Team USA 2-3-1 Dodge from “X” with Backside Exchange
This is an easy play we saw Team USA use during their annual Blue-White Scrimmage last weekend. It's a simple variation on the classic 2-3-1 Motion Offense that will confuse the Slides for the Defense and get cutters open for good shots inside!
Team USA has the best lacrosse players in the world running this play: Joey Sankey feeds to Paul Rabil, Myles Jones or Tom Schreiber! Even though they have serious talent and experience, you can still run this play with your youth or high school team.
It's a simple variation on the rotating triangles of the 2-3-1 Motion Offense that most players should know how to run, and how to defend. It's a great way to get backside cutters open in the middle, teammates open up top for good outside shots, and confuse the Slides for the Defense!
There are so many options in this play, but it's still so easy! Teach your players to "Clear Through!" or "Stretch" away from the man with the ball to draw the Defenders away from the Dodger. Give him SPACE to work against his Defender to get free for a shot on goal. This forces the other Defenders to Slide from farther away, giving the Dodger more time to see the Double-Teams coming.
HERE'S THE PLAY:
Figure 1.) First look is always to the GOAL! Dodging from behind the goal at "X" is a great way to get good shots from inside, right in front of the goal. If any extra Defenders "Slide!" to stop the ball, you should have players open up top in good position for a nice "Step-Down Shot".
Team USA had UNC Star Attackman Joey Sankey dodging to the Goalie's bottom left. Rob Pannell also likes to Dodge to this side for a right-handed "Question Mark" shot.
RELATED PLAYS & DRILLS:
- 2-3-1 Alley Dodge with a "Shallow" Clear Through: This is a simple play we see college and pro teams using to simplify some of the complex rotations of the traditional Triangle Motion Offense.
- 2-3-1 Dodge from "X": One of the first plays youth lacrosse players should learn. Attack from behind the goal at "X" for easy lay-ups, or get players open for good outside shots from up top!
- 2-3-1 Alley Dodge with a "Crease Pop": Another simple variation on the classic Triangle Motion Offense that we see Team USA running. Pop off the Crease for a good shot from top center, and confuse the Slides from the Defense!
- 3-1-2 Alley Dodge: We like Dodging out of the 3-1-2 or "3-3" Formation because it removes some of the complex rotations of the classic Triangle Motion Offense that can be confusing for younger and beginning players.
