Running the right offensive lacrosse drills makes the difference between a team that struggles to find the net and one that puts up double digits every single game. If you've spent any time on a sideline, you know the frustration of watching a group of kids with great individual talent fail to click when it's time to actually score. You see plenty of "hero ball" where one player tries to take on three defenders, or worse, a stagnant offense where everyone is just standing around watching the guy with the ball.
The truth is, most players don't need more "theory." They need reps. But not just any reps—they need game-speed situations that force them to make decisions under pressure. If your practice consists mostly of standing in long lines waiting to take one shot every five minutes, your offense is going to be rusty when Saturday rolls around. Let's dive into some drills that actually move the needle.
Building a Better Shot on the Run
In modern lacrosse, you rarely get the luxury of standing still and picking a corner. Most of your goals are going to come while your feet are moving, your lungs are burning, and a 6-foot defenseman is trying to put his stick through your ribs. That's why shooting on the run is the most important skill to bake into your offensive lacrosse drills.
The Alley Dodge Series
This is a staple for a reason. Have your midfielders start at the top of the box. Place a cone about five yards down and five yards out toward the sideline. The player dodges hard to the "alley," stays north-south (don't let them run toward the sideline!), and lets a shot fly across their body.
The key here isn't just the shot; it's the footwork. You want to see them get their shoulders turned and their hands back. A common mistake is "T-rex arms," where the player keeps their hands too close to their chest. If they do that, they lose all their power. Encourage them to really reach back and snap the ball. To make it more realistic, have a coach or another player stand in the "hole" to provide a little bit of physical pressure.
Dominating from Behind the Cage
If you have a strong "X" player, your offense becomes a nightmare to defend. Most defenders hate playing behind the goal because they lose their frame of reference. They can't see the ball and their man at the same time. You can exploit this with specific drills designed to punish a defenseman who turns his head for even a second.
The Question Mark Dodge
This is the bread and butter of a great attackman. Start the drill at X (directly behind the goal). The player drives hard toward the goal line extended (GLE). As they reach that imaginary line, they hard-plant their outside foot, pivot back toward the end line, and "roll" away from the defender.
This move creates about two feet of separation—just enough to get a clean look at the pipe. When practicing this, emphasize the fake. If the attackman doesn't sell the drive to the front of the net, the defender won't bite on the plant. It's all about the change of direction. Bang-bang. Drive, plant, roll, score.
Mastering the 2-Man Game
Watch any high-level college or professional game, and you'll see the "2-man game" being played constantly on the wings. It's essentially a basketball pick-and-roll adapted for lacrosse. It creates confusion, forces "switches," and usually leaves one offensive player wide open for a split second.
The Mirror Drill
Set up two offensive players on the wing and one defender. The player without the ball sets a "pick" for the ball carrier. The goal here isn't just to run into the defender; it's to create a decision. Does the defender stay? Does he switch?
We like to tell players to "read the back of the defender's jersey." If the defender fights over the top of the pick, the ball carrier keeps going toward the cage. If the defender tries to go under the pick, the ball carrier stops and shoots. If both defenders jump the ball carrier, the person who set the pick "slips" to the net for an easy feed. It's simple, but it takes a lot of practice to get the timing right.
Finishing in the Crease
We've all seen it: a beautiful pass hits an attackman right in the gut while he's standing three feet from the crease, and he somehow misses the cage or hits the goalie right in the chest. Finishing in tight is a specific skill that requires "soft hands" and a lot of composure.
The Rapid Fire Feed
This is a high-intensity drill that gets a lot of reps in a short amount of time. Line up three "feeders" around the perimeter with buckets of balls. One "finisher" stands in the crease. The feeders take turns zipping passes into the crease. The finisher has to catch, fake, and find a corner—all in about one second.
The rule for this drill is simple: no wind-ups. If you take a full crank from three feet away, the goalie is going to save it or you're going to miss. We want to see "quick sticks" and "fakes." A quick dip of the shoulders or a fake high can move the goalie's hands just enough to open up the bottom corner. It's about being a surgeon, not a hammer.
Transition and Numerical Advantages
The easiest way to score in lacrosse is on the break. If you can catch the defense before they're set, you're playing a game of "keep away" until someone gets a wide-open look.
The 3v2 Continuous Drill
This is a great way to build "Lacrosse IQ." Start with three offensive players and two defenders in a small space. The offense's goal is to move the ball so fast that the two defenders can't keep up.
The mantra here is "draw and dump." If you have the ball, you run at a defender until he's forced to commit to you. Once he commits, you've done your job—now pass it to the open man. If the second defender slides to that man, he passes it again. Eventually, someone is going to be standing alone on the doorstep.
What's great about this drill is that it teaches players to stop being selfish. If you hold the ball for more than two seconds in a 3v2, you've probably killed the advantage. Move the rock!
Why Spacing is the Secret Ingredient
You can run the best offensive lacrosse drills in the world, but if your players don't understand spacing, none of it will work. A common mistake for younger or less experienced teams is "clustering." Everyone wants the ball, so everyone runs toward the ball. This is a gift for the defense because one guy can suddenly cover three people.
When running these drills, keep a close eye on the "off-ball" players. Are they clearing space? Are they keeping their defenders occupied? A good offensive player is dangerous even when they don't have the ball. They're constantly v-cutting, setting picks, or just staying wide enough to stretch the defense thin.
Wrapping Things Up
Improving your scoring output isn't about finding a "magic play" that works every time. It's about building a toolbox of skills that players can use when the game gets chaotic. By focusing on shooting on the move, mastering the 2-man game, and becoming clinical finishers in the crease, you'll turn your offense into a unit that's incredibly hard to shut down.
Remember, keep the energy high and the lines short. Lacrosse is a game of flow and instinct, and the more you can replicate that in practice, the more natural it will feel when the whistle blows on game day. Now, grab some balls, get out on the field, and start putting in the work. Those goals aren't going to score themselves!