Defending Cutters

Verified · checked against the US Lacrosse coaching curriculum and Achieve Lacrosse

The play, beat by beat

1Left Wing Defender denies their Left WingTheir Left Wing cuts
2Left Wing Defender recovers to their Left WingTheir Left Wing cuts
3Their Top Center passes to their Top RightTop Right Defender marks their Top Right

Tell a cut to goal from an outlet cut. A cut to goal through the 8: call "I got cutter" and defend her as if she has the ball.
Step in front of her into the space she wants, stick to stick. Then get your triangle back: ball side, goal side, see both.
An outlet cut to the outside isn't a threat. Don't chase it; stay goal side and close out on the catch.
In a zone you pass cutters off instead: "If you see her, take her" (Achieve, US Lacrosse Level 3).

Two or more independent sources describe every step of it. Verified · checked against the US Lacrosse coaching curriculum and Achieve Lacrosse.

3 beats

Settled defense · Man Defense

Verified · checked against the US Lacrosse coaching curriculum and Achieve Lacrosse

1Left Wing Defender denies their Left WingTheir Left Wing cuts
2Left Wing Defender recovers to their Left WingTheir Left Wing cuts
3Their Top Center passes to their Top RightTop Right Defender marks their Top Right

Tell a cut to goal from an outlet cut. A cut to goal through the 8: call "I got cutter" and defend her as if she has the ball.
Step in front of her into the space she wants, stick to stick. Then get your triangle back: ball side, goal side, see both.
An outlet cut to the outside isn't a threat. Don't chase it; stay goal side and close out on the catch.
In a zone you pass cutters off instead: "If you see her, take her" (Achieve, US Lacrosse Level 3).

Two or more independent sources describe every step of it. Verified · checked against the US Lacrosse coaching curriculum and Achieve Lacrosse.