Lacrosse Positional Terminology

We will almost always start a youth lacrosse offense with an ‘Open’ set. In an open set, one is at the top of the key above the Hub and one player at X. There are also two players on opposite ends at the top of key as wing players, and two more players at opposite ends of GLE. This set provides an opportunity to first, size up a defense.

We may want to turn the Open set into a ‘Bravo’ set where two guys move to X on opposite ends of the crease and four players play up top in a diamond shape with two wings, a guy still at point at the top of the key, and one more player at the hard-deck right above the defensive hub.

Regardless of what shape our offense is in (“Open” or “Bravo”), there are always going to be six (6) clear jobs on the field at all times: 1.) dodger, 2.) follow, 3.) fade, 4.) cutter, 5.) pinch, and 6.) Guy at X.

• Dodger: The player with the ball attacking their defender, trying to draw slides or get a shot.

• Follow: The teammate who moves into the dodger’s lane behind them, ready for a quick pass if the defense slides. Oftentimes this will be done with a J-hook pattern.

• Fade: The player who backs away into space, to the top or to the outside. This position is critical to provide relief, and is also used for a skip or step-down shot when the defense collapses.

• Cutter: The off-ball player who cuts hard toward the middle or the crease looking for a feed when defenders turn their heads towards the ball handler

• Pinch: The player who squeezes toward the crease or inside space on the opposite side of the cage as the dodger. Responsible for tightening the offense to be ready for inside passes, rebounds, or “garbage” goals.

• X: The player behind the goal at X, in a “shotgun” position, ready to feed cutters, attack from behind, or quickly move the ball to the front side.

These clearly defined roles allow for the players to know what they're doing at all times and what the coaches' expectations are. Knowing what good looks like, inevitably leads to greater success on the field.

The big idea is that no matter if you’re in “Open” or “Bravo,” everyone always knows their role in the play. If you’re not the dodger, you’re one of the other five jobs, and all six jobs work together so the offense keeps its spacing, moves with purpose, and always has good options for passes and shots.