Martian Sports Skills Lacrosse League

For example, here are some tips for Attackmen:

1. Make your defense man play you and you alone every second you are in the game.Keep moving all the time so that he must center his attention on you an not be in position to help out his fellow defense men.
2. In moving the ball around the circle, make all passes sharp, short, and to the outside, away from the defense man.
3. Make feed passes hard.
4. When you have the ball, never stand still - keep moving all the time - if necessary run backwards and forwards - but keep moving. When you are ready to make a pass, take one step back quickly and move.
5. All feed passes must be thrown directly overhand or directly underhand - not sidearm.

Five good tips for Defensemen:

1. Don't rush an attack man after he has caught the ball. If he is receiving a rather long pass and you are sure you can reach him before the ball, go after him, checking his stick and hitting him with your body.
2.As a pass is made to the man you are playing, move out to cover him as the ball is moving to him, so that you are in position as he catches it. Don't wait until he has caught the ball, and then move out on him.
3.Never take a step into a man while playing him on defense.
4.Once the attack man has the ball, worry him plenty by poke checking, etc., don't give much chance to look over his field, make him worry about you. Don't force or rush him however. There is a big difference between worrying a man and forcing or rushing him. Make the attack make the first move.
5.When not poking at the man with ball, keep your stick a little above the height of your attack man's shoulder. Don't ever carry it at your side, KEEP IT UP!

Let's focus on Midfield play. To be a top midfielder you must possess the whole package. Don't focus too much on any individual aspect of the game. Here's some things to work on: Shooting - During practice, focus about 90% of the time shooting on the run. That is really all you will use in a game. Face-off - Don't rely on the other guy all the time. Learn some moves and practice! Defense - Learn what it takes to be an individual "D" guy both on and off ball. Also learn the concepts of good team defense.

Conditioning/Stamina - As a middie you need to be the most well conditioned player on the field. How else are you going to make a big stop on D and then go to the O side and stick a corner? Ground Balls - We all know they win games! Be relentless, and learn the proper technique. Between the Restraining lines- Just be smart, move the ball to a player in front of you and don't sell out. That means don't go for a check and get beat in this part of the field, your better off getting in the hole preventing unsettled play.

The following are a some skills that most GREAT DEFENSEMEN seem to possess. Work on these tips to round out your game!

Good body position is essential for one on one play and team defense. When playing one on one, break down in an athletic stance keeping your hips between your man and the goal. Shuffle your feet when moving. Do not cross your feet! Know your opponents strengths and take them away. Force the weak hand. When you slide, do it under control. Slide body on body. Communication is the key to good defense. Who has the ball, who has the slide, etc. Function as one unit! Take pride in the little things. Get after the ground balls! Start the offense! Attitude, you will not get beat!

GROUND BALLS win games. Period. Here's a few tips to make you into the human vacuum. Use the proper technique. Keep your body low to the ground and in between the ball and your opponent, keep your hand nearest the butt end of your stick down, explode through the ball, and immediately cradle and tuck your stick. Look to pass right away or run away from pressure. Go for loose balls passionately and with attitude. The player who wants a ball more, gets it. Ground balls win games and will keep you on the field if you're good at it.

STICK PROTECTION - Proper technique is essential! Here are some helpful tips: Cradle the stick vertically keeping your elbow locked in on your stick carrying arm while cradling mostly with your wrist. Try to keep the head of your stick near your ear or just below. Your elbow should stay within 4 inches of your ribs. Don't swing your arm! Your free arm should be kept in a comfortable protective position. Try not to run on the same line or plane. Run in and out. Keep your head up!!!!!! Your goal should be to keep your body between the defender and your stick.

RIDING Don't feel your job is done as an attackman when the goalie makes a save. Ride hard until the ball is cleared through the midfield line. Riding Tips: Be in shape. Know how to break down and play "defense". Use the sideline to your advantage (force the clearing player in that direction). Don't go for the clearing players stick head (check his hands). Be relentless!!! If you focus on these tips you will probably increase your playing time and you'll be surprised how many easy goals your team will score.

How can I improve my shot so I can score from about twenty yards? There are a few keys to scoring from outside. First, take a lot of bounce shots!! They go in more frequently. Second, try to be deceptive. Try to hide your stick behind your body until the last second. Finally and most difficult shoot with the proper technique. Hands and elbows high and away from your body, hands 12 inches apart close to the bottom of your handle, turn your shoulders and hips and uncork like a golfer.