4v4 + Goalie

This is a great game to play with advanced players who are ready to operate in a Pairs type offense with two sets of 2man games occurring simultaneously.  4v4 + Goalie game is fantastic for IQ development if played well (with constant 2man game action on and off ball) because there are so many decisions being made on both sides of the ball.  The down side of 4v4 is players will get fewer touches than in a game with lesser numbers.  And if this game is played without good pairs movements, it is particularly jammed up.

Rules

  • No high heat!
  • 2man games on both sides
  • Full size crease (use sidewalk chalk)
  • Goalie stick
  • No dunking

Goal size

3'6'' x 3'6''(pictured below)  is the ideal goal size along with a goalie stick and a full size crease.  This net size almost perfectly simulates box lacrosse where it's not easy to score but not impossible to score.  The ability to shoot screen shots from the outside will draw the defense out, which will in turn allow for space to do a pick and roll.

4'x4' can work, but it becomes a little bit too easy to score.  What we don't want to see is Alley Shots going in, and they will.  A goalie stick and crease is a must!

3x3 can work, but it's too hard to score and the defense will pack it in super tight.  Shots will be hard and low, without touch and deception.  If you do play with this net, definitely don't use a goalie stick.

Full Size Crease

One could argue that the most fundamentally important part of finishing is gaining angle on your shot with out stepping in the crease.  Without a crease, players will simply step toward the goal.  With a crease players will shoot and either gain angle or lose angle.

Another important aspect of a full size crease is balancing "Too easy" with "Too hard" to score.  the 3'6''x3'6'' can be too easy to score on without a crease.

A full size crease has a 9' diameter.  Here's how I make a perfect crease:

First, draw a goal line.  Then pace three steps straight out, to each side from the center of the goal line, and then 45 degrees.  Finally, connect the dots. Don't bother with the crease behind.

Box Goalie 

Sometimes we play this game with a goalie in full box gear and an NLL size net which is 4' x 4'9''.  The advantage here is shooters don't have to worry about hurting the goalie, although they must still be mindful of not hurting defenders with a shot or follow through.