Taking Advantage of 8 Meter Opportunities

​When it comes to 8 meter opportunities it can be a quick and easy way to get a goal but for some players it can be a nerve racking moment and a lot of players get frazzled with what to do.  Here are some tips to keep in mind so you can work on improving this part of your game.

• Don’t hold onto the ball too long.

This is  pretty simple, but it’s also a very important one. The longer you hold onto the ball once the referee blows their whistle to restart play, the more time you’re allowing the defenders to crash on you as well as getting back into position and blocking your clear view of the goal. The more you have a game plan for this situation like are you taking a power shot or running the ball in? The quicker you can let the ball go in any situation on the 8 meter, the better. It is also important that your first step is in the direction of the defender you want to cut off to free your hand for the shot.  Keep your stick in front of you at all times so this way the defenders do not have an easy check at your stick.

• Fake your shot.

Everything happens so fast on the lacrosse field, so it’s crucial to have some moves in your back pocket in order to give yourself an opening as much as possible, especially being close to the goal. If you’d like to shoot in a particular area it is important to remember,  fake high, shoot low or fake low, shoot high.  JUST MOVE THE GOALIE!
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• You may not have the best shot.

If you’re the one that got fouled and have the ball at the eight-meter, that doesn’t mean you have to take the shot. Before the whistle blows,  see the field and see which of your teammates are nearby to see if they potentially have a better angle or opportunity to score a goal. If they do, don’t hesitate to pass the ball their way.

8 meters are crucial in the game of women's lacrosse and can be the deciding factor between a win and a loss. Knowing how to take an 8 meter can really set you apart from everyone else on the field.  When practicing and executing an 8 meter in a game remember these three point: make a quick first step, move the goalie, and see the field.
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