The one on one, mano a mano, the head to head, the two man tango is an essential part of lacrosse. Will you be able to beat your defender? Will you draw a slide or have a straight lane to the net? The key to be successful as a dodger is being able to identify your strengths while noticing your opponent’s weaknesses. You dont want to make an elaborate move to your weak hand setting yourself for a poor shot opportunity, but at the same time you dont want to be to predictable for your opponents only going to one side (just dont have a weak hand ;) , hit the wall! Scroll down for a reminder on how to practice on the wall).
Young players have the habit of deciding on their move, deke, or juke before they even reach the defender picking a fancy spin or flashy swim move. Moves cant be pre decided, they have to be reactions to what your defender does, you need to be able to read the situation and move from there. Wait for your defender to “commit”, to lunge one way or the other and then make your move.
One of the beauties of lacrosse is an athlete of any size can play, but they cant all play the same way. If you are larger and stronger then your defender use it to your advantage, close the “gap” or space between you and the defender, and physically overpower them. Your opponent will begin to favor one side, over committing, read the situation and roll away from pressure. On the contrary if speed and agility is your strength then keep your distance and use shifty moves to get around the defender apposed through him.
This is another example where lacrosse is just as mental as physical, like violent chess. You must anticipate you opponents movements, prepare for the encounter and then react. Take advantage of your opponents weaknesses and utilize your strengths.
No comments:
Post a Comment