5x Developed into our favorite game this past summer in Narragansett, RI with my JM3 Athletes! 5x is a 5v5 game where one player on the defensive team plays goalie making an all time 5v4.  This game is exactly like box lacrosse power play and it is SO FUN!  The ball movement, skip passes, 3 man side off ball and on ball motions, the picks and seals, wall passes and screen shots are all phenomenal for development. 

Defensively, this is by far the best pick up game.  5v4 is one of the most important fundamentals of team defense.  Every time there is a slide in a 6v6 situation, and there are two players committed to the ball, there are four guarding five until a player recovers.  Learning the roles of the following situations in 5x:

  • Ball - pressure
  • Adjacent - your man, skip pass, crease help, push out
  • Two passes away getting all the way in
  • Pass offs on carries, dodges and picks
  • Diamond / Box concepts
  • Communication

We generally played with three righties and two lefties where the 3 man side would cut and cycle and the lefties would seal down pick down and cut.  If the 3 man righty side can take advantage of a 3v2 on their side and draw a third defender, it leaves a great skip pass opportunity to the 2man as well as 2v1 backside seals.

Rules

  • 3'6''x3'6'' Goal, Goalie stick, full size half crease
  • No high heat on shots
  • No one hand checking, can openers or wraps
  • Cross check holds are ok as are post ups
  • No barreling in.... that would be a charge!
  • Games to 5
  • Make it take it
  • NLL Crease rules
  • No Dunking

 Check out the video below I put together illustrating the Zone Offense and Man up Offense concepts that are learned while playing 5x.  Not only will your kids LOVE it, but they will learn incredible skills and IQ!