In this whiteboard session, Mike Terranova, Assistant Coach at Harvard Lacrosse, breaks down a specialized lacrosse drill called “Faceoff Octagon,” designed to intensify player engagement during faceoffs.
Key takeaways include:
-
The drill stems from a three-on-three ground ball exercise
-
Players operate in a tighter, more competitive area, increasing pressure and engagement
-
Two faceoff players start inside the circle, flanked by wing players closer than in a standard faceoff setup
-
Wing players are immediately involved in the play
-
Using a soccer circle or cones provides a visual reference for positioning
This drill emphasizes high-tempo, close-quarters competition, ensuring players develop sharper instincts, better situational awareness, and more impactful contributions during faceoffs.
