So: somehow (through a higher power, bribery, or just plain dumb luck) your team’s scored a goal. After the victory lap and subsequent dance routine, it’s time to set up for the opposing team’s advances – and much like your future daughters during prom night, you’ve got to decide how to stop those fools from getting something in to your glory-goal.

Now, as I’ve played this sport, it’s become apparent to me that everyone has their own style when it comes to play. Much the same, folks have their own way of setting up for a charge on goal. The following is just a few ways one could prepare themselves, and my thoughts on the advantages/disadvantages of each.

Turtle

Ah, the turtle. Nature’s little green tank

The idea behind this move is simple: set up your goalie and then layer them with your other two players (each facing opposite directions to allow for man-on defense as well as the ball being shot and bouncing in anywhichway direction).

Pros: It’s a pretty effective way of blocking off a goal. It also puts you in a decent position to go after a stray shot.

Cons: You are on full defense, and that certainly limits your starting mobility as well as your pickup for break-aways.  

Traditional lineup

In this position, you’re blocking off your goal with one player and having the other two meet up with the opposing team midcourt. I kinda consider this one the intercept method – if you can get the ball from  the other team.
I use traditional here to recognize this is how I used to line up before I got wise/bored.

Pros: Great position to get the ball and completely change the direction of the play (while  the offensive players are heading downcourt). You’re forward momentum is already on its way.

Cons: If your 2 moving players don’t strip the ball, they are going to be out of the play for the seconds they need to turn and get speed up in the defensive zone. If you’re facing down two very strong players on the opposite team, that could mean a 2 on 1 situation for your lonesome goalie.

The Frenchie

I’ve seen this technique used by L’Equipe and I’ve started using it with some success as well.

The idea is this: after scoring, get past half and then stop, facing towards your own goal. Once the other team starts rolling up, you start getting up speed, too. By the time they cross half, you’re already at speed and heading the same direction.

Pros: It will be harder for the other team to get past you – you’re already in position to disrupt plays and you’re already at speed with the other team.

Cons: You’ll feel a little goofy, and if your other team mate gets the ball you’re facing the wrong way.

You guys have any set-ups I should know about? Hit me up in the comments.

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