2 on 1 Strategies

Originally Published in: Men’s Lacrosse

Provided by: Human Kinetics

Two-on-One Strategies

Once your team gains possession of the ball, you will often encounter a 2v1 situation. Whenever you have a man-advantage situation, you want to take advantage of it. A man-advantage scenario can present itself anywhere on the field, but they are especially critical near the opponent's goal. In essence, all man-advantage situations stem from a simple two-on-one numbers advantage over your opponent. The two offensive players have to coordinate their actions: One has the ball, and the other may provide an outlet or a better offensive opportunity.

The two players can coordinate their action by using nonverbal or verbal communication to maximize the connection, or they can do it instinctually because of a field sense gained from game experience. The off-ball offensive player can maximize the advantage by using one of the following offensive calls: "early," "draw," "one more," or "right away." These offensive calls typically apply to a 4v3 fast break near your opponent's goal ("early" or "draw") or even closer to the goal in either a 3v3 or 2v1 fast break situation ("one more" or "right away"). The main thing is for the off-ball teammate to communicate with the ball carrier to execute the right play.

Early

This is an effective strategy when the offense has a 2v1 situation and the ball carrier is a stronger offensive threat. The off-ball teammate yells, "Early." The ball carrier passes the ball early to his teammate so that the defender must turn his attention and energy to the teammate; the original ball carrier then looks for a return pass (see figure 12.9).

Draw

This strategy is used when the offense has a 2v1 situation and the defender is playing "cat and mouse" (i.e., the defender is not committing to either offensive player). The off-ball teammate yells, "Draw." The ball handler then forces the defender to commit to him (draws the defender to the ball) so that the off-ball teammate is open for a pass and a scoring opportunity (see figure 12.10).

One More

In this play, the ball carrier has a pretty good scoring opportunity and is ready to take the shot. However, the off-ball teammate is open and yells, "One more." This indicates that the teammate thinks he has a better opportunity if the ball carrier will make one more pass. In this situation, the ball carrier has the freedom to choose which option to execute - take the shot or make the pass (see figure 12.11).

Right Away

This play is used when the defender is sliding and charging hard at the ball carrier. The off-ball teammate yells, "Right away." This indicates that the ball carrier should get rid of the ball right away because he does not have the best opportunity to move the ball or shoot. The "right away" call is the most urgent call on offense (see figure 12.12).