In lacrosse, the Two-Man Game is a strategic play where two offensive players work together to beat their defenders. It usually happens on the side or behind the goal (at “X”).
The goal is to create confusion, force the defense to switch, and open up a clean lane for a shot or a pass.
How It Works
The play typically involves a ball carrier and a screener. They use these primary techniques:
- The Pick (or Screen): One player stands still in the path of the teammate’s defender. This “wall” forces the defender to go around it, giving the ball carrier a split second of freedom.
- The Roll: After setting the pick, the screener quickly turns (rolls) toward the goal. If the defense focuses too much on the ball carrier, the screener becomes wide open for a pass.
- The Slip: The screener pretends to set a pick but cuts to the goal early, catching the defense off guard.
Why It’s Effective
The Two-Man Game forces the defense to make a split-second decision: “Do we switch or stay?”
- If they don’t switch: The ball carrier gets a wide-open shot because their defender got stuck on the pick.
- If they do switch: It often creates a mismatch. A fast midfielder might end up guarded by a slower defenseman, or a small attacker might end up against a tall, less agile defender.
- If they hesitate: Both offensive players might end up open, leading to an easy goal.
Key Terms to Know
- Big-Little: A common version where a “Big” (usually a midfielder) sets a pick for a “Little” (an attackman), or vice versa, to create a speed or size mismatch.
- Setting its Feet: The player picking must remain stationary. If they move while making contact, the referee will blow the whistle for an illegal screen.