How To: Play Midfield

Midfielders in lacrosse have to play both offense and defense. In order to do this, players must be in impeccable shape, because they have control over the entire field, and not just one section. Though midfield can be daunting at times, a great midfielder can change the pace of an entire game.

Junior Felicia Mills winning a draw at midfield.
Photo c/o photos.syracuse.com

Some things that you must be good at in order to be a great midfielder are:

1. Be in great physical shape:
A good midfielder needs to dominate in both settled situations and in transition. Though there are sometimes midfield lines (each "line" consists of new midfielders who sub in to give others a break), there can be situations when teams don't score goals for minutes at a time. Because of that, your chances of subbing out for rest are limited. Be sure that you can run for long amounts of time, and at different speeds. This will help you adjust to the constant movement during a game.

Sophomore Rachel Aitkens running the ball up the field.*

2. Work on your stick skills:
A midfielder constantly has the ball. Whether it is in transition (going from one side of the field to the other) or in a settled situation, having good stick skills is a must. Play some wall ball or pass around with a teammate to fine tune your catching and throwing skills.

3. Work on ground balls:
Ground balls may seem like something that are relatively easy to get. However, if you are going after a ground ball that four other girls are running at as well, you must be able to beat them. You have to bend down, scoop the ball and bring it close to your face (so no one can check you). Ground balls can change the pace of an entire game, because if you capitalize on them whether it be off the draw or when someone turns it over, the ball is in your stick and not your opponents.

Junior Danielle Jaycox scooping up a ground ball.*

4. Know how to play defense:
As aforementioned in a prior post, defense is one of the most important positions in women's lacrosse. Your defense can make or break you, and being a midfielder, you must be in sync with other defenders. One misstep and it can lead to a goal.

The Panthers have a very strong midfield. This year it will be led by juniors Felicia Mills and Danielle Jaycox. Jaycox was a Second-Team All-Region pick by the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association as well as one of six players chosen for the Northeast-10 All-Tournament Team.

Captain Meg Brown will also be making her return to midfield after an ACL injury took her out in the second game of the 2013 season, against Molloy. Sophomore Rachel Aitkens and transfer Kelly Osmulski will also be taking the field as midfielders in the 2014 season.

Senior Meg Brown will step on Motamed Field once again for her
fourth season with the Panthers this Spring. *

*Photos c/o aupanthers.com