How do new field markings affect crease dives in NCAA lacrosse. What are the essential techniques for effective crease defensive play. Why is crease defense crucial for team success in lacrosse.
New NCAA Field Markings: Revolutionizing Crease Dive Calls
The NCAA has introduced new field markings to assist officials in making more accurate calls on crease dives in lacrosse. This development aims to address one of the most contentious aspects of the game, providing clarity for both players and officials. The crease, a 9-foot radius semicircle around the goal, has long been a focal point of intense action and controversy.
These new markings are designed to help officials better determine whether an attacking player has entered the crease before the ball, which is a violation of the rules. By providing clearer visual cues, the NCAA hopes to reduce disputes and enhance the fairness of the game.
Impact on Gameplay and Strategy
How will these new markings affect gameplay? The enhanced visibility of the crease boundaries may lead to changes in offensive strategies. Attackers might become more cautious when approaching the crease, potentially reducing the frequency of crease dives. Conversely, defenders and goalkeepers may feel more confident in challenging close-range shots, knowing that crease violations will be more easily detected.
Crease Defense: The Cornerstone of Lacrosse Success
Crease defense is a critical component of a successful lacrosse team. The area immediately surrounding the goal presents the highest percentage shooting opportunities for offensive players. Any momentary lapse in defensive concentration can result in a quick goal for the opposing team.
Why is crease defense so crucial? The proximity to the goal means that offensive players in this area have a significantly higher chance of scoring. Defensive players must be constantly vigilant and employ specific techniques to counter this threat effectively.
Key Principles of Crease Defense
- Maintain positioning between the offensive player and the ball
- Keep constant contact or “feel” on the offensive player
- Use peripheral vision to track both the ball and the offensive player
- Be prepared to slide and support teammates
- Clear the crease area after shots to assist the goalkeeper
Guarding the Creaseman: Techniques and Strategies
Defending against the creaseman requires a unique set of skills and awareness. The creaseman is often considered the most dangerous scorer on the offensive half of the field due to their central position and proximity to the goal.
What makes guarding the creaseman so challenging? Their constant threat to shoot and score necessitates unwavering attention from the defender. The primary objective is to prevent the creaseman from catching the ball, as any reception in this area can quickly lead to a scoring opportunity.
Essential Defensive Tactics
- Position yourself between the creaseman and the ball at all times
- Maintain a “feeler” on the offensive player using your stick or body
- Keep your stick towards the creaseman and your body oriented towards the ball carrier
- Be prepared to slide off and pick up dodgers while maintaining lane integrity
- Use peripheral vision to track both the ball and your assigned player
Crease Defense When the Ball is Behind the Goal
Defending the crease becomes particularly challenging when the ball is behind the goal. This scenario presents unique difficulties for the defensive player, as the creaseman has a clear view of the play developing behind them.
Why is this situation so dangerous? The offensive creaseman can see the ball at all times and may benefit from picks set by teammates. This combination of factors makes it easier for the offense to create scoring opportunities.
Defensive Strategies for Behind-the-Goal Play
To effectively defend in this situation, the defensive player must:
- Always position themselves between the ball and the creaseman on the ball side
- Use peripheral vision to maintain awareness of both the ball and the offensive player
- Be prepared to adapt if the creaseman becomes more active or works off picks
- Listen for and quickly react to the goalkeeper’s ball location calls
- Be ready to clear the crease area when a shot is taken
Midfield Ball Position: Adapting Crease Defense
When the ball is at midfield, crease defenders must adjust their positioning and awareness to maintain effective coverage. This scenario presents different challenges compared to when the ball is behind the goal or in close proximity to the crease.
How does midfield ball position affect crease defense? While it may be easier to use peripheral vision in this situation, defenders must still maintain top-side position and be ready to react to sudden changes in play.
Key Considerations for Midfield Crease Defense
- Maintain top-side position between the creaseman and the ball
- Use peripheral vision to track both the offensive player and the ball
- Be prepared to back up on dodges coming directly towards the crease
- Keep your stick and body in the lane between potential dodgers and the creaseman
- Maintain a light “feeler” on the offensive player without drawing penalties
The “Feeler” Technique: Maintaining Contact Without Penalties
The “feeler” technique is a crucial skill for crease defenders. It involves maintaining light contact with the offensive player using either the stick or body, allowing the defender to track the player’s movements without constantly looking at them.
What makes the feeler technique so effective? By maintaining this contact, defenders can react more quickly to sudden movements or attempted catches by the offensive player. However, it’s essential to execute this technique properly to avoid drawing penalties.
Implementing the Feeler Technique
To effectively use the feeler technique:
- Place your stick lightly on the offensive player’s stick or body
- Maintain enough pressure to feel movement, but not so much as to impede the player
- Be prepared to adjust your contact point if warned by officials
- Use the technique to complement your visual awareness, not replace it
- Practice the technique to find the right balance of contact and freedom of movement
Clearing the Crease: Post-Shot Defensive Responsibilities
After a shot is taken, crease defenders have important responsibilities to help their team regain possession and transition to offense. Clearing the crease involves more than just moving out of the way; it requires active engagement with offensive players to create space for the goalkeeper.
Why is clearing the crease so important? It allows the goalkeeper to move freely to gather loose balls and initiate fast breaks. Additionally, it prevents offensive players from capitalizing on potential rebounds or unsettled situations.
Effective Crease Clearing Techniques
- Check the offensive player’s stick to prevent easy catches on rebounds
- Physically move the offensive player away from the immediate crease area
- Communicate with teammates to ensure all offensive threats are covered
- Be prepared to receive an outlet pass from the goalkeeper
- Transition quickly to offense once possession is secured
Leveraging the 7v6 Advantage in Loose Ball Situations
When a loose ball occurs in the crease area, the defense has a numerical advantage of 7 players (including the goalkeeper) against 6 offensive players. This situation presents a prime opportunity for the defensive team to regain possession and transition to offense.
How can teams best utilize this 7v6 advantage? By effectively neutralizing individual opponents and working cohesively, the defense can create an environment where the goalkeeper has the best chance to secure the loose ball.
Strategies for Winning Loose Ball Battles
- Each defender focuses on checking and neutralizing their assigned opponent
- Use body positioning to block offensive players from accessing the loose ball
- Communicate clearly to avoid confusion and prevent unopposed offensive players
- Support the goalkeeper by creating space and passing lanes
- Be prepared to quickly transition to offense once possession is secured
By mastering these crease defense techniques and understanding the nuances of the new NCAA field markings, lacrosse teams can significantly enhance their defensive effectiveness. The crease area remains one of the most critical zones on the field, and proficiency in defending it can often be the difference between victory and defeat. As the game continues to evolve, so too will the strategies and techniques employed by both offensive and defensive players in this crucial area of the field.
Crease Defensive Play – Coaches Insider
• By Human Kinetics
By: Jack Kaley and Rich Donovan Originally Published in: Lacrosse Essentials Provided by: Human Kinetics Crease defense is essential to success; offensive players in the crease area have the highest percentage shot on the field due to close proximity to the cage. Any brief defensive lapse in this area can result in a goal being scored. Playing the creaseman has its own set of rules and techniques because you are playing the most dangerous scorer on the offensive half of the field. This is sound defensive play regardless of the location of the offensive player with the ball. An offensive player who catches the ball in the crease (defined as the 4-by-4-yard area directly in front of the goal) normally takes a quick shot on the goal. CREASE PLAY WHEN THE BALL IS BEHIND THE GOAL The offensive crease attack player is most dangerous when the ball is behind the cage. He is in a position to see the ball at all times and may be aided by other players setting up picks for him. The defensive player must always be between the ball and the creaseman on the ball side to prevent being blocked out on an inside feed. The defensive player should use peripheral vision and maintain contact with the offensive player (see figure 6.16). If the offensive creaseman is active or working off of picks by teammates, the defender must forego his peripheral vision to see the ball and rely on the goalie’s call for ball location. PLAYING THE CREASEMAN WHEN THE BALL IS AT MIDFIELD When the ball is at the midfield, you must maintain top-side position to stay between the creaseman and the ball. Using your peripheral vision to locate your man and the ball is a little easier in this situation. It’s important that you are aware of ball position at the midfield. You must be ready to back up on a dodge that comes directly toward you. When you slide to back up, keep your stick and body in the lane between the dodger and the creaseman, thereby making it difficult for the dodger to feed the crease. |
Because he is the closest man to the cage and in the middle of the offense at all times, he is a constant threat to shoot and score. Therefore, it is essential that the defensive player guarding him does not allow him to catch the ball. The defender must play between the creaseman and the ball whenever possible. The defender should have a feeler on the crease man at all times. By this we mean, if possible, he should have his stick on the offensive player’s stick or body at all times. If he has to slide off of him to pick up a dodger, he must always keep his body and stick in the lane of the dodger and the creaseman. The most important rule for a defensive player who is playing the crease is to keep his stick in toward the creaseman and his body out toward the ball carrier (see figure 6.15).
Positioning your stick close enough to make a check if the ball is fed to the crease area normally prevents the offensive team from forcing the action. Placing your body between the ball and your man allows for a shorter slide to the dodger if he gains a step on his defender and is attacking the goal.
He must focus on the player he is defending more than on seeing the ball’s location. He should be close enough and ready to react to check calls from the goalie and to clear the crease when a shot is taken. Clearing the crease means checking the offensive player’s stick and physically moving him out of the immediate area of the crease. This is essential so that the goalie is free to gather up loose balls and to clear on breakouts.
Keep your stick position so that you can feel your offensive player without looking directly at him (see figure 6.17). As previously mentioned, a feeler is when your stick is on the stick of the offensive player (see figure 6.18). You can’t prevent him from moving his stick. However, if the pressure on the stick is light, the officials will allow your stick-on-stick contact. If you’ve been given a warning by the officials, then place your stick on a portion of his body and not his stick. When a shot is taken, drive out the crease attack player to keep him from screening the goalie. If a loose ball is in the crease area, the crease defenders must check the sticks and bodies of the offensive players to prevent a rebound. The defense has a 7v6 advantage, which should allow the goalie to gain possession if all the defensive players neutralize their assigned opponents.MyNotes () ()
The Crease King – Premier Lacrosse League
The Crease King
By Jake Watts | Apr 13, 2020
The Crease: a 255 square foot forcefield enclosing the goal.
The painted circles serve as the last line of defense for goalies and teams guard their crease as if it were the Red Keep. Numerous offensive players who lay siege upon the crease will also often pay a price for getting too close. Conquering the crease is no easy feat in the PLL and few players maneuver their way past the vanguard to duel with the gatekeeper. Attackers and keepers alike fight for the title of “Crease King”.
The first recipient of the coveted Crease King crown is Atlas LC Attackman, Eric Law. No one is better at infiltrating the enemy’s gates and Law is the PLL’s specialist at finding the weakest point of the defense and ransacking on the doorstep.
The two yards of earth in front of the crease are truly “No Man’s Land”. This hostile area makes both invaders and defenders the most vulnerable to opposing ambushes. As always, the long-sticks are also patrolling the area and eagerly waiting to induce pain on any short-stick raiders. In 2019, the league’s leader in successful missions across the heavily defended battle site is the “5 & In” unit officer.
Eric Law’s Five Yards & In Ranks
Shots: 35 (T-1st)
Goals: 21 (1st)
Shooting: 60% (1st)
Average shot distance: 4.53 Yards (Closest in the PLL)
Here is a map of his strikes on enemy territory.
Eric Law in 2019:⠀
⠀
🥅 23 goals⠀
🎯 60.0% assisted sh. %⠀
💪 47.1% unassisted sh. %⠀
🍎 11 assists⠀
🍏 41 assist opportunities pic.twitter.com/AoIIiumklE— PLLStats (@pllstats) April 13, 2020
Every soldier has a role and Law takes the claim as Atlas LC’s assassin. This bull consistently tiptoes around the opposition and attacks when the enemy’s guard is down. Law’s strategy is all about understanding his opponent’s positioning and then influencing his adversary’s perception. The veteran is a master of disguising his intentions. One second he is an outlet and the next he is sneaking behind enemy lines.
Paul Rabil dodges down the alley. As his man hedges, Eric Law cuts backdoor for the finish.
@PaulRabil @ELaw_15 @PLLAtlas pic.twitter.com/mXw3D3L8h9
— PLL Highlights (@PLLHighlight) April 13, 2020
@PaulRabil @ELaw_15 @PLLAtlas pic.twitter.com/mXw3D3L8h9However, the beauty of Law’s game is in the details. His spacing not only puts the first slide in a bind but also takes out the second slide as neither crease defender recognizes Law until it is too late. In the clip shown above, had Law been parked on the crease at the start of the dodge it would have been easy pickings for the Archers.
While others are playing checkers, Law is playing chess. The savvy player knows the Atlas LC knights will preoccupy the defenders and, at the same time, he is analyzing for counter measures to predict the second-third slides. He always knows beforehand what the defense is going to do and it makes his skillset so invaluable. Four of Law’s nine assisted goals in settled situations were on the second pass of the initiation. Truly impressive.
Connor Buczek gets physical, draws a slide upfield, moves it to Ryan Brown who hits Eric Law on the backside pipe.
— PLL Highlights (@PLLHighlight) March 19, 2020
Tic tac toe.@cbucz33 @rbrownie04 @ELaw_15 @PLLAtlas pic.twitter.com/bGnn02g3hwAgain, his spacing throughout the play is ingenious. He stays active backside, floats high to not set the crease alarm and then cuts back to the ball to evade the Bryce Young trail check. Law’s field awareness is second to none.
The attackman is one of the toughest covers in the league. The key to Law’s success is his constant movement. He presents a target and is subsequently able to put his defenders in difficult positions. Law had a stellar first season, but there’s no doubt he will have to make adjustments in year two.
It is no secret that Atlas LC acquired Team USA X-Attackman, Rob Pannell. Pannell excels in dodging from behind the cage – the spot Law primarily operated from last year. For the new attack unit to be cohesive, Law will have to be a nuisance above GLE rather than below, for the most part.
There is no cause for concern though; the vet is unselfish by nature and can work with any roster.
Law will have to find new ways to penetrate the opposing force’s front lines and we can expect an equally impressive output in the upcoming season. He is the Crease King for a reason.
Share This With Friends
You May Also Like
Penn State Adds Top ’24 Sniper Dylan Jasch to Their Ranks » AllLacrosse.org
21:26
09 Sep
NCAA Division 1 team Penn State has added one of the top ’24 class shooters, Dylan Jaszcz, to their ranks.
Philadelphia’s top scorer in the ’24 class. Yashch is a terrific shooter who has proven himself in the Inter-Academic League, one of the toughest leagues in the country. A fantastic sniper who develops tremendous speed when throwing, can also break away from his opponent to open up. As a rookie, he scored 31 goals and provided 13 assists, numbers he can surpass. He could become the highest paid offensive player in recent years.
At a young age, Jax already has a sophisticated set of techniques.
His footwork as he tiptoes around the crease is just amazing. He is able to throw powerfully and accurately from a variety of angles. Once his physique matches his obvious skills, he will be almost unstoppable.
Also Recommended
8-09-2022, 19:48
Love him or hate him, you can’t deny that Sean Evans is an influence in
8-09-2022, 23:01
If you are reading this, you are most likely an NLL fan. You probably even have a favorite. – NLL Rising Star, 2022 Rookie of the Year Award Winner.0002 Visitors in group Guests cannot post comments on this post.
NEWS FEED
latest
commented
07:26
18 Feb
22:42
15 Feb
22:33
15 Feb
21:30
12 Feb
19:25
12 Feb
17:54
12 Feb
16:54
12 Feb
16:00
Feb 12
13:06
12 Feb
19:08
11 Feb
18:13
11 Feb
17:29
11 Feb
09:50
11 Feb
08:03
11 Feb
21:29
06 Feb
19:28
06 Feb
18:40
06 Feb
22:20
Feb 01
22:13
01 Feb
20:20
Jan 31
04:49
Sep 19
07:26
18 Feb
22:42
15 Feb
22:33
15 Feb
21:30
12 Feb
19:25
12 Feb
17:54
12 Feb
16:54
12 Feb
16:00
Feb 12
13:06
12 Feb
19:08
11 Feb
18:13
11 Feb
17:29
11 Feb
09:50
11 Feb
08:03
11 Feb
21:29
06 Feb
19:28
06 Feb
18:40
06 Feb
22:20
Feb 01
22:13
01 Feb
All lacrosse news →
All Lacrosse.
org/ – site about lacrosse. All news about world lacrosse, reports, reviews, match results. National Lacrosse League, Premier Lacrosse League, World Lacrosse, NCAA Lacrosse, Mann Cup, Minto Cup, MSL, WLA, OJLL, NABLL and other world lacrosse leagues.
ᐉ Set of thermal underwear for football SPORT Thermal Underwear for children 135-145 cm Black (3354)
-21%
1 840
-391
1 449
Height: 132-144
Delivery
Seller of goods:
FOOTBALL KIDS
Seller’s other items
Main characteristics
Season:
demi-season, winter
Height:
132-144 cm
All features
Buy with this product
Advertising
Description Set of thermal underwear for football SPORT Thermal Underwear for children 135-145 cm Black (3354)
Excellent thermal underwear for active sports: football, American football, hockey, basketball, volleyball, tennis, lacrosse, rowing, rugby, cricket, karate, gymnastics, taekwondo, fitness, alpine skiing, biathlon, figure skating, handball, motoball, running, cycling, boxing, cross-country skiing, riding, rollerblading, gym, badminton and many others.
Thermal clothing is designed for sports in the cold season and for training in a cold gym or as casual wear for cold weather. Helps to feel comfortable during exercise, retaining heat and removes excess moisture from the body and prevents overheating of the body. Polyester and polyamide do an excellent job of removing moisture, which cannot be said about cotton – during sweating, it gets wet and retains moisture for a long time, and in wet clothes the risk of cooling increases. Therefore, high-quality sports thermal underwear is produced without the use of cotton.
The main task of sports thermal underwear is to leave the body as dry as possible even during high physical activity, only then you will feel warm and comfortable in it.
Thermal underwear has flat seams or seamless to avoid chafing. Does not constrain or constrain movements, the fabric is elastic. The main advantage of the fabric: hypoallergenic and antibacterial. Underwear is developed taking into account active use during sports and prevents the appearance of an unpleasant smell of sweat.
Important! Thermal underwear retains heat only when it fits snugly to the body and hugs it! Never buy underwear for growth. An incorrectly selected size or folds of fabric on the sides will interfere with the removal of excess moisture and it will collect in drops and flow down the skin.
Show full description
Hide description
Characteristics Set of thermal underwear for football SPORT Thermal Underwear for children 135-145 cm Black (3354)
Material:
polyester
Manufacturer country:
China
Floor:
for boys, for girls
Base color:
black
Height:
132-144 cm
Manufacturer’s color:
black
Manufacturer size:
135-145 cm
Season:
demi-season, winter
Fabric structure:
elastane, polyester, spandex
Specifications and equipment subject to change by the manufacturer.
