Man-Down Defensive Situations as Part of the Practice Schedule

By: Jack Kaley and Rich Donovan

Originally Published in: Lacrosse Essentials

Provided by: Human Kinetics

1. Incorporate extra-man offense against man-down defense during practice while other team members work on specific skills, settled offense, half-field transition drills, and individual skill drills.
2. Incorporate short periods of EMO vs. MDD during breaks between teaching and practicing specific concepts, for example in the time between positional skill sessions for attack vs. defense or half-field 6v6.
3. Before going full field, go live EMO vs. MDD and set specific goals.
4. Time EMO vs. MDD sessions to simulate game situations. The simulation allows the offense to play through the 6v5 to 6v6 half-field offense and the defense to communicate from MDD to an all-even situation by returning to matchups with individual players.
5. Identify and develop a scout team to simulate the opponent's EMO and MDD units. This team is made up of players who will work to create realistic looks throughout the season.
6. Work with multiple backup players at all positions on EMO and MDD.
7. Create a competitive atmosphere when going live in practice. Set specific percentages and goals to be met during challenge matches.