College 3-1-2 Sweep Dodge
This is a simple Dodging play we've seen from some of the top NCAA teams already this season. Sweep Dodges are a great way to get your players into the middle of the field for great shooting positions!
Shooting on the run from the Alley can actually be quite difficult for beginning players. The shooting angle (ie how much goal you can see/hit) decreases with every step.
Dodge to the Middle! Get to the "Slot"! Sweep Dodges, on the other hand, increase the Dodger's shooting angle, putting your players right in front of the goal, preferably shooting with their strong hand on the run!
- Related:Here are some tips for shooting on the run with Team USA and MLL Pro Paul Rabil.
- Related:Here are more tips for shooting on the run from MLL Champ and All-Star Jeremy Sieverts.
We like using the 3-1-2 or "3-3" Formation with our youth players better than the 2-3-1. It removes some of the complicated Triangle rotations of the classic 2-3-1 Motion Offense that can confuse younger and beginning players. Plus, it helps keep all six of your players in front of the goal in shooting position.
The 3-1-2 Formation also gives your players plenty of room to Dodge! This simple 4-Man Rotation is just one of probably a handful of Sweep Dodge Plays you can use. It incorporates some of the fundamentals of traditional Motion Offense. Your players have the whole top of the box to Dodge, with plenty of space to run past their Defenders.
- Related: Make sure your players know they can also Dodge down the Alley in the 3-1-2 Formation!
HERE'S THE PLAY:
We usually run this play on the right side of the field (when looking out from the Goal or Goalie) so that most of the Dodges, passes and shot opportunities are right-handed, since most of our players are right-handed.
Figure 1.) First look is always to the GOAL! Blue 1 should use a left-to-right Split Dodge to beat his Defender and get to the middle of the field, in front of the goal where he can get good shooting positions with his dominant hand.
- Defense: Don't give up the middle. "No Top Side!"
Blue 2, 3 and 4 must create space for Blue 1 Dodging! All three Attackers must move out of the way for Blue 1 carrying the ball, dragging their Defenders out of the way, and confusing the Slides from the Defense. We will cover each of these simple movements step-by-step below.
RELATED PLAYS & DRILLS:
- 3-1-2 Alley Dodge: Another classic play we like out of the 3-1-2 Formation. Teach your players to dodge and shoot down both sides of the field!
- 2-3-1 Alley Dodge with a "Shallow Clear Through": This is a simple 2-Man Play we've seen college and pro teams using the last few years.
- Virginia 3-1-2 High-Wing Pick Play: Another simple play we've seen several times this year out of this same Formation.
- Duke 3-1-2 "Inside-Out" Pick & Roll Offense: Our most popular article ever, this is the Offense Duke used when they won the 2013 NCAA National Championship Game!
