Soft Lacrosse 3-on-2 Fast Break
Soft lacrosse fast-break waves where three attackers form a triangle and look for a shot against two defenders and a goalie. Students work on quick passing, spacing, and decisions with a numbers advantage.
How to play
- Two 30 x 20 m fields with a goal at one end and a 3 m crease marked with cones; each has a goalie, two defenders, and a line of attackers at midfield (2 min).
- Explain the triangle (2 min): one attacker up top and two low on either side of the goal, about 8 m apart; move the ball until someone is open.
- Run 3-on-2 waves (10 min): three attackers break with a ball and have ten seconds to shoot. A goal with fewer than three passes is 2 points, with more it's 1; an interception or a save cleared to an outlet cone gives the defense 1.
- Rotation: the shooter becomes a defender, the longest-serving defender returns to the line, and the goalie switches every five waves.
- Finish (6 min): continuous 4-on-3; when the defense wins the ball, it clears toward a line of cones at midfield.
Rules
- No contact: no stick or body checks; defenders only intercept or block lanes.
- No one enters the crease.
- Safety: shots stay below the goalie's shoulders, and the goalie wears a face mask if available.
- Ten seconds per wave; when time runs out, the defense gets the ball.
Variations
Easier
3-on-1 with fifteen seconds to shoot.
Standard
3-on-2 with ten seconds and scoring by number of passes.
Harder
4-on-3 with seven seconds, and goals count only after a pass across the front of the goal.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: plays the top of the triangle as a stationary passer, earning a bonus point for an assist.
- Hard of hearing: start and end each wave with a raised arm.
- Lower skill level: starts as a defender who only covers the lane between the two low attackers.
Learning goals
- Form an attacking triangle and hold spacing.
- Pass quickly to the open teammate with a numbers advantage.
- Defend outnumbered by blocking passing lanes.
Equipment for a class of 25
- soft lacrosse sticks: 25
- soft balls: 12
- small goals: 2
- cones: 20
- pinnies: 6
Teacher tip
Attackers tend to run the ball right into the defense: remind them the ball should travel faster than their feet. Leave 5 m of open space between the two fields.
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