Dodging is clearly one of the most dynamic skills in lacrosse.
It’s where creativity meets strategy and athleticism.
But too many players treat dodging like a one-move trick rather than a complete skill set.
It’s important to have a “go to” dodge but you also need a toolbox of moves and skills to be a great player.
If you want to take your game to the next level, it starts with awareness.
That’s why I created The Dodgers Audit, a self-assessment tool to help you reflect on your current strengths, identify your gaps, and build a smarter approach to beating defenders.
Here are 10 questions to honestly ask yourself.
Your answers will shape how you train and how you dominate.
1. Can I beat a defender in multiple ways?
Do you have more than just one go-to move? The best dodgers can attack high, low, inside, or outside and keep defenders guessing.
Audit Tip: Write down your top 2-3 moves. Are they all variations of the same concept? Time to expand your toolbox.
2. Do I understand when NOT to dodge?
Elite dodgers aren’t just skilled, they’re smart. They read the defense. They recognize double teams. Sometimes, the best dodge is no dodge at all.
Great dodging includes decision-making. Every dodge should serve the team, not just your highlight reel.
3. Can I dodge effectively with both hands?
If you’re only dangerous going one direction, good defenders will shut you down fast. Balance gives you options.
Test it: Run your favorite dodge to your weak hand 10 times. Is it smooth? Is it confident? If not, time to train it more.
4. Do I change speed and direction when I dodge?
Dodging isn’t just about moves, it’s about the changing of movement. Sudden speed changes create separation. So do sharp angles (ex, east-west moves).
Add tempo changes to your dodges. A slow hesitation step into a explosive burst? It’s deadly.
5. Do I use deception?
Head fakes. Shoulder dips. Look-offs. Subtle cues that manipulate defenders. The best dodgers are master illusionists. There are many to use deception.
Record yourself dodging and count how many fakes or deceptive moves you actually use. You might be more predictable than you think.
6. Am I setting up my dodge properly?
The dodge starts before the move. Footwork, timing, spacing, and body positioning all matter. It’s all about the set up.
If you’re dodging into pressure or too close to help defense, you’re putting yourself at a disadvantage before you begin. Are you squaring up before your dodge?
7. Can I dodge with purpose under pressure?
Practice is one thing, game speed with a slide coming is another. Can you stay composed, eyes up, and make the right read?
Include pressure scenarios in your training. Chaos creates clarity.
8. Do I recover quickly if my dodge fails?
Not every dodge will win. Can you re-dodge, pass quickly, or reposition and stay in the play?
Dodging is part of the offense, not the end of it. Great players reset and stay dangerous. If a dodge doesn’t work, don’t force.
9. Do I watch film of elite dodgers?
Learning from top-level players sharpens your instincts. Do you know how players like Charlotte North or Izzy Scane manipulate defenders?
Create a dodging film playlist. Study, steal, and evolve.
10. Am I practicing dodging game situations or just cones and ladders?
Footwork is great. But are you dodging against real defenders? Are you reading help, reacting, making plays?
Your training should look like your game or else your game won’t reflect your training. Train the skills and train with game-like scenarios.
Final Thought:
Dodging is about more than just shaking a defender, it’s about decision-making, confidence, deception, and adaptability.
Use this audit as a self reflection tool. Assess your strengths and areas for growth. Be honest.
Disruptive dodgers aren’t born, they’re built.
One move, one rep, one skill at a time.
With my background and training, dodging is a specialty skill that I teach lacrosse athletes.
If you’re looking to take your dodging to the next level – I guarantee I can help.
Contact me here and ask about a “trial run.”
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