How to Defend the Free Position Shot

A free position shot can lead to easy goals in women’s lacrosse. Defenders will need to move quickly and have strong stick skills to prevent the score.

A free position (or 8-meter) shot occurs when a defender commits a major foul within the 8-meter arc.

When the referee blows the whistle and a foul is called, the attacker will move to a hash mark on the 8-meter arc, closest to where they were fouled. The referee will place the defender who committed the foul on the 12-meter arc, four meters behind the attacker. All other defenders will be asked to clear the 8-meter area. Those defenders who were close to the shooter will be given the option to go to a hash mark on either side of the shooter.

When defending the free position shot, follow these steps:

• Place your foot that’s closest to the shooter on the hash mark

• Place your hand closest to the shooter on the bottom of your stick as you hold your stick out in front of your body
• Lean your body weight forward with your body angled toward the goal
• When you take your first step, it should be into the 8-meter arc

Once the whistle is blown, step at the appropriate angle to get your stick in front of the shooter to block their shot. To successfully defend a free position, you must be quick off the whistle and work hard to get your stick in front of the shooter.