Here Are 3 Tips (& 3 Drills) to Improve Your Lacrosse Attack Skills

There are a number of keys to being successful in lacrosse. However, one of the most crucial points of all concerns shooting and goal scoring from those on attack because it’s awfully hard to win lax games when you can’t score more goals than your opponent!

Our GameBreaker Lacrosse Camps are structured in such a way that we have specific periods of time during camp that focus on improving your shooting and attack skills, but we also mix it into so many other areas of the game. Here are some of the skills our coaches will focus on at all locations across the country: shooting drills, ground balls, defense (team and individual), fast breaks, dodging, stick skills, triangle offense, clears, face-off and wing play, and man up, man down.

If you’re a field player and you can’t wait until one of our Lacrosse Camps this summer to start improving your shooting ability and attack skills, then you’re in luck! Here are a handful of tips to help get you moving in the right direction when it comes to being the best lacrosse player you can possibly be on the attack.

Ground Balls

Elite speed is a crucial aspect to being a successful lacrosse attackman, and that’s displayed time and time again when it comes to scooping up ground balls. If there is a loose ball in the offensive zone, it’s expected that those playing on the attack get into the appropriate position to make a play.

This can be difficult because they’re competing with long-stick defenders that could technically have an easier time picking up ground balls, which is why that whole speed thing is very important.

Stick Protection

Attackmen are there because they’re supposed to be on attack, but there are also times when they need to find a way to protect themselves and be on defense at the same time. That’s where stick protection comes into play, which is one of the most important skills for a lax attackman to learn.

If you’re looking for some general guidelines on how to properly protect your stick, consider the following: keep the elbow on your stick-carrying arm locked, cradle with mostly your right while also doing so vertically, keep the tip of your stick as high in the air as possible, and keep your head up.

Dodging

The thought of not only having to try and sneak a lacrosse ball past a goalie isn’t enough. To also have to weave your way through a bunch of opposing defenders makes an attackman’s life very hard on the lax field. A key tool used by players in this position to bypass said defenders is to dodge them. Dodges come in all different shapes and sizes, including the face and roll, and split.

Regardless of the type of dodge you prefer, it’s important to always stay moving, perform all dodges at full speed, play both left and right while changing speed and direction, learn more than just one dodge, and be aware of your defender’s weaknesses.

3 Offensive Strategy Drills to Strengthen Your Attack

Are your offensive plays falling flat when facing tough defenders? Even the most talented lacrosse players need structured practice to sharpen their attacking skills. Whether you’re preparing for your upcoming season or looking to elevate your game this summer, implementing targeted offensive lacrosse drills can transform your attack from predictable to unstoppable.

Here are three offensive strategy drills that will strengthen your attack and leave defenders scrambling.

The 3-2-1 Progression Drill

This focuses on building offensive momentum through progressive passing and movement.

How to execute:

• Set up three attackers against two defenders plus a goalie
• Begin with attackers positioned in a triangle formation
• Execute at least three passes before attempting a shot
• After each successful goal, remove one defender
• Once you’re down to one defender, focus on exploiting the numerical advantage
• Rotate players every five minutes

The 3-2-1 Progression teaches critical offensive skills: recognizing numerical advantages, maintaining proper spacing, and capitalizing on defensive breakdowns. Players learn to be patient while identifying the perfect scoring opportunity rather than forcing low-percentage shots.

The Gauntlet Dodge Drill

Dodging defenders is essential for creating scoring opportunities. This drill helps you improve on those movements.

How to execute:

• Set up four defenders in a line, spaced five yards apart
• Position an attacker with a ball at one end
• The attacker must dodge past each defender consecutively
• Focus on changing speeds and directions between each dodge
• Once past all defenders, finish with a shot on goal
• Track success rates and set improvement goals

This develops your ability to string together multiple dodges – a crucial skill when facing sliding defenses. You’ll improve your acceleration, deceleration, and directional changes while maintaining ball control throughout the entire sequence.

The Quick Release Finishing Drill

Even the best offensive strategy falls short without being able to finish confidently. This drill sharpens your shooting skills while under pressure.

How to execute:

• Position a feeder behind the goal
• Place five attackers around the perimeter
• The feeder passes to each attacker in rapid succession
• Attackers must catch and shoot within one second
• Vary the passes (high, low, bouncing) to simulate game conditions
• Complete three rounds, tracking shooting percentage improvements

You’ll dramatically improve your catch-and-release time while maintaining shooting accuracy. The one-second limit forces players to prepare themselves properly before receiving the pass – exactly what’s needed in game situations.

Ready to take your lax game to the next level this summer? Find a GameBreaker Lacrosse Camp near you and register today!