Defense

Horizontal Switching

andreliem

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This play will illustrate how a switching defense can stifle a standard horizontal play by covering in and out cuts with quick switching. Because of the standard paired up formation of lane cutters, the two defenders can easily cover zones on their respective side. This means that if one lane cutter cuts deep, a designated defensive player can take either deep cut regardless of which player it is. Once the lane cutter gives up and cuts in, the defensive player must release their defense and allow their teammate to cover the in cut. You can see where communication is key, if you do not switch your position at the right time or at all, you will provide the offense with a good opportunity to score.  

Offense

Horizontal Isolation

andreliem

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This is a very generic play that is meant for teams that have an athletic advantage over their opponents. The general premise behind this play is to isolate lane cutters to one on one battles with their defenders. By using the room a horizontal setup can provide, it should be easier for your lane cutters to get open. The major challenge with this play is keeping the remaining defenders busy so they do not poach. The best way to deal with poaching players is to make the play very dynamic, and allow other lane cutter “fake cuts” to become real viable options if their defenders do not cover them.  

Offense

Horizontal Positioning

andreliem

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After you have completed a pass up-field to a lane cutter, you now face the situation where you have to reposition your players. In the horizontal setup, you want to keep 3 handlers back, and 4 lane cutters spread downfield. When your first pass goes up, the lane cutter who makes the catch essentially becomes a handler. It is the job of the original handlers to reposition themselves by having one of them slide downfield to join the lane cutters.  

Offense

Horizontal Cutting

andreliem

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This is a very basic demonstration of how lane cutters can set up and initiate their cuts in a horizontal offense. For this part, ignore the handlers and pay particular attention to the positioning and the movement of the lane cutters  

Offense

Standard Vertical

andreliem

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This illustrates the most basic standard vertical offense. All teams should be very good at this. The main focus is to create open lane space and the timing of cutters. In particular, the lane cutters should be making their cuts before the player has caught the disc.