The faceoff is a critical aspect of lacrosse, setting the stage for possession and potential scoring opportunities right from the start. A strong faceoff technique can be the difference between controlling the game and constantly playing catch-up. At Athletes Untapped, we focus on faceoff techniques that enhance both speed and strategy, providing lacrosse players with the edge they need in this fast-paced part of the game.
Why Faceoff Techniques Matter
Winning faceoffs gives a team momentum and opens up more scoring chances. A lacrosse faceoff involves more than brute strength—it requires precision, agility, quick reflexes, and a strong understanding of tactics. Mastering faceoff techniques helps players secure possessions, influence game flow, and often establish a psychological edge over their opponents. With Athletes Untapped personalized approach, players receive guidance on the technical aspects of faceoffs as well as real-time feedback to fine-tune each move.
Key Faceoff Techniques and How to Master Them
- The Clamp The clamp is one of the most fundamental faceoff moves, where the player uses their stick head to “clamp” down on the ball, trapping it in place. Once secured, the player can then pull or flick it to their teammate. This technique requires strong wrist control and quick reflexes, which Athletes Untapped coaches emphasize in their training.
Technique Tip: Keep your hand positioning low and close to the ground for maximum control. Use your body to maintain stability, and practice quick, forceful movements to trap the ball before your opponent can react.
Athletes Untapped’s Approach: Coaches work on building wrist strength and fine-tuning movement so players can clamp down more effectively. Athletes Untapped also incorporates reaction drills that improve speed, giving players the ability to execute the clamp faster and with greater accuracy.
- The Plunger In the plunger technique, the player uses their stick like a “plunger,” pressing down and then lifting up to pop the ball out and gain possession. This method requires precise timing and strength in the forearms, which Athletes Untapped focuses on strengthening through targeted drills.
Technique Tip: Start with your body low and ready, pressing down forcefully to trap the ball before popping it up. Once you have the ball, it’s crucial to transition smoothly to passing or cradling.
Athletes Untapped’s Approach: Our coaches work with players to develop both strength and control in their upper body. By practicing the plunger with variations in timing and force, Athletes Untapped helps players understand when to use this technique based on opponent tendencies and field conditions.
- The Jam The jam is a defensive move where players block their opponent from accessing the ball, often to delay the faceoff or force the opponent into a weaker position. This move is especially useful against opponents who frequently win the clamp or plunger. Athletes Untapped coaching emphasizes reading the opponent’s body language to know when the jam is most effective.
Technique Tip: Keep your stick angled slightly toward your opponent’s stick, positioning yourself to push against their movement without overextending. Balance is key; keep your center of gravity low and use your body to apply force rather than just relying on arm strength.
Athletes Untapped’s Approach: Athletes Untapped coaches incorporate situational drills to simulate faceoffs where the jam technique is most beneficial. By practicing defensive faceoff strategies, players learn how to recognize opportunities to disrupt their opponent’s moves, adding versatility to their faceoff game.
- The Rake The rake technique involves quickly “raking” the ball back toward your team’s side after gaining control. This method requires both quick hands and strong awareness of your surroundings. Athletes Untapped coaches guide players through hand-speed drills and positioning to optimize their raking technique.
Technique Tip: Use your wrists and fingertips to “rake” the ball backward, positioning your stick head just behind the ball for better leverage. It’s essential to stay low and maintain control through the movement to avoid getting tangled with your opponent’s stick.
Athletes Untapped’s Approach: With drills focused on wrist control, quick hand positioning, and follow-through, Athletes Untapped coaches help players master the rake and make it a reliable move in their faceoff toolkit. This technique is especially useful in situations where gaining clean, immediate possession is crucial.
- Body Positioning and Balance Good body positioning and balance are as important as stick skills in a faceoff. By staying low, using leverage, and positioning your weight correctly, you can make it harder for your opponent to disrupt your moves. Athletes Untapped coaches emphasize proper stance and balance to give players the stability and control they need for any faceoff technique.
Technique Tip: Keep your feet shoulder-width apart with your knees bent and stay on the balls of your feet. Balance your weight slightly forward, staying compact and ready to move in any direction based on the ball’s movement.
Athletes Untapped’s Approach: Athletes Untapped coaches incorporate stance and balance training into each faceoff session, giving players a solid foundation that enhances every other aspect of faceoff play. With consistent practice, players can feel more stable and agile, no matter which technique they’re using.
Situational Faceoff Strategy
Faceoffs are not one-size-fits-all; adjusting your approach based on game context is crucial. For example, a player might use the clamp technique during the opening faceoff to establish control but switch to the jam to disrupt a particularly aggressive opponent. Athletes Untapped’s coaches help players develop situational awareness and practice making these adjustments in real-time.
Example Drill: Simulated faceoff scenarios where coaches provide real-time guidance on choosing techniques based on opponent tendencies and game flow.
Athletes Untapped’s Approach: Our coaches create a practice environment where players can experiment with different techniques and strategies, helping them learn to adjust quickly and confidently. This strategic versatility is key to becoming a dominant force at the faceoff X.
Unique Benefits of Athletes Untapped Faceoff Training
At Athletes Untapped, we know that faceoff training requires both technical skill and strategic insight. Our private coaching approach allows players to receive focused, individualized guidance on faceoff mechanics, strategic application, and mental toughness. Here’s what makes our faceoff training so effective:
Personalized Training Plans: Athletes Untapped customizes faceoff training to suit each player’s strengths and development areas, ensuring they receive the exact guidance they need to improve.
Focus on Speed and Strength: We include hand-speed drills and forearm-strengthening exercises that support the demands of faceoffs, building the quickness and power necessary to outmaneuver opponents.
Real-Time Feedback: During one-on-one training sessions, our coaches provide immediate, constructive feedback on each faceoff attempt, helping players refine their techniques in real-time.
Strategic Insight and Adaptability: Athletes Untapped faceoff training goes beyond physical skills. Our coaches help players read their opponents and adjust techniques, making them not only more skilled but also smarter players at the X.
Common Mistakes in Faceoffs and How to Avoid Them
Overextending: Many players make the mistake of overreaching with their stick, losing balance and control. Athletes Untapped coaches emphasize compact movements and proper form to help players avoid overextending.
Ignoring the Ball: In the heat of the moment, players sometimes focus too much on their opponent and lose track of the ball. Athletes Untapped drills are designed to keep players focused on ball control, so they can stay locked in and effective.
Lack of Defensive Awareness: Players sometimes get too fixated on winning the faceoff and forget to defend. Our coaches incorporate defensive awareness into training, helping players balance aggressive faceoff techniques with smart positioning.
Ready to Dominate the Faceoff?
Whether you’re looking to improve your clamp, perfect your jam, or gain a strategic advantage over your opponents, Athletes Untapped faceoff training offers the focused, personalized coaching you need. Faceoffs are a game within the game, and by mastering them, you give your team the power to control possession and set the pace. Contact Athletes Untapped today to start honing your faceoff techniques with expert guidance and real-time feedback that builds both skill and confidence.
