Lacrosse clearing is a crucial part of the game. It involves moving the ball from the defensive end to the offensive end of the field. As a player, you must know how to execute a successful clear to ensure your team can maintain possession of the ball and score points.
Clearing requires coordination between the goalie and defenders. The goalie must make a save and then pass the ball to a defender or midfielder who will carry the ball up the field. It is essential to have a solid clearing strategy to avoid turnovers and successfully move the ball up the field. A good clearing strategy involves proper positioning, communication, and quick decision-making skills.
This article will explore the basics of lacrosse clearing, including the different types of clears, strategies, and techniques. We will also provide helpful tips and drills to help you improve your clearing skills and become a valuable asset to your team. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, understanding the fundamentals of lacrosse clearing is essential for success on the field.
Importance of Lacrosse Clearing
What Is a Clear in Lacrosse
A clear in lacrosse is the process of moving the ball from the defensive end of the field to the offensive end. This is done when the opposing team has taken possession of the ball in the defensive end, or when the goalie has made a save. The objective of clearing is to get the ball to the offensive end of the field so that your team can score a goal.
Why Lacrosse Clearing is Important
The clearing is a critical aspect of lacrosse, and a team needs to be proficient in clearing to succeed. Here are a few reasons why clearing is so important:
- Prevent Turnovers: If your team fails to clear the ball successfully, it can result in a turnover. This can give the opposing team an easy scoring opportunity and can be detrimental to your team’s chances of winning.
- Maintain Possession: Clearing the ball successfully allows your team to maintain possession and control the game’s pace.
- Transition to Offense: Clearing the ball quickly and efficiently allows your team to transition to offense and create scoring opportunities.
Common Lacrosse Clearing Strategies
There are several clearing strategies that teams can use in lacrosse. Here are a few common ones:
- 4-3 Clear: This strategy involves four defenders and three midfielders. The goalie passes the ball to a defender, who then passes it to a midfielder. The midfielders then move the ball up the field to the offensive end.
- Give it to a Midfielder: This strategy involves the goalie passing the ball directly to a midfielder, who then carries it up the field.
- Punt Return Clear: This strategy involves the goalie punting the ball to a midfielder, who then carries the ball up the field.
- Set Plays: Many teams have set plays that they use for clearing. These plays involve specific movements and passes that are designed to get the ball up the field quickly and efficiently.
In conclusion, clearing is a crucial aspect of lacrosse that every team must master. By preventing turnovers, maintaining possession, and transitioning to offense, clearing can help your team win games and achieve success on the field.
Individual Techniques of Lacrosse Clears
When it comes to lacrosse clearing, every player on the field has a role to play. As an individual, there are specific techniques you can use to improve your clearing abilities. In this section, we’ll explore some of those techniques, including stick skills, footwork, and decision-making.
Stick Skills
Having strong stick skills is essential for clearing the ball effectively. Here are a few tips to help you improve:
- Practice your passing accuracy and velocity. Being able to pass the ball quickly and accurately will help you move the ball up the field more efficiently.
- Work on your catching ability. Being able to catch the ball cleanly will help you avoid turnovers and keep possession of the ball.
- Improve your ground ball skills. Being able to scoop up ground balls quickly and cleanly will help you gain possession of the ball and start your clearing process.
Footwork
Footwork is another essential component of clearing. Here are a few tips to help you improve your footwork:
- Work on your agility and quickness. Being able to change direction quickly and move laterally will help you avoid defenders and move the ball up the field more efficiently.
- Practice your dodging ability. Being able to dodge defenders will help you create space and move the ball up the field more effectively.
- Improve your balance and body control. Being able to maintain your balance and control your movements will help you avoid turnovers and keep possession of the ball.
Decision Making
Lacrosse clearing requires quick decision-making skills. Here are a few tips to help you make better decisions:
- Read the defense. Pay attention to the positioning of the defenders and look for open passing lanes.
- Communicate with your teammates. Let your teammates know where you are and where you plan to pass the ball.
- Be patient. Don’t force a pass if there isn’t an open lane. Instead, look for other options or hold onto the ball until a better opportunity presents itself.
By working on these individual techniques, you can improve your clearing abilities and become a more valuable player on the field. Remember to practice consistently and stay focused on your goals.
Team Strategies of Lacrosse Clears
Teams can use a few different strategies depending on the situation. Here are some of the most common ones:
Man-Up Clearing
Man-up clearing is a strategy that teams use when they have a numbers advantage on the field. Typically, this occurs when the opposing team has a player in the penalty box. In this situation, the clearing team will usually send one or two players downfield to try and get open for a pass. The rest of the team will focus on moving the ball quickly and efficiently up the field to take advantage of the extra player.
Zone Clearing
Zone clearing is a strategy that teams use when the opposing team is putting a lot of pressure on them in their own half of the field. In this situation, the clearing team will usually set up in a zone formation, with players spread out across the field. The idea is to create passing lanes and move the ball quickly to get it out of their own half of the field. This strategy requires good communication and quick decision-making.
Ride Clearing
Ride clearing is a strategy that teams use when the opposing team is trying to prevent them from clearing the ball. In this situation, the clearing team will usually send all of their players downfield to try and get open for a pass. The idea is to create a numbers advantage and move the ball quickly up the field. This strategy requires good communication and quick decision-making.
(Related: Lacrosse Riding: 5 Effective Drills)
Regarding lacrosse clearing, having a few different strategies in your playbook is important. Each situation is unique, and you’ll need to be able to adapt to whatever the opposing team throws at you. With practice and good communication, your team can become experts at clearing the ball and moving it up the field.
Refer to this video for team clearing explanation:
You can learn more about lacrosse clearing explanations & strategies on Youtube.
Advanced Techniques of Lacrosse Clears
In lacrosse clearing, some advanced techniques help your team move the ball up the field more effectively. This section will cover three of these techniques: Fake Outs, Clearing Through Traffic, and Clearing Against Pressure.
Fake Outs
One technique that can be effective when clearing the ball is to use fake outs. This involves making a move that tricks the defense into thinking that you are going one way, when in fact you are going another. This can be done with a fake pass or a fake shot, for example.
To execute a fake out, you need to be able to sell the move convincingly. This means that you need to make it look like you are actually going to pass or shoot in one direction, before quickly changing direction and going the other way. This can be a great way to get past defenders and create space for your team to move the ball up the field.
Clearing Through Traffic
Another advanced helpful technique when clearing the ball is learning how to clear through traffic. This involves being able to move the ball up the field even when there are defenders in your way. To do this effectively, you need to be able to read the defense and make quick decisions about where to move the ball.
One way to clear through traffic is to use quick, short passes to move the ball up the field. This can help you to avoid defenders and keep the ball moving forward. Another technique is to use screens and picks to create space for your teammates to move into. This can be especially effective when you are trying to clear the ball against a press defense.
Clearing Against Pressure
Finally, when clearing the ball, it is against pressure. This means moving the ball up the field even when the defense tries to force turnovers and create mistakes.
To clear against pressure, you need to be able to stay calm and composed under pressure. This means making quick decisions and being able to read the defense effectively. It also means being able to move the ball quickly and accurately, to avoid turnovers and maintain possession.
Overall, these advanced clearing techniques can be a great way to help your team move the ball up the field more effectively. By using fake outs, clearing through traffic, and clearing against pressure, you can create space for your teammates and keep the ball moving forward.
Common Mistakes in Lacrosse Clearing
Lacrosse clearing can be a challenging task. It requires coordination, communication, and skill. Unfortunately, many teams make common clearing mistakes that can lead to turnovers and lost possessions. Below, we will discuss some of the most common clearing mistakes and how to avoid them.
Poor Communication
One of the most common clearing mistakes is poor communication. If your team is not communicating effectively, it can lead to turnovers and lost possessions. To avoid this mistake, make sure your team is communicating before, during, and after the clear. Here are some communication tips to keep in mind:
- Use verbal and nonverbal cues to communicate with your teammates.
- Use hand signals to indicate where you want the ball to be passed.
- Call out the name of the player you want to receive the ball.
- Use simple, clear language to communicate.
Bad Decision Making
Another common clearing mistake is bad decision making. If your team makes bad decisions during the clear, it can lead to turnovers and lost possessions. To avoid this mistake, make sure your team is making smart decisions during the clear. Here are some decision-making tips to keep in mind:
- Look for open players before making a pass.
- Avoid forcing passes into tight spaces.
- Don’t be afraid to take your time and reset if necessary.
- Make sure you have a clear path before running with the ball.
Lack of Stick Skills
Finally, a lack of stick skills can also lead to clearing mistakes. If your team is not proficient with their sticks, it can lead to turnovers and lost possessions. To avoid this mistake, ensure your team practices their stick skills regularly. Here are some stick skill tips to keep in mind:
- Practice passing and catching with both hands.
- Work on ground balls and scooping techniques.
- Practice cradling and dodging to avoid defenders.
- Focus on maintaining possession of the ball.
So, clearing the ball in lacrosse can be a challenging task, but it is essential for maintaining possession and scoring goals. By avoiding common lacrosse clearing mistakes such as poor communication, bad decision making, and a lack of stick skills, your team can improve their clearing game and increase their chances of success.
Closing Remarks
Lacrosse clearing is a critical aspect, and it can be the deciding factor in a game. By mastering the art of clearing, you can ensure that your team maintains possession of the ball and has the best chance of scoring. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
- The clear is unique to men’s or boys’ lacrosse because of the setup of the game and the field.
- The most successful teams are usually the ones that clear the ball the best, usually over 80 percent of the time.
- Clearing the ball away from your own goal can be the most frustrating part of coaching youth or high school lacrosse.
- If your team can’t clear well, chances are you are spending most of your games on defense.
- A good clear starts with a save by the goalie, a defender chasing a shot out of bounds, or a bad pass by the opposing team.
- Communication is key when it comes to clearing. Make sure your players are calling out their positions and the location of the ball.
- Set plays can be an effective way to clear the ball, but it’s important to remain flexible and adjust to the situation on the field.
- Practice makes perfect when it comes to clearing. Make sure your team is spending plenty of time on drills and scrimmages to hone their skills.
By following these tips and putting in the necessary practice, you can ensure that your team is a force to be reckoned with regarding lacrosse clearing. Remember, a good clear can be the difference between a win and a loss, so ensure you’re giving it the attention it deserves.
