NORTH Lacrosse Defense Playbook - FORTRESS Set (Adjacent Slide Package Against an Open Offense)

Summary

Coach Mahoney presents the 'Fortress' defense strategy for North Lacrosse, focusing on team communication, rotation, and defensive positioning. The system involves roles for on-ball defenders, sliding defenders, and those positioned further from the ball. Emphasizing quick rotations and tight defense, the strategy aims to protect against offensive threats while maintaining balance. By effectively rotating and reloading, the defense becomes cohesive, making it hard for opponents to break through. Mastering this defense requires every player to understand their role and stay focused, working together to ensure a solid, unified defensive unit.

Takeaways

• 😀 Set Fortress defensive strategy is used when the offense does not have a player on the crease, requiring tight team defense.
• 😀 The call to 'Set Fortress' signals the defense to move into the defensive rotation setup, ensuring solid coverage across the field.
• 😀 The On-Ball Defender is tasked with pressuring the ball carrier and preventing easy dodges or attacks on goal.
• 😀 Hot Defenders (Hot Left and Hot Right) rotate quickly, providing support for the On-Ball Defender by covering potential dodges and intercepting skip passes.
• 😀 Twos (Two Left and Two Right) are positioned two passes away from the ball and must read the offense to help cover passing lanes and prevent easy shots.
• 😀 Threes, positioned farthest from the ball, are responsible for clogging up central areas and supporting defensive rotation to prevent offensive cuts.
• 😀 Defensive rotation (called 'Reload') is essential when a defender gets beat or when coverage needs adjustment, ensuring the defense stays intact.
• 😀 Proper positioning is crucial in the 'Fortress' strategy; defenders must stay close to the middle ('house') to block passes and cuts.
• 😀 Communication is key; each player must understand their role and be prepared to rotate quickly and efficiently as the situation changes.
• 😀 The 'Fortress' strategy relies on team defense, where each player's individual efforts are part of a collective effort to shut down offensive plays.
• 😀 Defenders must be ready to follow offensive players during cuts, ensuring no open lanes are left for easy passes or shots.

Q & A

What is the primary concept of the 'fortress' defense in lacrosse as explained in the video?

The 'fortress' defense in lacrosse focuses on controlling the middle of the field while positioning players to prevent offensive attacks. It involves creating a solid defensive structure where players maintain communication and awareness to disrupt opposing movements.

How does the defensive strategy aim to handle quick dodgers?

The defensive strategy emphasizes positioning and teamwork to manage quick dodgers. Players need to stay on their feet, move with purpose, and communicate to either switch or double-team dodgers as necessary, limiting their offensive opportunities.

Why is communication emphasized in the 'fortress' defense?

Communication is vital in the 'fortress' defense because it ensures players are aware of each other's positioning, movements, and the offensive threats. Clear communication helps in switching, covering for teammates, and coordinating double-teams when necessary.

What does the phrase 'middle is golden' mean in the context of this defensive strategy?

'Middle is golden' refers to the defensive principle of controlling the middle of the field. By denying the opponent access to the middle, defenders can force attackers to the sidelines, making them more predictable and easier to defend against.

How should a defender approach a dodger who is moving toward the middle?

A defender should approach a dodger moving toward the middle with patience and discipline. The defender should focus on keeping the dodger in front, staying low and balanced, while also being ready to communicate and switch if necessary.

What role does a second defender play in the 'fortress' defense when a dodger penetrates the middle?

When a dodger penetrates the middle, a second defender plays a critical role by helping with a double-team. This second defender can either shadow the dodger or take away passing lanes, making it harder for the dodger to maintain possession or pass the ball effectively.

How should defenders handle offensive players when they are behind the goal?

Defenders should focus on staying between the offensive player and the goal, maintaining good positioning and awareness. They should be ready to anticipate cuts or passes, keeping the offensive player from having easy access to the goal.

What does it mean to 'stay in the middle of the field' when playing defense?

Staying in the middle of the field means positioning oneself centrally to effectively cover all possible offensive movements. This central positioning gives defenders a better angle to help teammates and react to offensive players moving toward or across the field.

What is the significance of the phrase 'go north' in the context of the defense strategy?

'Go north' refers to the importance of moving forward or upwards in the defensive setup. It encourages players to stay engaged and proactive, always positioning themselves to cut off offensive threats while maintaining defensive pressure.

How does the defensive strategy aim to balance individual defensive actions and team efforts?

The strategy relies on individual defenders staying disciplined and aware while also relying heavily on team communication and coordination. Players must work together to provide support, switch assignments, and apply pressure as a unit, ensuring that all offensive threats are effectively neutralized.