“Freelance” Offense
ADVANCED OFFENSIVE SYSTEM
- Freelance is the style of "principles-based" offense that is used most often in Junior & Senior “box” lacrosse, promoting swinging the ball, plenty of Motion, Pick-And-Roll Game; and limited in its use of set-plays (except where trying to utilize the best attributes of the teams most skilled players). In other words “pass, pick, pop/roll, replace, cut, shoot” as Casey Powell describes it. Or, Always Be Cycling (ABC's of Offense) as Eddie Comeau puts it; meaning to always get the ball low (Positions A & C), cut the middle, and safely swing the ball through the point position (Position B)
- Although to freelance literally means “to work for yourself, with no allegiance to anyone,” a successful freelance offensive system actually has set team rules to provide structure and balance on the floor (developed based on team personnel + individual skill-sets).
- Spread the defense by staying wide, while also adjusting one’s position to help create open passing lanes and seizing opportunities to be a threat; both on-ball and off-ball. Offensive teammates need to avoid the temptation to creep towards the ball (unless picking) and not allow the off-ball defenders to sag and stand in help positions; keeping them engaged with hard work and tenacity.
From there, offensive players should be watching the positioning of their offensive teammates in order to help with the timing of the “cycle” or set-play, being mindful of proper spacing. They should also be watching the positioning/personnel of the defensive players, exploiting weaknesses and watching for opportunities to get open for a high percentage shot on goal (i.e. following slides, back-cutting defenders, etc.).
All players on the floor need to be involved/engaged in order for there to be continuity and "flow" within this team offense; if you are not moving your feet you are not involved. Furthermore, if the offense doesn't get open in the middle, they will not be successful in the long run.
Players need to know their offensive role ahead of time; there are only so many shots to go around. Generally, on any given shift a player might be regarded as a 1, 2 or 3 on their side of the floor. 1's are ball carriers and shooters, who should be carrying the ball the majority of the time and taking 10+ shots per game; 2's are crashers and bangers, setting picks/seals, catching roll passes in tight and attacking rebounds in front of the net; 3's are "waterbugs" who should be keeping their feet moving at all times, keeping the ball moving whenever they get it (unless they are wide open), getting offensive loose balls and having more responsibility defending against reverse-transition.

Would you like to share your thoughts?
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Would you like to share your thoughts?
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
0 Comments