Man-Down Defense: Shock + Number, Blitz

Shock + Number

Shock + Number: Set-up

Teams should look to run Shock + #, especially if the other team relies on

one player offensively. This defense tries to eliminate the other team’s best

offensive player whether they distribute the ball or can shoot form the

outside. It is most effective when the other team relies on this player for

success in the man-up. Before the whistle blows, the coach calls “Shock”

with a number so the defense knows what player will be shut off…

**The shutting off defender should be a short stick midfielder so all four

defensemen can still play man-down defense.

•Set-up (Shock + Number)

Shock + Number: Set Up (M1 is the shut man)

M1

D1

D4

D2

D3

Shock + Number: Execution

When the ball is put into play the short stick (M1) calls out “Shock” and shuts off

the designated player (#). The remaining four players (D1, D2, D3, D4) play a “four

man rotation.” They need to line up in a box and keep the same principles of the

“55”. When they are in this box they do not want to be aggressive, rather they want

to give up the outside shot.

It’s imperative that the defense stay tight and make sure they they properly rotate

so they don’t give up a shot on the crease. If the offense attacks from X, the

opposite defender (D3) needs to slide across the crease (COMA slide) instead of

rotating from the adjacent player. When this occurs, D1 needs to get down the

backside to cover for D3. D2 needs to slide across the field and split the top two

offensive players.

•Execution (Shock + Number)

Shock + Number: Execution (M1 is the shut man)

M1

D1

D4

D2

D3

Shock + Number: Execution (M1 is the shut man)

M1

D1

D4

D2

D3

Shock + Number: If the Shut Man Goes to Crease

If the player designated to be shut off goes to

the crease, then the defense can do one of

two things: 1) The short stick can release the

designated player and call out 55, or 2) the

short stick can stay on the designated

offensive player and continue to perform

shock.

•If The Shut Man Goes to Crease

Blitz + Number

Blitz + Number: Set-up

Blitz is a pressure defense that starts unexpectedly in the 55 base defense. Before

the ref blows the whistle to start play, the defense must huddle up, including the

goalie, and call Blitz and a number, between 2-4. Everyone must be on the same

page so they know when to act and pressure accordingly the number refers to the

number of passes and not the number (as in shock)…

Blitz is a more advanced man-down strategy and is highly effective when the other

team has trouble moving the ball quickly or does not move their feet. Defensive

player must communicate and be very intelligent to execute Blitz properly.

•Set-up (Blitz + Number)

Blitz + Number: Set Up

D4

M1

D2

D1

D3

Blitz + Number: Execution

Blitz + Number starts in a 55 and plays according to the rules of that defense. As

the offense passes the ball around the ball around the perimeter, the defensive

leader starts the count by calling out “One!”. From this point on the defense counts

silently. On the designated numbered pass, the defense aggressively fires out on

the ball and the two adjacent players...

The on-ball defender is trying to catch the ball carrier off guard, make them panic,

and force a bad decision. The remaining defensive players want to read the

situation and make sure to cover the crease while leaving the farthest player away

open. If they can anticipate where the ball is gong to be thrown then they can

make an aggressive play on the ball.

•Execution (Blitz + Number)

Blitz 3: Execution

D4

M1

D2

D1

D3

Blitz 3: Execution (Against 1-3-2)

Blitz + Number: Final Thoughts

Blitz can be used late in the game if a team is

down a man and finds itself in a man-down

situation. If the offense retreats and is able to

withstand the pressure, then the defense

should call off Blitz and return to 55.

• Blitz + Number: Final Thoughts