The Importance of the Prefix "re" in Lacrosse

When players are first exposed to the game, often at an early age, such as 8U or 10U, they typically experience it as a kind of “glorified rugby.” At this stage, coaches, parents, and players are primarily focused on understanding the basic concepts of passing, dodging, shooting, cradling, catching, and running. These fundamentals are essential because beginning players must learn, apply, and internalize these skills in order to build confidence and develop a genuine interest in the game.

As athletes progress, however, and once they have mastered these basic skills, a common flaw often emerges. Players, parents, and new coaches can fall into the trap of over-relying on fundamentals to get through difficult situations, instead of developing a centralized and commanding lacrosse IQ.

The Importance of the Prefix “Re”

One effective way to enhance lacrosse IQ is by understanding the value of the prefix “re.” For those unfamiliar, a prefix is a letter or group of letters added to the beginning of a word. The prefix “re” comes from the Latin word meaning “again.” In the context of lacrosse, “again” signifies the ability to make adjustments and create second opportunities. With the ball in your stick, elite players must be able to comprehend:

• Re-assess

• Re-dodge

• Re-position

• Re-attack

• Re-set

• Re-act

  
  

Applying “Re” on the Field

Consider this scenario: You are dodging against a defender, creating a mismatch or defensive collapse to open up space for a pass or shot. Suddenly, the defender adjusts, cuts off your lane, and halts your momentum. Too often, players continue to force the original move—even though it has been stopped—killing the offensive flow their team has built.

Instead, the smarter approach is to recognize the situation, disengage, and create space. For example, as an offensive midfielder with the ball, you might like your matchup and initiate a split dodge down the alley for a shot. If the defender takes that option away, you shouldn’t force the same move. Instead, push off, bounce away, and give yourself time to reassess. From there, you can re-dodge, re-attack, reset, reposition, or react in whatever way best supports your team.

This is the essence of the "re's" lacrosse IQ: Knowing not only how to execute a dodge, pass, or shot, but also when it is the right time to do so.

Why Lacrosse IQ Matters

As players grow older and advance to higher levels of competition, the game becomes faster, stronger, and more physically demanding. What works at age 10 or 12—such as simply dodging to the goal on athleticism alone—will not necessarily work at 14, in high school, in college, or at the professional level. Players who understand and apply the “re’s” of lacrosse will separate themselves from those who rely solely on fundamentals. Forcing a dodge against a defender who has already stopped your initial move limits your options. Not only does it compromise your ability to pass effectively, but it also disrupts your team’s offensive flow, turning teammates into non-factors. This invites early slides and double-teams, often resulting in poor shots or turnovers. On the other hand, recognizing when to disengage, reset, or redirect ensures that you maintain your triple-threat positioning as a dodger, passer, and shooter. It keeps your teammates active threats and preserves offensive rhythm.

Understanding the “re’s” of lacrosse—and knowing when to apply them—can elevate your game beyond imagination. Rather than forcing a play, you learn to create the right play. Building your lacrosse IQ is just as critical as becoming an elite dodger, shooter, passer, or scorer. Drills that build fundamentals are important, but so too is developing the ability to read the game, react intelligently, and make high-level decisions.

True lacrosse greatness comes not only from playing the game at a high level, but also from understanding it at a high level.

Players, coaches, and parents, please understand that going as fast as you can is not always best. Possession is key to the success of lacrosse, especially in the offensive zone. You should be able to dictate the speed and pace of play as the ball carrier and not allow the defense to dictate those concepts. Players don't think success comes from always being the guy going to the goal and shooting or trying to "make the play". Parents and coaches, please try to refrain from yelling "go to goal" or "do something". You never know what the ball carrier is seeing. Lacrosse success is a team effort, not an individual effort. Understanding the "re's" will allow for the maximum amount of team and individual success.

If you have any further questions or inquiries on how to expand this area of yourself or your player's game, please contact Coach Truett Wilson.

www.tw51lacrosse.com