Defense1v1

1v1 Defense Fundamentals Drill

Live 1v1 defending work that combines stance, footwork, and stick checks against a real dodging attacker.

Age RangeAges 9+
Duration8 minutes
Group SizePairs
SportLacrosse

Equipment Needed

  • One ball per pair
  • Sticks

A reliable stick matters here

A durable practice stick gives defenders the tools to check safely against a live dodger.

Shop Lacrosse Sticks on Amazon As an Amazon Associate, FreeCoachingDrills.com earns from qualifying purchases.

Setup

  • Pair players up about 10 yards from a small goal or target, one attacker with the ball, one defender.
1v1 Defense Fundamentals DrillODodgesXStays on-ballDefender mirrors the dodge, stays between attacker and goal

Instructions

  1. The attacker tries to dodge past the defender toward the goal.
  2. The defender stays on-ball, mirrors the dodge with proper footwork, and looks for a legal check.
  3. Play out each rep to a shot, a stripped ball, or the attacker getting past, then reset.
  4. Switch roles every few reps.
Coaching Points
  • Stay between the attacker and the goal at all times - position before the check.
  • React to the dodge with a shuffle, not a lunge.
  • Only check when you have good body position; a check from a bad angle just draws a foul.

Variation

Add a shot clock or count to force the attacker to commit to a dodge quickly.