Backdoor Cut
Off-Ball Movement
Legend
- player
- defender
- coach / parent
- ball
How it works
Execute a backdoor cut when an overplaying defender cheats toward the ball side.
What you need
- lacrosse stick
- lacrosse ball
- cones
- goal
Your focus
The backdoor cut exploits one of the most common defensive mistakes , overplaying the ball side. Teaching players to read an overplaying defender and attack their back immediately builds the off-ball football intelligence that creates easy goals.
Attacker and defender are set up in an off-ball position. Defender overplays toward the ball.
Ball carrier (feeder) raises the stick as a signal that the backdoor is available.
Attacker cuts hard to the goal behind the defender.
Feeder delivers a lead pass behind the defender. Cutter catches and finishes. Run 6 reps each side.
Goal
Success is receiving the backdoor pass clean, the timing and the defender's position told you the cut was on, and you executed it.
Helpful cues
- Read the defender's hips, if they're turned, the backdoor is open
- Cut to the goal, not to the ball, you need the space behind the defender
- Catch the ball in stride, don't slow down at the crease
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Defender stays stationary; cutter practices the path and catch only.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Defender can choose to play straight up or overplay; cutter must read and decide in real time.No account needed
Build a practice plan
Add drills, keep the plan in this browser, then share a link with your staff or parents.This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.
This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.After every practice, UpLVL automatically surfaces the drills each player needs to work on most. See it for yourself.