Some players have it.
Others need to work on it.
I’m talking about the “attack mindset” to score more goals.
What if I told you there were a few key things you could do to score more, would you believe me?
Developing an “attack mindset” in lacrosse centers around building a high level of confidence, having some aggression, and acting with a sense of urgency in offensive situations.
It’s playing with a bit of “a chip on your shoulder.”
Here are actionable, tactical tips to help you take more shots and ultimately score more goals.
There’s a lot here, so think about the one thing you can do right now to help you the most.
- You MUST have a Shooter’s Mentality
Believe you’re the threat: Start each possession thinking you’re capable of scoring. Visualize the shot before the opportunity arises.
Shoot first, not last: Prioritize shooting over waiting for the perfect moment. Great shooters are decisive, not hesitant. They think fast and act fast. This is not foolish, reckless shooting though.
- Train Your Confidence
Repetition is key: Spend extra time practicing shooting from all angles and situations (on the run, under pressure, off a dodge). Confidence grows from familiarity. Practice to skyrocket your confidence.
Simulate pressure: Practice with defenders closing in or with high pressure to replicate game situations and intensity. The more you do this, the more prepared you’ll be in the game.
- See the Field
Read the defense: Learn to spot the gaps and mismatches quickly. If a defender is slow to recover, you have to recognize and take advantage.
Anticipate opportunities: Watch for unsettled situations like fast breaks or transition opportunities when defenses are disorganized. And know where to be.
- Aggressive Dodging
Dodge to score: When dodging, think about creating your own shot (but don’t force) rather than passing off with the pressure. Aim to beat your defender and get your hands free for the shot. Dodge and go. If you don’t have it, then move the ball.
Use deception: There are many ways to use the art of deception. Master split dodges, roll dodges, stutter steps, hesitation moves and fakes to deceive your opponent to create space and opportunities for a shot.
- Positioning and Off-Ball Movement
Get in the scoring areas: Be intentional about getting to high-percentage shooting zones (in the middle, inside the 8-meter, top-side hash marks, etc.).
Cut with purpose: Off-ball players can create shooting opportunities with hard, well-timed cuts to open lanes. Be vocal to call for the ball. Have a big stick and a loud voice.
- Shoot with Variation
Change your shots: Mix high, low and different angle shots to keep goalies and defenders guessing. Master fakes (fake high, shoot low) to throw off your defender.
Use both hands: This should go without saying, but be extremely comfortable shooting with your non-dominant hand to capitalize on more opportunities.
- Stay Relentless
Rebound aggressively: If your shot doesn’t go, be the first to attack the loose ball and create a second chance. Play all-out, all the time. If you remember one thing, remember that.
Take calculated risks: Accept that you will miss some shots. It’s OK. Don’t let the mental game beat you. You have to shoot to score and you won’t make every shot. Keep firing.
- Embrace the Mental Game
Play with some swagger: Attack with confidence and determination. Body language and attitude can intimidate defenders and energize your team. Stand tall, play big, and look confident.
Visualize your success: Imagine yourself scoring in different scenarios before games and practices. Very few players do this yet we know that mental imagery has been proven to be highly effective for athletes.
Why don’t we do this more?
- Learn from Elite Players
Study game film of top scorers. Watch great dodgers (Kayla Treanor, Izzy Scane, Charlotte North – just to name a few.) Observe how they move, dodge, shoot, and find space. Model their techniques into your game (of course this is way easier said than done.)
Use Drills to Build the Attack Mindset:
- Time-and-Room Shooting: Practice taking quick, hard shots after receiving a pass using the concept of “time & room.”
- Step-down shooting and shoot-on-the-run drills: Get your reps here with game-like shooting.
- Dodge-and-Finish: Work on dodging from the top or wing. Dodge and attack from multiple points on the field.
- 2v2 or 3v3 Games: Small-sided games increase touches and shooting opportunities. Get your reps and take shots here.
I know there’s a lot here and I don’t expect you to remember all this.
What’s the one thing you can use the most right now?
Take action with it.
I’ll go back to beginning and repeat when I said to believe you’re a threat.
When you have the ball, you are a threat.
By combining these ideas and tactics, you’ll develop the mindset and skills to take better, smarter shots and become a more aggressive, effective scorer.
Anyone can score more goals if they develop the right mindset and work on the right skills.
Scoring is largely a mindset.
You got this, go for it.
[Attribution for the photo above via WikiCommons:]
Like this?
Help spread the word about Disruptive Lacrosse.
Share on social media or send this to a friend.
Find me on Instagram (@DisruptiveLacrosse)
Have a question or topic you want to learn more about?
Find out how to work with me.
