4-on-3 Full-Field Face-Off Fast Breaks
Face-offs and Fast Breaks are two of the most exciting things that can happen in any lacrosse game. Just ask CJ Costabile (Duke) and RG Keenan (North Carolina). Use this full-field practice drill for both of these key elements to get twice as much work done in the same amount of time!
The 4-on-3 Fast Break happens multiple times in every lacrosse game, especially with youth and beginners. No matter what level you coach, make sure your team understands how to work the numbers advantage so they can score!
This drill is great for imitating game situations, face-offs, transition, ball movement, stick skills, defensive communication, slides and recovery, and shooting! Plus you can work your first and second line Attackmen and Defenders at the same time, giving all your players plenty of reps.
If you don't have defined Attackmen and Defenders, you can rotate all your players through the drill so they get experience in different situations at different positions. This is how you "teach them how to play," instead of teaching them plays.
Who knows--maybe you'll find some kids that can catch and move the ball really well, or some kids that fit naturally on Defense!
Here's THE DRILL:
Figure 1.) Set up 3 Attack and 3 Defenders at each end of the field like you would in a game. Split your midfielders up into two teams, one on each side of the field at the midfield line.
You can also mix your extra Long Poles and Attackmen in with the midfielders to give all your players more reps. Developing well-rounded athletes is one of the most important things you do as a youth or high school lacrosse coach.
PRACTICE TIPS:
- Keep time in your games and drills: Time your drills for your players' age and attention span.
- Keep Score: Inject some intensity into your games and drills and give your players something to compete for--push ups, hill sprints, burpees, up downs, anything.
- Be Loud: Everyone on both Attack and Defense needs to communicate who is covering the ball and who the open man is.
- Eyes Up, Sticks Up: The D-Poles should put their sticks in the passing lanes to knock down passes and shots, while the Attackmen should have their sticks at the shoulder, ready to catch and shoot if they are open.
- Keep Your Feet Moving: Attackmen should be moving to the ball to get open, while Defenders should be rotating to cover the man with the ball.
RELATED PRACTICE DRILLS:
- 4-on-3 Box Passing: Teach your players to understand the Box and the Triangle before playing out this full-field game.
- 4-on-3 Fast Break Drill: Keep it simple and give your players plenty of reps to work this common game situation.
- 4-on-3 with 2-on-1 Up Top: This variation puts your players in the same situation and teaches your Defense to drop into "the Hole".
- Full Field Fast Breaks at Both Goals: Get Fast Breaks going at both ends of the field. Twice as much practice in the same amount of time!
- Japanese Fast Breaks: 4-on-3 Fast Breaks that finish in 6-on-6 settled Offense. Tons of fun with this drill.
Make sure to let us know if you have any great Fast Break Drills of your own! We would love to share them.
