If you’re playing lacrosse, you know that dodging is a crucial skill to master. Dodging allows you to get past defenders and create scoring opportunities for your team. With so many different types of dodges to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this article, we’ll break down the most important lacrosse dodges and give you tips on performing them effectively.
The split dodge is one of the most basic and fundamental dodges in lacrosse. It involves faking one direction and then quickly changing direction to get past your defender. If you can master the split dodge, you’ll be able to perform more advanced dodges with ease. We’ll show you step-by-step how to perform the split dodge and give you tips on how to make it more effective.
In addition to the split dodge, there are many other types of dodges you can use to get past defenders. Each dodge has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to know when to use each one. We’ll cover some of the most popular dodges, such as the face dodge, the roll dodge, and the bull dodge, and give you tips on using them effectively in game situations.
Understanding Lacrosse Dodges
Importance of Dodging
Dodging is a crucial aspect of playing lacrosse. It is a technique used by offensive players to get past their defenders and create scoring opportunities. Without effective dodging, it can be challenging to score goals and win games.
Dodging allows players to create space, change direction, and confuse defenders. It requires a combination of speed, agility, and stick skills. By mastering different types of dodges, you can become a more dynamic and versatile player.

Types of Dodges
There are several types of dodges that you should be familiar with as a lacrosse player. Each dodge has its own unique purpose and can be used in different situations. Here are some of the most common types of dodges:
- Split Dodge: The split dodge is the foundation of just about every other dodge you will learn while playing lacrosse. It involves faking one way and then quickly changing direction to the other side.
- Roll Dodge: The roll dodge is another basic dodge to get past defenders. This move requires the player to roll their body to one side while protecting the ball with their stick.
- Face Dodge: The face dodge is a move that involves faking a pass or shot with your head and then quickly moving the stick to the opposite side.
- Bull Dodge: The bull dodge is a powerful move that involves running straight at the defender and using your body to push past them.
- Inside Roll Dodge: The inside roll dodge is a move that involves rolling your body to the inside of the defender and then quickly changing direction.
- Question Mark Dodge: The question mark dodge is a move that involves faking a shot or pass and then quickly changing direction to create space.
- Toe Drag Dodge: The toe drag dodge is a move that involves dragging the ball with your toes to create space and then quickly changing direction.
By mastering these different types of dodges, you can become a more effective and versatile player on the field. Remember to practice these moves regularly and use them strategically to create scoring opportunities.
Basic Lacrosse Dodges
When it comes to playing lacrosse, dodging is one of the key skills you need to master. Dodging is the art of maneuvering around defenders to create scoring opportunities for yourself or your teammates. In this section, we will go over the three basic lacrosse dodges that every player should know: the face dodge, the roll dodge, and the split dodge.
Face Dodge
The face dodge is a simple yet effective move that involves faking in one direction before quickly changing direction by moving the stick across your face. This dodge is great for getting past defenders who are trying to check your stick. To perform a face dodge, follow these steps:
- Start by cradling the ball in your stick and approaching the defender.
- As you get closer, fake in one direction by moving your body and stick as if you are going to dodge that way.
- At the last second, quickly move the stick across your face to the opposite side while stepping in that direction.
- Use your free hand to protect your stick from the defender’s check.
Roll Dodge
The roll dodge is a dodge that involves rolling your body to get past a defender. This dodge is great for creating space and getting past defenders who are playing tight defense. To perform a roll dodge, follow these steps:
- Start by cradling the ball in your stick and approaching the defender.
- As you get closer, fake in one direction by moving your body and stick as if you are going to dodge that way.
- At the last second, roll your body in the opposite direction while pulling the stick across your body.
- Use your free hand to protect your stick from the defender’s check.
Split Dodge
The split dodge is the most fundamental dodge in lacrosse and is the foundation for many other dodges. It involves faking in one direction before quickly changing direction by stepping in the opposite direction. This dodge is great for getting past defenders who are playing close defense. To perform a split dodge, follow these steps:
- Start by cradling the ball in your stick and approaching the defender.
- As you get closer, fake in one direction by moving your body and stick as if you are going to dodge that way.
- At the last second, quickly step in the opposite direction while pulling the stick across your body.
- Use your free hand to protect your stick from the defender’s check.
By mastering these three basic lacrosse dodges, you will be well on your way to becoming a skilled and effective dodger on the lacrosse field. Remember to practice these moves regularly to improve your skills and gain confidence in your ability to dodge past defenders.
Advanced Lacrosse Dodges
If you have mastered the basic lacrosse dodges, it’s time to move on to the advanced dodges. These dodges require more skill and practice, but when executed correctly, they can help you break through even the toughest defenses.
Bull Dodge
The Bull Dodge is a powerful move that involves charging straight at your defender and using your body to push past them. This dodge is effective because it allows you to use your size and strength to your advantage.
To perform the Bull Dodge, follow these steps:
- Get low and charge at your defender.
- Use your non-dominant shoulder to initiate contact with your defender.
- As you make contact, use your dominant hand to push off your defender’s stick.
- Once you have created separation, accelerate towards the goal.
Question Mark Dodge
The Question Mark Dodge is a deceptive move that involves faking one way and then quickly changing direction. This dodge is effective because it can catch defenders off guard and create space for a shot or pass.
To perform the Question Mark Dodge, follow these steps:
- Approach your defender at an angle.
- Fake a move in one direction by leaning your body and planting your foot.
- Quickly change direction by stepping with your other foot and accelerating past your defender.
- Once you have created separation, shoot or pass the ball.
Z Dodge
The Z Dodge is a complex move that involves changing direction multiple times. This dodge is effective because it can confuse defenders and create space for a shot or pass.
To perform the Z Dodge, follow these steps:
- Approach your defender at an angle.
- Fake a move in one direction by leaning your body and planting your foot.
- Quickly change direction by stepping with your other foot and accelerating past your defender.
- Cut back in the opposite direction by planting your foot and pivoting.
- Accelerate towards the goal.
Remember, these advanced lacrosse dodges require practice and skill to execute effectively. Work on perfecting each move and incorporating them into your game. With enough practice, you’ll be able to break through even the toughest defenses.
Not difficult for you to find more videos about the dodges online.
Improving Your Lacrosse Dodges
If you want to become a better lacrosse player, improving your dodging skills is essential. Dodging is a crucial part of the game that can help you get past your defender and score a goal. In this section, we will cover some drills and tips to help you improve your lacrosse dodges.
Drills for Practice
Practicing your dodges regularly can help you improve your skills and become a better player. Here are some drills you can do to improve your dodging:
- Split Dodge Drill: Start by squaring up with your defender, looking directly at each other with your bodies parallel. Then, use a split dodge to get past your defender by faking one way and quickly changing direction.
- Bull Dodge Drill: Start by running straight at your defender. When you get close, use a bull dodge to push your way past them.
- Three-man Weave Dodging Drill: This drill involves three players passing the ball back and forth while dodging past defenders. It’s a great way to practice your dodging skills in a game-like situation.
- Figure Eight Drill: This drill involves running in a figure-eight pattern around cones while dodging past defenders. It’s a great way to improve your dodging and footwork.
- Triangle Dodging Drill: This drill involves three players forming a triangle and passing the ball back and forth while dodging past defenders. It’s another great way to practice your dodging skills in a game-like situation.

Tips and Strategies
Here are some tips and strategies that can help you improve your dodging skills:
- Be unpredictable: Try to vary your dodges and be unpredictable. If you always use the same dodge, defenders will quickly learn to anticipate your moves.
- Use your body: Dodging is not just about using your stick. You can also use your body to fake out defenders and get past them.
- Keep your head up: Always keep your head up when dodging. If you look down at the ball, defenders will have an easier time stopping you.
- Practice with a defender: Practicing your dodges with a defender can help you get used to the pressure of a game situation.
- Study your opponent: Try to study your opponent’s weaknesses and tendencies. If you can anticipate their moves, you’ll have an easier time getting past them.
Improving your lacrosse dodges takes time and practice, but with the right drills and strategies, you can become a better player. Keep practicing and experimenting with different dodges until you find what works best for you.
Back to previous posts, you may need to learn the other basic skills such as cradling, catching, and passing.