DefenseFundamentals

Defensive Stance Basics Drill

Teaches the low, balanced defensive stance and shuffle every other defensive skill in lacrosse is built on.

Age RangeAges 6+
Duration6 minutes
Group SizeWhole team
SportLacrosse

Equipment Needed

  • Open space (no stick needed)

Build out your practice kit

This stance drill needs no stick or ball yet, but a basic coaching-aid kit keeps the rest of practice moving.

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Setup

  • Spread players out facing the coach with room to move.
Defensive Stance Basics DrillPPPPLow stance, stick hand back, shuffle on the call

Instructions

  1. Players get into a low defensive stance, knees bent, stick hand back, feet shoulder-width apart.
  2. The coach calls a direction; players shuffle that way without crossing their feet.
  3. Mix in a freeze call to check everyone lands balanced and low.
  4. Speed up the calls gradually as the stance becomes automatic.
Coaching Points
  • Stay low the whole time - standing up straight between calls loses the stance.
  • Shuffle the feet, don't cross them, when moving side to side.
  • Keep the top hand ready to check, not down at your side.

Variation

Add a stick and a check motion once the footwork is consistent.