Screens are one of the most important aspects of the game of lacrosse. There are many different types of Lacrosse screens that can be used in order to create an effective offensive or defensive strategy.
An offense that is disciplined and well-trained is continually in motion. A player’s movement off the ball as well as while on the ball is included in this.
An attack that utilizes a screen is a very basic and effective tactic. Screens are governed by rules, and the mechanics of a screen will be explained in this article.
Lacrosse Types Of Screens
1. Screens and Picks
Players in lacrosse use screens to block defenders and open up the field for their teammates to shoot or pass. Keeping the stick inside his shoulders and remaining motionless is the only way to avoid a penalty call. Screens are also called picks.
The player being screened for can make it even more effective by running directly off the shoulder of the teammate laying the screen. The on-ball defender will have a hard time following them.
When a player has possession of the ball, a pick is used as an offensive tactic to create a screen. A pick is executed by keeping your stick close to your midline and positioning yourself on one side of the defender.
It causes the defender to be blocked for a moment when the ball carrier runs off the pick. A player with the ball can pass or shoot in the space created. It’s possible to screen off-ball too. This offense is hoping to set up a feed and assist instead of a drive.
2. Illegal Screen Violation
In order for a screen to be performed, rules must be followed. On-ball defensemen cannot always see a screen or pick play developing when offensive players put their bodies in the path of defensive players.
The attacker must remain stationary and stand with his or her feet no wider than shoulder-width apart while setting a screen. Hold the stick between your shoulders and keep it vertical.
When a defender tries to pass or go under a screen, it is illegal to move laterally. In order to set a screen, the player needs to move in order to avoid contact with the opponent. Women’s lacrosse screen fouls result in free positions, while men’s screen fouls result in technical fouls.
3. Defending Screens
It is crucial to communicate when defending screens. Defenses off the ball are responsible for detecting picks or screenplays and alerting their on-ball teammates, who are preventing drives or passes by their opponents.
When defenders are on the ball, they can follow their opponent and cut through the space above or below the screener.
Otherwise, defenders will switch between marking different attackers at the same time. When defending against a pick-and-roll play, a defensive switch is an effective tactic. “Switch” will be called out verbally by the defenders.
A moving screen is an offensive foul and possession change caused by an illegal move. In order to free up a teammate to shoot a pass or drive in to score, an offensive player will block a defender by standing beside or behind him.
Picks and screens may be set on the field, but they must be within the line of vision of their opponent, so they can change directions.
Essentially, it is a tactic used by offensive players to shed defensive players by running across stationary teammates. Defensive players cannot reach their desired defensive spot if screeners block their path. The pick is another variation.
