“Spread out!” – “Spacing!” – These are phrases coaches are constantly screaming from the sidelines at girls lacrosse games. Many coaches share their frustration with teaching their offensive players how to best balance themselves on the field in a way that is easily understood. They consistently ask how to get their players to better understand spacing around the 8-meter to avoid bunching up and getting in each other’s way. Enter the “hot spots.” Hot spots are areas evenly spaced around the 8-meter arc and 12-meter fan that we use to teach balance and spacing to our players.

It is a framework that can help your players better communicate and therefore better execute on both the offensive and defensive ends of the field.

These seven designated areas around the 8-meter arc and 12-meter fan are critical for optimizing spacing on the field, allowing players to make the most of their positioning to create high-percentage scoring opportunities. Effective communication, strategic positioning and quick ball and body movement are essential for a successful offense.

Understanding the Hot Spots

8meter shot

The hot spots help attack players understand where they should be and why. By defining these balanced areas on the field, players can utilize space to their advantage, opening up lanes for dodges, feeds, cuts, and ball support. This framework not only aids in offensive execution but also enhances team communication, enabling players to coordinate their movements more effectively.

The Seven Hot Spots

There are seven hot spots arranged evenly around the 8-meter arc/12-meter fan. Directly behind the goal cage is called “X” and the middle of the 8-meter is called the HUB. This framework allows for effective communication, balance and diverse offensive strategies. Coaches can choose to run an offense with a player or two inside the 8-meter (the HUB), or keep the middle of the 8-meter clear. The choice to number the hot spots from 1-7 reflects the fact that no more than seven players can occupy the offensive end at any given time. The 1 and 2 spots operate behind the goal cage on either side. The 3 and 7 spots work from the “wings” – or the corners of the 8-meter. The 5 spot is at the top center of the 12-meter with the 4 and 6 spots equally balanced on either side between it and the wings (3 and 7 spots).

The Seven Hot Spots in Women's Lacrosse

The Seven Hot Spots in Women’s Lacrosse

Utilizing Hot Spots in Practice

Incorporating the hot spots into your team’s everyday language can greatly enhance both offensive and defensive strategies. Here are a few examples of how to use hot spots in play calls:

  • Offensive Example: “Jenny, set a pick at the 3 spot.”
  • Offensive Example: “Taylor, dodge hard around the 1 spot and keep your eyes up for a cut coming from the 3 spot.”
  • Defensive Example: “Dani, we will send a jump double team as soon as the ball gets to the 4 spot.”
  • Defensive Example: “Their top offensive threat loves to dodge from the 5 spot after they clear space from the 6 and 7 spots.”

By utilizing the hot spots during practice, players learn the terminology and understand how to better position themselves, ultimately leading to improved communication and teamwork on the field.

Teaching Hot Spots

To effectively teach the hot spots, consider investing in seven numbered flat cones to represent each area. Place the cones around the 12-meter fan and assign one player to each cone. Start with simple drills that require players to move between hot spots, helping them familiarize themselves with the positioning. Encourage players to set up muddles, stacks or pick plays at designated spots, allowing them to understand the movement and functionality of each area.

To promote offensive spacing and when working on maintaining possession, widen the placement of the hot spot cones to visually emphasize where players should position themselves in a more spread-out offense. Ensure the cones are placed outside the 12-meter arc to illustrate the extent of the spacing you want to achieve.

Coach Insights and Tips

8 meter shooting drill setup

Hot spots play a crucial role in teaching players about spacing and movement within a settled offense. This concept is particularly important for younger players, helping them break the “little kids’ soccer habit” of clustering around the player with the ball. By instilling a strong understanding of the areas around the 8-meter, players become more adept at recognizing when the offense is disorganized so they can talk through how to fix their spacing and attack more efficiently.

Defenders love using the hot spots too! Defensive communication is critical for success and the hot spots give defenders clear areas to focus on when trying to slow down their opponents and keep them from scoring.

To reinforce the importance of hot spots, consistently reference them throughout the season. Use the terminology in practice and games, ensuring that players become comfortable with the concepts and can apply them seamlessly. Over time, your team will gain a deeper understanding of where they need to be and why – on both sides of the field, resulting in more effective offensive and defensive strategy and production.

Teaching the hot spots and how they can help your team both offensively and defensively can foster better communication, positioning, and overall team performance. With consistent reinforcement and practice, your offensive players will develop the skills needed to leverage space, body, and ball movement effectively, leading to greater offensive success. On the defensive side, your players will enhance their ability to communicate clearly with each other allowing your defensive unit to thrive. Good luck coach!

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