Game Ready: Over-the-Head Checks with Jack Rowlett
Game Ready: Over-the-Head Checks with Jack Rowlett | USA Lacrosse Magazine
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Game Ready: Over-the-Head Checks with Jack Rowlett
Wed Dec 29 2021 | Nelson Rice | USA Insider
National Teams
PHOTO BY NICK IERADI
Jack Rowlett talks a mile a minute. Yet, the game looks like it’s moving in slow motion for him.
Making his first appearance with the U.S. senior team at the Fall Classic in October, the two-time Premier Lacrosse League Defensive Player of the Year finalist iced an 8-7 win over Virginia with a wrap check. He also pulled off a textbook over-the-head check (pictured here) in the first quarter.
Those takeaways embody his aggressive, but technical approach to the position.
“I love it,” Chaos defensive coordinator Ryan Curtis said of Rowlett’s style. “I feel like the takeaway defenseman is kind of being coached out of kids. I’ve seen too many times to count coaches scream at kids for throwing those kind of checks, instead of teaching them how to throw them the right way.”
Keep reading to learn how Rowlett does just that.
1. Start from the ground up and set it up.
Rowlett starts with the head of his stick on his opponent’s back to gauge his distance. Then he closes the gap with his feet and positions himself as tight as possible. “When you get your feet in the right position first, then you have the ability to throw whatever check you want,” he said.
When defensemen stop their feet and try to reach, you typically see them get beat.
The most common mistake Rowlett sees younger players make is going for a takeaway on the first try. “You can’t rush,” he explained. “You need to have a plan and an intent.”
Rowlett dissects one-on-one battles likes a chess match. Throwing a poke or slap check at first will often force an attackman to pull his stick farther back, opening more room for an OTH.
2. Think like an attackman.
Rowlett tells all the defensemen he coaches at Georgetown that you have to know what the attacker is trying to do and where their stick is going to be. Growing up, Rowlett wanted to play offense so badly that he attended several attack and midfield camps. He believes that familiarity with the other side of the ball provides a better understanding of how to stop it.
Rowlett threw over-the-head checks most frequently this summer during pick plays, since he’s noticed most attackmen tend to put their stick farther behind them in those scenarios. Having another defender nearby also makes it easier to recover if you wiff on the check.
3. Punch up with your bottom hand.
When Rowlett throws an over-the-head, he punches his bottom hand to the sky. Then he tries to graze his opponent’s helmet with the backside of his top hand, so the angle of his stick becomes more perpendicular than parallel.
“If your stick’s almost parallel with the ground, very rarely are you going to be able to clip the top of that head,” he said. “But if your stick is pointing straight up and down when you come over the top, you have a much better chance of collecting some sort of arm in the process as you go by.”
Younger players should practice “on air” at first, Rowlett said, until they get more comfortable with the motion.
4. Pull down through your elbow.
Aiming for the head of the opponent’s stick will result in more misses than makes. Instead of picking a specific spot, Rowlett just tries to throw his hands over as fast as possible. “Once you get one, then the world opens up,” he said.
Just ask poor Peter Garno, the Virginia midfielder who never stood a chance of keeping the ball in the pouring rain at Tierney Field — not with Rowlett lurking.
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Lacrosse Checking: 7 Common Checks to Master
by Lucas
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Lacrosse is a fast-paced, physical sport requiring players to be skilled in offensive and defensive tactics. One of the most important defensive skills in lacrosse is checking. Lacrosse checking is a technique used to dislodge the ball from an opposing player’s stick legally.
Mastering the art of lacrosse checking is a crucial skill for any defender looking to be successful on the field. It requires a combination of speed, strength, and precision to execute effectively.
In the following sections, we will take a closer look at the different types of lacrosse checks, the rules governing their use, and some tips for improving your checking skills.
Table of Contents
What is Checking in Lacrosse
Checking is a defensive technique in lacrosse used to dislodge the ball from an opponent’s stick. It involves using the stick or body to make contact with the opponent. There are two ways of checking in lacrosse: stick checks and body checks.
Stick checks involve using the stick to lift or poke the opponent’s stick, or to hit the opponent’s stick with the shaft or head of the defender’s stick. Stick checks are legal at all levels of lacrosse, but they must be executed in a controlled and effective manner to avoid penalties.
Body checks involve using the defender’s body to make direct contact with the opponent in an attempt to regain possession of the ball. Body checks are only legal in men’s lacrosse, and only under certain circumstances. In women’s lacrosse and men’s U12, body checking is not permitted.
There are specific rules that govern the use of checks in lacrosse. For example, a defender cannot make contact with an opponent’s head or neck area with the stick or body. Additionally, checks must be made within a certain distance of the ball carrier, and excessive force can result in a penalty.
It is important for players to understand the rules and techniques of checking in lacrosse to avoid penalties and injury. Coaches should teach players the proper way to execute stick and body checks, and emphasize the importance of safety and control on the field.
Types of Lacrosse Checking
Lacrosse is a contact sport involving checking, a defensive technique used to dislodge the ball from an opponent’s crosse. There are different types of legal checks in lacrosse, each with its own rules and techniques. Here are the most common types of lacrosse checking:
Body Checking
Body checking in lacrosse is a legal technique where a defender uses their body to make contact with an opposing player in an attempt to gain possession of the ball. The contact must be above the waist and below the neck, and the defender must be within five yards of the player with the ball. Body checking is allowed in men’s lacrosse but not in women’s or youth lacrosse.
Crosse Checking in Lacrosse
Crosse checking refers to a defender using their stick to strike their opponent’s stick in an attempt to dislodge the ball. The defender can use the stick to lift or poke the opponent’s stick, but they cannot make contact with the opponent’s body. Crosse checking is legal in all levels of lacrosse.
Lift Checks
A lift check is a type of crosse check where the defender uses their stick to lift their opponent’s top or bottom hands to dislodge the ball. Defender must use a quick and controlled motion and cannot lift their opponent’s stick above their shoulder. Lift checks are legal in all levels of lacrosse.
Poke Check
A poke check is a type of crosse check where the defender uses the tip of their stick to poke their opponent’s butt or hand to dislodge the ball. The defender must use a quick and controlled motion and cannot make contact with their opponent’s body. Poke checks are legal in all levels of lacrosse.
Trail Check
A trail check is a type of crosse check where the defender runs behind their opponent and uses their stick to check their opponent’s stick from behind. The defender must use a controlled motion and cannot make contact with their opponent’s body. Trail checks are legal in all levels of lacrosse.
Wrap Check
A wrap check is a type of crosse check where the defender uses their stick to wrap around their opponent’s stick in an attempt to dislodge the ball. The defender must use a quick and controlled motion and cannot make contact with their opponent’s body. Wrap checks are legal in all levels of lacrosse.
Slap Check
The slap check involves a sideways sweeping motion with your stick across the opponent’s stick, aiming to jar the ball loose. This technique is particularly effective when the opponent is cradling the ball close to their stick. Slap checks are legal in all levels of lacrosse.
In conclusion, understanding the different types of legal checks in lacrosse is essential for players and coaches. By knowing the rules and techniques of each type of check, players can improve their defensive skills and avoid penalties.
Get more explanations and description images about these types of lacrosse checks on RookierRoad.com
Lacrosse Checking Tips
When playing lacrosse, checking is an essential tactic players use to gain possession of the ball from their opponents. It involves using the stick or body to contact the opposing player to dislodge the ball. Here are some tips to help improve your lacrosse checking skills:
Stick Checking
- Use the bottom hand: When performing a stick check, use the bottom hand to generate more power and control over the stick.
This will make it easier to dislodge the ball from your opponent’s stick.
- Aim for the hands: When performing a stick check, aim for your opponent’s hands or the bottom of their stick. This will make it harder for them to control the ball, increasing your chances of gaining possession.
- Be quick: Stick checks should be quick and precise. This will make it harder for your opponent to react and avoid the check.
- Don’t overdo it: While stick checks are an important part of lacrosse, overdoing it can result in penalties. Stick checks should be used strategically and sparingly.
Body Checking
- Positioning is key: Proper positioning is crucial when performing a body check. Make sure to get low and use your body to block your opponent’s path before making contact.
- Use your legs: When performing a body check, use your legs to generate power and momentum.
This will make it easier to knock your opponent off balance and gain possession of the ball.
- Stay within the rules: Body checks are only legal within certain areas of the body. Avoid making contact with your opponent’s head, neck, or below the waist to avoid penalties and injuries.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Body checks should only be performed when it is safe to do so. Make sure to be aware of your surroundings and avoid making contact with other players or objects on the field.
Following these lacrosse checking tips can help players to improve their skills and increase their chances of gaining possession of the ball. However, it is essential to remember that checking should always be performed safely and within the lacrosse rules.
Conclusion
Lacrosse checking is an essential part of the game and can be used effectively by both offensive and defensive players. It is a physical aspect of the game that requires skill and technique. The lacrosse checking rules are important to understand to ensure that players stay safe and avoid penalties.
Players can use different types of legal checks, including stick checks, body checks, and poke checks. Each type of check has its own advantages and disadvantages and can be used in different situations. Players need to practice and master different types of checks to become well-rounded players.
Illegal checks, such as cross-checking, slashing, and hits to the head, are not allowed and can result in penalties or even ejections from the game. Players must understand the rules and consequences of illegal checks to avoid putting themselves and their team at a disadvantage.
Overall, lacrosse checking is an important aspect of the game that requires skill, technique, and knowledge of the rules. Players who master the different types of checks and understand the rules can contribute more effectively to their team. Lacrosse checking is a crucial part of the game, adding to its physicality and excitement.
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About Lucas
I am Lucas, a lacrosse enthusiast and writer for LaxEZ.com. As someone who has played lacrosse for years, I have a deep passion for the sport and love sharing my knowledge and insights. Through my writing, I strive to share experienced skills, educate and inspire readers about the game of lacrosse. Join me on this exciting journey as we explore the lacrosse world and celebrate the sport we love.
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Synonyms and antonyms “lacrosse” – analysis and associations to the word lacrosse. Morphological analysis and declension of words
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Translation of the word lacrosse
We offer you the translation of the word lacrosse into English, German and French.
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- In English
- lacrosse
- lacrosse team
What is lacrosse like (adjectives)?
Selection of adjectives for a word based on the Russian language.
open shaved
What can lacrosse do? What can you do with lacrosse (verbs)?
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prove to say help to elbow to pass to stand to drain over to see to see to seem to bow
Associations to the word lacrosse
vocabulary
Morphological analysis (part of speech) of the word lacrosse
Part of speech:
noun
Gender:
male
Number:
singular
Animation:
inanimate
Case:
nominative
Noun declension lacrosse
90 089
Lacrosse sentences
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