Dodging isn’t just a move in lacrosse – it’s a movement system.
A science.
An art form.
And for those who want to become elite attackers or midfielders, it’s the master skill.
Dodging is that important.
Whether you’re just learning your first split dodge or refining your deceptive hesitation footwork (the “hesi-step”), understanding the deeper layers of dodging can take your game to an entirely new level.
That’s not hype, it’s a fact.
Here are some key thoughts on why dodging deserves your full attention, every season, every week, every session, and possibly every day.
1. Dodging is Movement Science
At its core, dodging is biomechanics in motion – acceleration, deceleration, change of direction, joint angles, balance, and power.
It involves precise foot placement, body control, visual processing, and the ability to manipulate space and defenders.
That’s a lot.
When we think about dodging this way – as a blend of athletic movement patterns and neuromuscular coordination – we stop looking at it as a “move” and start seeing it as a movement system.
This is why elite-level dodgers often have a background in multiple sports, dance, or even martial arts – their bodies have learned how to move efficiently and unpredictably in space.
2. Dodging Takes Time and Reps
There is no shortcut here.
To become a great dodger, you need to build your dodging engine – step by step, layer by layer.
Footwork.
Timing.
Stick protection.
Fakes and deception.
Reading the defender.
Recognizing spacing.
All of it takes hundreds – if not thousands – of intentional reps.
Just like a great shooter has a “rhythm and feel” for release, great dodgers have an internal gear, a library of movements, and a deep understanding of how to manipulate their defender with timing, angles, and deception.
That doesn’t come from watching highlight reels (although that helps) – it comes from doing the work when no one’s watching.
You must do the work.
3. Dodging is the Master Skill
If you can consistently beat your defender 1v1 – in tight space, in transition, or behind the cage – you unlock everything: you draw slides, create chaos, generate mismatches, and tilt the field in your team’s favor.
There’s a reason dodging matchups are at the center of most offensive systems.
Yes, feeding, shooting, and riding matter.
They matter a lot.
But dodging creates those opportunities.
It’s the gateway skill to offensive dominance.
If you’re serious about becoming an impact player, dodging should always be at the top of your development plan.
It’s the master skill.
4. The Fundamentals Are Forever
The best dodgers are the ones who never stopped working on the basics.
I’ve seen players roll their eyes and turn their noses up when I incorporate the most basic dodging drills into a lacrosse practice.
When I see that, it’s a signal the player doesn’t fully understand what it takes to get to an elite level.
Too many players think they’ve “outgrown” foundational work – but elite players know that mastery of footwork, body position, and deception never goes out of style.
That comes from working on the basics.
Elite player are elite because they are better at the basics than everyone else.
A split dodge without quick hip turn and a shoulder sell is just a quick step.
A rocker dodge without proper weight shift can be easy to read.
Fundamentals aren’t boring – they’re the building blocks of brilliance.
5. Know Your “Go-To” Dodges
Most players I ask don’t actually know what their best moves are.
That’s a problem but the good thing is it can be easily fixed.
Great dodgers don’t try to use every move in the book.
They have 2 to 3 reliable, high-level dodges that they’ve mastered – and they can read the situation and apply the right one under pressure.
The right dodge at the right time.
The key is knowing when and where to use them.
A well-timed split.
A powerful plant step – and burst out.
A deceptive stutter-step.
A lightning-quick jab and go.
Once you’ve dialed in your go-to dodges, you gain confidence. You stop guessing and just “let things happen.”
You attack with purpose and precision.
WHY THIS MATTERS.
Dodging is a never-ending journey (it’s one of the reasons I love teaching dodging).
It’s not a cool trick to learn – it’s a set of skills to refine over time.
With the right mindset, consistent work ethic, and a focus on movement quality, any player can become a dangerous 1v1 threat.
But patience is a virtue here.
So if you’re reading this: grab your stick and get out to practice some purposeful dodging reps today.
Film them.
Analyze how you move or get feedback from a great coach who can see what you’re doing well and what can be improved on.
Because the player who masters dodging, they can dominate the game.
Coach Scott is a dedicated lacrosse coach with a unique background as a former physical therapist, as well as a current speed coach and strength & conditioning specialist. With a deep understanding of human movement, injury prevention, and athletic performance, Coach Scott brings a science-driven, athlete-centered approach to developing elite girls lacrosse players. His training combines technical skill development with cutting-edge speed and strength methods to help athletes move better, play faster, and dominate the field.
🔥 Spread the word about Disruptive Lacrosse. Someone you know needs to read this, so please share on social media or send this to a friend.
✅ Follow me on Instagram (@DisruptiveLacrosse). Have a question or topic you want to learn more about? I’ll write about it. I’m here to help. Let me know.
🎯 Join our AWESOME lacrosse community by subscribing below! You’ll be the first to know about NEW things coming and I’ll have some FREEBIES to send your way soon! See you on the inside.
