On men’s lacrosse face-offs, the two wing players on each team line up on the wing lines on either side of the center of the field and are released when the official blows the whistle. Their job is to win loose ground balls, support their face-off specialist, stop the opponent from gaining clean possession and turn won face-offs into fast breaks. Good wing play starts with a low, explosive stance, reading how the face-off is developing so you can anticipate where the ball will go, attacking ground balls with your body low and stick protected, communicating clearly with calls such as ball and release, and pushing the ball up the field quickly once your team has it. Wings must stay behind the wing line until the whistle, since leaving early is a violation.
Why wing play matters
Face-offs decide possession after every goal and at the start of each quarter, and many face-offs end with the ball on the ground rather than cleanly in a player’s stick. That is where wing players make the difference. A team with strong wings can win face-offs even when its specialist does not win the clamp cleanly, and it can turn possessions into fast breaks before the defense sets up. Weak wing play can waste good face-off work and give opponents easy possessions. Coaches often say face-offs are won by the whole unit, not just the player at the X.
Key wing skills
| Skill | Tip |
|---|---|
| Stance | Low and balanced, ready to explode on the whistle |
| Read | Watch the face-off to anticipate where the ball will go |
| Ground balls | Get low, scoop through the ball and protect the stick |
| Body position | Box out opponents and get between them and the ball |
| Communication | Call ball, release and help clearly and loudly |
| Transition | Push the ball up the field quickly for a fast break |
| Defense | Pressure the ball if the opponent wins possession |
Stance and start
Line up on your wing line in a low, athletic stance with your weight on the balls of your feet and your stick ready. Face the center so you can see the face-off. Many wings angle their body slightly toward where they expect the ball to go. Listen for the whistle and explode forward as soon as it blows. A quick start often decides who gets to a loose ball first, so practice reacting to the whistle. Leaving before the whistle is a violation that can give the ball to the other team.
Reading the face-off
Great wing players read the face-off as it happens. Watch the face-off specialists’ hands and sticks. If your specialist clamps the ball, it may pop out forward or to the side. If the opponent wins the clamp, the ball may be raked back toward their side. Communicate with your face-off specialist before the draw about their plan, such as a clamp and pop to a particular side, so you can anticipate. Reading the play lets you move toward the ball rather than chasing it.
Winning ground balls
Most wing play comes down to ground balls. Get your body low with your hands low on the stick, scoop through the ball rather than stopping at it and bring the stick up toward your body quickly to protect it. Keep your feet moving through the scoop. Use your body to box out opponents, getting between them and the ball. If you cannot pick the ball up cleanly, kick it or push it toward open space or a teammate rather than fighting for it in a crowd. After scooping, move away from pressure immediately.
Communication
Communication helps wings and the face-off specialist work together. Common calls include ball when you have possession, release to tell teammates behind the restraining lines they can come forward, and help when you need support. Before the face-off, talk with your specialist and the other wing about the plan. During the play, call out where the ball is and who is going to it, so teammates do not collide or leave the ball uncovered.
Transition after winning the ball
Once your team wins possession, look to push the ball up the field quickly. Face-offs often create fast break opportunities because players behind the restraining lines are still getting involved. Wings can carry the ball forward, pass ahead to an open attacker or find the face-off specialist moving up the field. Quick decisions turn face-off wins into scoring chances. If there is no advantage, settle the ball and let your offense set up.
When the opponent wins the ball
If the other team gains possession, wing players switch to defense. Pressure the ball carrier to slow them down, cover passing lanes and get back into your defensive position. Preventing fast breaks after lost face-offs is just as important as creating them after wins. Stay disciplined and avoid reckless checks that could draw a penalty.
Who plays the wings
Coaches often choose wing players for speed, toughness and ground ball skill rather than scoring ability. Many teams use a long-stick midfielder on one wing, since the longer stick gives extra reach for loose balls and can disrupt the opponent’s specialist. Short-stick midfielders who are strong in transition often fill the other wing. Some teams choose wings based on which side the face-off specialist tends to push the ball, placing their best ground ball player on that side. Good wings are relentless, disciplined and comfortable in physical battles for the ball.
Practice drills
- Whistle starts: Explode off the wing line on a whistle and race to a ball placed ahead.
- Three-man face-off drill: Run live face-offs with the specialist and both wings on each side.
- Ground ball battles: Two players compete for a loose ball, focusing on boxing out.
- Face-off to fast break: After winning the ball, push up the field against defenders.
- Communication reps: Require players to call ball and release on every possession.
Rulebook note
Face-off rules, including when wings are released, how players behind the restraining lines are released and what counts as a violation, vary between governing bodies such as World Lacrosse, the NCAA, USA Lacrosse and the NFHS. Women’s lacrosse uses a draw instead of a face-off, with its own rules about player positions. Check the current rulebook for your level.
How to improve step by step
- Practice your stance and explosive starts on a whistle.
- Drill ground balls daily, including in traffic.
- Work with your face-off specialist to learn their tendencies.
- Practice communication calls in every drill.
- Add transition reps after winning ground balls.
- Build speed and agility with short sprints and change-of-direction drills.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving the wing line early.
- Standing up tall when scooping ground balls.
- Stopping at the ball instead of scooping through it.
- Poor communication with teammates.
- Chasing the ball into crowds instead of anticipating.
- Slow transition after winning possession.
- Reckless checks that give up penalties.
Frequently asked questions
Where do wing players stand on face-offs?
On the wing lines on each side of the center of the field, waiting to be released at the whistle.
What does a wing player do on a face-off?
Wins loose ground balls, supports the face-off specialist, prevents the opponent from gaining possession and pushes the ball up the field for fast breaks.
When can wing players leave the wing line?
At the whistle in most rules. Leaving early is a violation. Check the rules for your level.
