The lacrosse clear is effectively moving the ball from the defensive zone to the offensive zone following a turnover. Clearing effectively is a critical way to gain an advantage on the other team and the key to getting fast breaks if done correctly. Clearing involves getting the ball off your half of the field and passing it down field to a forward middy into the opponent’s territory. Often times a clear is done by a defender or the goalie just trying to get the ball away from the crease and trying to give their team an opportunity to get an offense set up or a fast break.
1: Find an open team mate down field to get the ball to.
2: Draw attention to yourself by yelling “Clear!” giving your offense the heads up that you will be getting the ball down field and to be alert.
3: Try to draw a 2 on 1 to yourself allowing for one of your team members to become open for a pass and allowing for more help.
4: Pass the ball to an open middy or attacker by using an overhead pass so as to avoid a blocked pass. If you need to cross the mid field line to get a passing opportunity, do so.
If done correctly, an affective clear will allow for a clean and quick transition from defense to offense and better yet a possible fast break. Either way the clear is essential for setting up opportunities to make points.
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