Lacrosse Types Of Shots
The objective of the offense in lacrosse is to score points by shooting the ball on goal. Offensive players can change how they shoot the ball depending on the live game situation. In this tutorial, we will review the different types of shots.
Lacrosse Shot Types
Below is a list of different lacrosse shot types:
- Overhand Shot
- Wraparound Shot
- Close In Shot
- Perimeter Shot
- Low Shot
- Over the Shoulder Shot
- Underhand Shot
- Sidearm Shot
- Pop Shot
- Long Shot
- Bounce Shot
- Behind the Back Shot
- Corner Shot
- Crank Shot
- Elevator Shot
- Fake Shot
- Free Position Shot
Overhand Shot
The overhand shot in lacrosse is a shot made with the stick perpendicular to the ground in an upright position. It is the most basic style of shot and is more powerful than an underhand shot.
Wraparound Shot
The wraparound shot in lacrosse is a shot by a creasman coming from behind the goal and wrapping the stick around the goal post while diving into the crease. It is a very difficult shot to execute well.
Close In Shot
The close in shot in lacrosse is a shot taken on the crease or close to the goal. It is more likely to result in a goal than a perimeter shot because the goalie has less time to react. A close in shot does not count if the ball is released by a player who has stepped into or on the goal circle.
Perimeter Shot
The perimeter shot in lacrosse is a shot from the perimeter of the eight-meter arc in women's lacrosse or from farther outside the goal circle area in men's lacrosse. Players must get a strong rip to ensure that the ball can travel an extended distance while keeping pace and accuracy. A perimeter shot typically results in a lower shooting percentage compared with a close in shot.
Low Shot
The low shot in lacrosse is a shot aimed close to the ground near the lower part of the goal. The low shot is effective because the goalie must quickly react and rotate their stick down to make a save.
Over the Shoulder Shot
The over the shoulder shot in lacrosse is a shot that is taken from the non-dominant side of an attacker's body. The attacker will cradle across their center line, keeping the stick head above the shoulder, and spin their wrist so that the ball can be shot on goal.
Underhand Shot
An underhand shot in lacrosse is a shot made with an underhand motion. If the ball travels from low to high, it is also called an elevator shot. Underhand shots are more commonly taken from the perimeter because they are difficult to execute in front of goal. Underhand shots are very rare in women's lacrosse because the pocket is much less deep and the ball will fall out during the windup.
Sidearm Shot
A sidearm shot in lacrosse is a shot made with the stick at a horizontal angle to the player's body. A sidearm technique can also be used for passing. To generate more power on a sidearm shot, the player slides their top hand down towards the butt end of the stick. The sidearm shot is an effective technique to shoot the ball around a defender. It is a risky play because the ball may be checked away for hanging the stick.
Pop Shot
The pop shot in lacrosse is a quick shot taken without a wind-up or crank. It is an effective close in shot near the crease area when surrounded by defenders or other attackers. It is often used in a pick and pop play, with an attacker exiting a pick, receiving a quick pass and then placing a pop shot. The pop shot relies on accuracy over power.
Long Shot
The long shot in lacrosse is a shot taken at far range from the goal. It can also be called a perimeter shot. A long shot must be hard, fast and accurate in order to beat the goaltender.
Bounce Shot
A bounce shot in lacrosse is a shot that bounces on the field in front of the goaltender. An attacker may intentionally use a bounce shot when field conditions are slippery or uneven and the direction of the ball is unpredictable.
Behind the Back Shot
The behind the back shot in lacrosse is the act of shooting on goal by wrapping the stick behind the back.
Corner Shot
The corner shot in lacrosse is a shot aimed for the corners of the goal. This is often a high percentage shot because the goalie must move their body or stick far off center to make a save.
Crank Shot
The crank shot in lacrosse is a high-velocity outside shot in men's lacrosse where the shooter has time and space to "crank" their stick with a big wind-up. This motion creates added speed and power on the shot.
Elevator Shot
The elevator shot in lacrosse is a shot that starts low when it leaves the pocket and travels high toward the upper corners of the goal. It is more commonly seen in men's lacrosse because of the deeper stick pocket. It can be useful if the attacker receives a low feed and has time to set their stance and pull the stick back and follow through high. It is a difficult shot to attempt if a player is surrounded by many defenders.
Fake Shot
A fake shot in lacrosse is a stick trick used to confuse the goaltender in order to create more opening for a second shot on goal. Attackers use their stance, body positioning and a stick fake to aim the ball to one side of the goal in hopes that the goaltender will jump to that side, allowing space for the attacker to shoot the other way.
Free Position Shot
The free position shot in lacrosse is a rule in women's lacrosse that allows for a free shot on goal from the eight-meter or 12-meter arc. When the foul is called, the player in possession of the ball when the whistle is blown, or the player closest to the spot of the foul, lines up on the eight-meter hash closest to the spot of the foul. All players clear the eight-meter fan and stand at least four meters away. This gives the shooter a free path to run, pass or shoot.
