Men’s Lacrosse Defense: Lift Check Tips

A lift check is a very basic defensive move that you can throw in a variety of ways. Players typically throw the lift check as a followup to a poke check or slap check.

To throw the lift check, follow these steps:

• Work to get the head of your stick under the attacker’s gloves
• Push forward and up to lift their bottom hand

This lift can dislodge the ball as the attacker drives toward the goal. You can also throw a lift check as an offensive player steps away to shoot or pass the ball. If you succeed, you can throw the pass off course and create a higher chance for a turnover.

While the lift check isn’t flashy, it can be one of the most effective checks to throw during a lacrosse game and is a vital skill for beginner defensemen to learn.

Discover even more men’s lacrosse defensive tips like how to defend behind the goal and above the goal.