This document discusses strategies for face-offs and wing play in lacrosse. It covers offensive and defensive strategies for fast breaks, using personnel effectively, and making in-game adjustments. The key points are owning the tempo by controlling possession, jump starting the offense on fast breaks, minimizing the opposing face-off specialist's effectiveness, and setting the tone by scoring quickly off the opening draw.

1. Face-Offs and Wing PlayWhy 10 seconds can mean so much……

2. IntroductionsInstant OffenseStop The BreakPersonnel & StrategyIn-Game Adjustments (Rock / Paper / Scissors)Conclusion / QuestionsAgenda

3. Fast Break OpportunitiesStandard “L” BreakAdvantagesFamiliar to everyoneEasy to teach and executeDisadvantagesFOGO must pop the ball to the correct sideDefenses are familiar with defending itLimited space to work the breakInstant Offense

4. Flat BreakAdvantagesCan be executed in a single passDefenses are less familiar with defending itMultiple optionsGives FOGO room to execute – can be run from wherever he pops the ballDisadvantagesLess room for attack to work – superior stickwork requiredNot every situation the same – more communication neededInstant Offense

5. Flat Break off the draw

6. Even Strength – Still OK to push if…FOGO is a strong dodger/shooterSolid off-ball movementDefense is packed inInstant Offense

7. Take Advantage of Illegal Procedure RuleDon’t sub when awarded the ball after a false startResulting 6 on 5 a great chance to scoreInstant Offense

8. Goal off of Procedure Call

9. Advantages from Subbing at the XRoom to work (“I”)Trapping FOGO and O-Mids on defenseInstant Offense

10. Take Advantage of Subbing at the X

11. Points of Emphasis - Identify situation with a call “Scramble”. - “Scramble” situations are any point in a game when the offense is attacking with more players than we have defending. - Fast break, EMO vs. MDD, 2 on 1, etc. - Not what you are willing to defend, it’s what you are willing to give up. -Defense must get into the crease area “hole” and play out from here.Stop the Break

12. Set up in a triangle position with poles. Identify point defender.Keep sticks up and inside. Point man keep stick up field in pass back lane “Buckeye”.Objective for point defender is to force an inopportune shot or deflect “Buckeye” pass.Force ball carrier down the alley.Point man slides towards back shoulder off ball carrier to play angle properlyStop the L Break

13. Poles rotate to fill position, much like regular 6 v 6 team defense.Point defender must recover with stick in closest passing lane.Stop the L Break cont.

14. Stop the Break

15. Stop the Break

16. Points of EmphasisDefensive pole set up inside their man.Defenseman closest to the ball will slide to the ball carrier when necessary.Nearest man will fill the voided space and collapse on the pass.Stop the Flat Break

17. Challenge shooters with a high arc.COMMUNICATION !!!!! -Determine L Break or Flat Break -Determines point man’s position. “Push out, drop in, move left” etc. -Determine when defense is to rotate.Goalie Responsibilities

18. “Keep it Dirty” – Failure to Advance RuleUltimate pride in picking up ground balls after a face-off loss“Dog” the FOGOWhere, when, and whyWingsBefore a TouchHe’s not the best ball-handlerStop the Break

19. Defense must rotate to fill, very similar to sliding just like in a regular 6 v 6 team defense.Objective is to make offense due everything correct in order to score.Keep sticks up and in potential passing lanes. Force offense into doing things before they are ready to do them.OVERVIEW

20. PersonnelWho’s the best for the situation?Which FOGO?How many poles/shorts?O-Middies or D-MiddiesEach position’s responsibilitiesPlayer development opportunitiesPersonnel & Strategy

21. StrategyPossession – Owning the TempoPersonnel & Strategy

22. Owning the Tempo - Possession

23. Breaks – Jump Starting the OffenseWhen do we want to do this?What tells us we can?What are the risks? rewards?Personnel & Strategy

24. Jump Starting the Offense

25. Make It 50/50 – Minimize Effective Opposing FOGOPut the ball out in space and involve your wing playersCreating 50/50 chances allows your athletes to compete for the ball.Personnel & Strategy

26. 50/50 Ground Balls

27. Lock the WingsPress out on everyone when he carries the ball into the defensive zonePut the onus on the face-off specialist to beat youMore often than not, you wind up in a 6 on 6 situation – more comfortable than being down.Personnel & Strategy

28. Collapse on the FOGO – He doesn’t handle the ball wellPersonnel & Strategy

29. Jam His Best Moveour guy has to counter their guy and generally make a mess of thingsPersonnel & Strategy

30. Double Pole the WingsElephant Package – when to use itHaving two poles on the wings causes problems with starting a break or gaining possession.Personnel & Strategy

31. The Opening Draw – Setting the ToneScoring in the first ten seconds is an emotional lift for any teamHaving a FOGO that can create a break off of the draw immediately causes additional concern on the opposing benchIn-Game Adjustments

32. End of Period – Don’t Leave Money on the TableUse your advantage at the face-off X to press the issue at the end of the periodCarrying momentum into the half or into the next period can be a huge liftIn-Game Adjustments

33. Turning the Screws – Putting the game out of reach at the XWinning draw after draw frustrates the opponent, thus:More EMO chancesMore rushed shots – shorter time playing defenseMore hurried passes – breakdown in fundamentalsIn-Game Adjustments

34. Face-Off and Wing Strategy is as important a part of game day planning and preparation as any other facet of the gameOffensive AdvantagesDefensive PreparationHaving Well-Prepared PersonnelBeing Able to Make Adjustments On the FlyConclusion

35. Questions