ask new guys what position they play and I’m always amazed when they answer with “crease attack” or “right wing D”. Take the attitude that you are a lacrosse player–not a position. When the ball is in your stick, you have a responsibility to make the right play. If that means carrying it over to the offense and putting one in the back of the net–DO IT.
Have it in your mind that you’re going to make the right play no matter the situation. THEN practice and train so you have the ability to make any play the team needs. One way to add a dimension to your game is by playing with a short stick during the off-season. Either in box lacrosse or maybe in a league. Have some fun and learn what it’s like on the other side of the field. You’ll be a better overall player for it.
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On boys’ lacrosse teams such as Westwood and Needham, the long sticks aren’t just for defense anymore
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“He baits people into doing things they don’t want to do, and creates unsettled opportunities for us,” said Westwood coach Todd Zahurak. “He’s a shooter. He moves the goalie and shoots to spots with purpose.”
Typically, teams will use three players with long poles as designated defenders, with an LSM functioning as an extra defender who can transition between the offensive and defensive ends.
Coaches might call for an extra pole when their team is shorthanded, but using an extra pole on man-up scenarios is rarely seen.
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‘They are all hunters and ambush guys.’
Needham boys’ lacrosse coach Dave Wainwright, on the offensive impact of his long-stick midfielders: Jimmy Kenney, Jack Curran and Jack Wadja
At Needham, some dynamic long-pole players also are breaking the mold. Juniors Jimmy Kenney (6 goals, 5 assists), Jack Curran (5 goals 4 assists), and Jack Wajda (4 goals, 2 assists) are often involved in Needham’s standard offense and man-up packages.
“They are all hunters and ambush guys,” said Needham coach Dave Wainwright. “We trust them with everything. All three of them have scored multiple goals. We don’t want our best players off the field.”
So where do the offensive opportunities come from for LSMs? The common answer from players and coaches was “chaos.
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“The best part of [Varnerin’s] game is between the boxes,” said Zahurak. “He wreaks havoc everywhere.”
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‘I think LSMs can play offense without a doubt, and it’s evolving in the game more than ever.’
Donald Vanerin, Westwood’s senior long-stick midfielder
Varnerin loves the freedom that the LSM position allows. With a combination of size and quickness, he can catch people in the open field to jar the ball loose or swat down passes to create transition opportunities.
Varnerin’s stick skills enable him to stay on the field in six-on-six situations, and he has the potential to trap an offensive midfielder in the defensive end. Dodging as a short stick is difficult, but dodging as a long pole is nearly unheard of, yet Varnerin has that skill set.
“I think LSMs can play offense without a doubt, and it’s evolving in the game more than ever,” said Varnerin.
Westwood’s long-stick midfielder Donald Varnerin, a Boston University commit, amassed 28 points (17 goals, 11 assists) during his junior season, and has 10 goals this year during Westwood’s 6-3 start, raising his career total to 39 goals in three years.
Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe
Wainwright trusts his poles and encourages them to be confident with the ball in transition and in the offensive end.
“We are lucky enough that Wainwright has embraced the modern strategy called NASCAR lacrosse,” said Kenney, who is committed to Notre Dame. “It gives the LSM the freedom to create in transition and create slow breaks, and we’ve been lucky enough to get the green light to take it to the rack if we can.”
Kenney and Curran both play on the man-up opportunities with their long poles for Needham, and Varnerin is the sole LSM on Westwood’s man-up line. While that is a small part of their offensive contributions, it is an unexpected wrinkle that often catches opponents off-guard.
⋅ The MIAA debuted power rankings for all spring sports recently and updated them Tuesday. The top 32 teams in all four divisions qualify for the statewide tournament if eligible.
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Defending D1 state champion St.
John’s Prep sits atop the rankings, with two-time finalist BC High right behind. Acton-Boxborough, Franklin, Hingham, and Lincoln-Sudbury follow in Division 1. Reading holds a slight lead over Duxbury, Nauset, and 2022 state finalist Billerica in Division 2. Defending state champion Norwell holds a sizable lead atop D3 and Cohasset leads the field in D4, with Sandwich closely following.
Related: Globe Top 20 boys’ lacrosse poll
⋅ Nauset senior captain Andrew Berardi compiled a program-record 12 goals during Saturday’s 16-8 win over Bridgewater-Raynham … Old Colony junior Stu Burnham topped 100 career goals during Monday’s 14-4 win over Southeastern … Hanover freshman Charlie Campbell scored four goals in his varsity debut to lift the Hawks in an 8-6 win over Pembroke Tuesday … Hingham freshman Cam McKenna scored four goals to help the Harbormen seal an 11-8 win over archrival Duxbury.
⋅ Ryan Quinn has been named interim coach at Xaverian for the remainder of the season, replacing Daggett Morse .
.. Weston coach Jim Wilcon earned his 150th career win Tuesday … Reading climbed out of a 6-0 hole for a 9-6 win over Lincoln-Sudbury Monday, earning the program’s first win over the Warriors.
▪ Thursday: BC High at St. John’s Prep, 5:30 p.m. This is the second meeting between the Catholic Conference powers that battled in consecutive Division 1 state finals. Prep took the first, 15-9, in Boston April 11.
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▪ Thursday: Sandwich at Nauset, 5:30 p.m. When these Cape & Islands contenders met last month, Sandwich emerged with an 12-11 overtime win to gain the inside track toward a league title.
▪ Friday: Andover at Chelmsford, 5 p.m. Suddenly these two teams are looking to upend the status quo in the Merrimack Valley Conference, with Andover (7-2) coming off an OT win over defending league champion Billerica and Chelmsford riding a three-game win streak that includes a gritty win over North Andover.
▪ Monday: Acton-Boxborough at North Andover, 6:30 p.
