1-4-1 Alley Dodge — Isolation Setup
Isolate your dodger up top, stretch the defense, and create a clean alley lane for a shot or draw-and-dish.
Play breakdown video
Use this formation
A 1-4-1 formation with one dodger at the top (Waldman), two players inside pushing high (Luzzi, Long), two wings dragging low (Kirst, Sheehan), and one player behind the net (Goldstein). The setup isolates your dodger up top and eliminates early help — ideal for midfielders who can win 1-on-1s and shoot with range.
Best used when…
- You’ve got a confident alley dodger up top
- The defense slides early from the crease
- You want to create space without complex motion
Why it works
- Wide dodge lane — stretching the middle removes slide pressure
- Slide manipulation — high/low decoys hold help defenders
- Clean looks — creates an alley shot with limited contact
Player responsibilities
- Top dodger (M) Waldman — Initiates from up top, reads slide timing for shot or draw-and-dish
- Inside stretchers (M) Long & Luzzi — Drive defenders upfield to pull help away from the crease
- Low drags (A) Kirst & Sheehan — Cut under to the front of the net, occupy help defenders, open the lane
- Backline support (A) Goldstein — Stays alert for reset pass, keeps ball in offense’s sticks on a missed shot
1-4-1 OZ Set
GAME4 - Lacrosse
Coaching notes
Win the matchup
Be physical and direct on the alley dodge — no need to bring yourself towards the sliding player for a marginally better angle.
Make the slides as far as possible
Inside players must remove the first slide by driving their defenders up the field aggressively. Low players must cut low at the same time to stretch the help as far as possible.
Read the defense and reset if needed
Don’t force the shot if you’re defended well — reset through X.
See the 1-4-1 in action
Simple, high-IQ setup that isolates your dodger up top and eliminates early help. Ideal for midfielders who can win 1-on-1s and shoot with range. 0:28 to 0:40
Install the 1-4-1 at practice
Use this practice plan to install the 1-4-1 Offensive set with your team. This plan teaches how to dodge, pull away slides, and open up for pop passes in this offensive setup.
Quick answers
- What is a 1-4-1 in lacrosse?
- A 1-4-1 is an offensive formation with one player up top, four across the middle (two inside and two wings), and one behind the net — designed to spread the defense and create isolated dodge lanes.
- What is the 1-4-1 Alley Dodge trying to create?
- The play aims to isolate the top dodger, pull help defenders high and low with decoys, and open a clean alley lane for a shot or draw-and-dish with minimal contact.
- How do I add this system to GAME4?
- Click the “Add” button to copy the board into your library, then add the system to your practice plan and share it with your team.