E-MAILLacrosse dodges
There are a few dodges that all lacrosse players should know. Offensive players should know these dodges in order to best get around their defenders. Defensive players should know these dodges so they will be prepared for the dodges their opponent may use. Must-know dodges include the roll dodge, the face dodge, and the split dodge.
The roll dodge:
How to do it:
- Run towards one side of your defender's body to make him believe you want to run by him in that direction.
As your defender moves to his side to stop you, immediately turn your back to him, planting your opposite foot (if you're dodging with the stick in your right hand, plant and pivot on your left foot) and pivot (also called "rolling") back in the other direction.
Hold the stick vertically and place the head of the stick close to your chest.
Don't switch hands until a couple of steps after the roll dodge.
Pros:
- When done correctly, it's difficult for a defender to take the ball away from you during the dodge.
You are able to get close to your defender's body, taking away the advantage of defender's long-stick.
It allows you to easily free your hands for a pass or shot.
Cons:
- Turning your back to the field during the dodge means you're unable to see what's happening behind you. You may miss the opportunity to pass the ball for an easy goal or fail to see another defender coming towards you.
You are unable to see whether or not another defender is coming to double team you.
It's difficult to blow by your defender because you have to stop your momentum in one direction to stop and roll back.
The face dodge:
How to do it:
- Pretend to throw or shoot the ball directly at your defender.
As your defender moves his stick or body to avoid being hit with the shot, quickly move your stick to the other side of your body, keeping the stick vertical and in the same hand. Place the head of the stick near your ear.
Run by the side of your defender so your body is in between your stick and your defender.
Take multiple steps to ensure that you're past your defender before bringing the stick back to its original position.
Pros:
- This dodge can make your defender look silly if he ducks or cringes when you fake a shot, setting up the dodge.
You're able to quickly run by your defenseman.
Cons:
- If you don't "set up" your defender with a fake shot or pass, the dodge is difficult to use and often ineffective.
You may get by your defender, but he may be able to check your stick from behind.
The split-dodge:
The split dodge is the best way to beat your defender, so it deserves extra attention. The dodge can be difficult for youth level players to master, but once mastered, players find it's extremely effective. The key to an effective split-dodge is speed and making your defender think you're going to one side of his body before quickly switching directions and passing him on his other side. Be sure to dodge right at your defender and towards the goal.
How to do it:
- Create some space in between you and your defender.
Run directly at your defender at about 75% of a full-sprint.
Take a stutter-step to one side of your defender's body to make him think you're going in that direction.
Immediately change directions to pass your defender on the other side of his body.
Switch hands with the stick (if you started the dodge with the stick in your left hand, switch to your right hand during this part of the dodge).
Run at a full sprint out of your dodge.
Pros:
- You're able to beat your defender with one quick, definite move.
You never turn your back to the rest of the field meaning you have the ability to see everything going on behind your defender.
You can quickly shoot or pass the ball during or immediately after the dodge.
Cons:
- A defender may be able to use a poke check to disrupt the dodge while you're switching hands.
The dodge is less effective for slower players.
