Topic 7: Defense and Checking

Keep the lacrosse skills coming. In this topic, we are going to introduce basic defensive play and demonstrate how defenders can use checking and other techniques to their advantage. We'll also take a closer look at various types of checks and talk about how and when each can be used in game situations. Teaching your players these foundational skills at the youth level will help to solidify your team defense and keep your players safe on the field. Check out the tips and drills that we've included in this section for advice on how to incorporate each of these techniques into your team practices. Remember to stress the importance of proper field and body positioning to your players.  Putting your defensive players in position to be successful on the field will help to build their confidence and prepare them to succeed at more advanced levels of play. Let's get started!

Practice Plan



    Warm-up lap with cradling reinforcement

    Stretch

    Line Drills (passing, scooping, dodging, ground balls, shooting)

    Introduce basic defensive play

    Demonstrate defensive stance and slides

    Introduce checking

    Demonstrate body checks and slap checks

    Demonstrate v-holds and equal pressure techniques

    Discuss long pole play

    Checking Drills

    Half-field scrimmage

    Final thoughts