Lacrosse riding is an important aspect of the game that cannot be overlooked. Riding is a defensive strategy the attacking team uses to pressure the opposing team and disrupt their clearing attempts. It involves the offensive player attempting to stop a defensive player from bringing the ball up the field. An attackman can ride a defender to stop an opposing team’s clear.
To be successful in lacrosse riding, you must be aggressive and try to block the defender from crossing the midfield line. The goal is to force the defender to make a mistake, such as a bad pass or a turnover. This can lead to a fast break opportunity for your team and a chance to score a goal.
Various techniques and drills can be used to improve your lacrosse riding skills. Basic passing and catching with a stationary partner is a great practice of right and left hands for passing and catching. Practicing catching goalie clears is another training technique that includes an expert acting as a goalie and young players breaking out right or left from the goal.
What is a Ride in Lacrosse
As explained above, a ride is a defensive strategy the attacking team uses to prevent the opposing team from clearing the ball from their defensive end to their offensive end. The goal is to pressure the opposing team and disrupt their clearing attempts, thereby forcing a turnover and regaining possession of the ball.
A ride typically involves one or more offensive players aggressively checking the defensive players who are carrying the ball. The offensive players must be strategic in their approach and try to block the defender from crossing the midfield line. They must also be careful not to commit any fouls, such as slashing or tripping, which could result in a penalty.
A successful ride requires coordination and communication among the attacking players. They must work together to cut off passing lanes and force the opposing team to make mistakes. The ride is an essential part of the game and can be a game-changer when executed correctly.
In addition to the traditional ride, there are other types of rides, such as the 10-man ride and the 2-1-2 ride. These rides involve different defensive formations and strategies and can be used in different situations depending on the score, time remaining, and other factors.
Overall, the ride is a crucial defensive tactic in lacrosse that requires skill, coordination, and strategy. By disrupting the opposing team’s clearing attempts and forcing turnovers, a successful ride can give the attacking team a significant advantage and increase their chances of scoring.
Lacrosse Riding Drills
As a lacrosse player, riding is a crucial skill you must master. Lacrosse riding is the act of preventing your opponent from clearing the ball out of their defensive zone and keeping possession of the ball. To become an effective rider, you need to have good communication, anticipation, and positioning skills. But how do you develop these skills? By practicing riding drills.
Here are some effective lacrosse riding drills that you can incorporate into your training routine:
1. 3-on-2 Continuous Ride
This drill is designed to help you work on your communication and anticipation skills. In this drill, three offensive players try to clear the ball out of their defensive zone while two defensive players try to prevent them from doing so. The drill is continuous, meaning that as soon as the ball is cleared or turned over, another ball is immediately put into play.
2. 4-on-3 Broken Clear
This drill is designed to help you work on your positioning and communication skills. In this drill, four offensive players try to clear the ball out of their defensive zone while three defensive players try to prevent them from doing so. The drill is broken, meaning that if the ball is turned over, the offensive players must regroup and try again.
3. 1-on-1 Ground Ball Ride
This drill is designed to help you work on your ground ball skills and riding skills. In this drill, two players start from opposite ends of the field, and a coach or teammate rolls a ball toward them. The player who picks up the ball becomes the offensive player, and the other player becomes the defensive player. The offensive player must try to clear the ball out of their defensive zone, while the defensive player tries to prevent them from doing so.
4. 2-on-1 Clearing Drill
This drill is designed to help you work on your communication and decision-making skills. In this drill, two offensive players try to clear the ball out of their defensive zone while one defensive player tries to prevent them from doing so. The offensive players must communicate effectively to make the right decisions and avoid turnovers.
5. Box Ride Drill
This drill is designed to help you practice lacrosse riding skills in a confined space. In this drill, four players start in a small box and try to prevent two offensive players from clearing the ball out of the box. The offensive players must use quick passes and good communication to avoid turnovers.
By incorporating these lacrosse riding drills into your training routine, you can improve your riding skills and become a more effective player on the field. Remember to communicate effectively, anticipate your opponent’s moves, and maintain good positioning to succeed in riding.
Lacrosse Riding Tips
A few lacrosse riding tips can help you become more effective on the field. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Positioning is key
The first thing to remember when riding is that positioning is key. You want to be in the right place at the right time to disrupt the opposing team’s clear. This means staying between the ball and the player you are trying to ride, and being aware of where your teammates are on the field.
Use your body
Riding is a physical aspect of the game, so don’t be afraid to use your body to your advantage. This means getting in the hips of the player you are riding, and using your body to push them off their path. However, be careful not to commit any fouls, as this can result in a penalty for your team.
Keep your feet moving
Another important aspect of riding is keeping your feet moving. This allows you to stay in front of the player you are trying to ride, and makes it more difficult for them to get past you. It also helps you maintain your balance and stay in control of your movements.
Communicate with your teammates
Communication is key in lacrosse, and this is especially true when riding. Make sure you are communicating with your teammates, letting them know where you are and what you are doing. This can help you work together to disrupt the opposing team’s clear and prevent them from scoring.
Stay disciplined
Finally, it is important to stay disciplined when riding. This means avoiding unnecessary checks or fouls, and staying focused on your goal of disrupting the opposing team’s clear. It also means being patient and waiting for the right moment to make your move.
Conclusion
In conclusion, lacrosse riding is an essential aspect of the game that can make a significant difference in winning or losing. Effective riding techniques can put more pressure on the Clearing Defense, force long, cross-field passes, create more Turn Overs, and score more goals when you get the ball back.
To be successful at lacrosse riding, you must be aggressive and try to block the defender from crossing the midfield line. You must also have the knowledge and discipline to play good defense, including taking good angles, breaking down and getting in the hips, keeping feet moving, using good communication, disciplined physicality and stick checks, among others.
It is also important to dispel some myths about riding, such as the idea that it is too time-consuming to teach. With the right coaching and practice, any team can become proficient at riding and use it to their advantage on the field.
Overall, lacrosse riding is a crucial part of the game that requires skill, strategy, and teamwork. By mastering the techniques and working together as a team, you can increase your chances of success and dominate on the field. So, keep practicing and refining your skills in lacrosse riding to become a valuable asset to your team.
