TopJLax

Flowseph - Looking back on some of my lacrosse experiences, one particular thing always makes me laugh. It was over in California, a place not short of characters, where there was a referee who undoubtedly took his role above and beyond the call of duty, but carried it off with such charm and charisma that nobody could get enough of him. As I prepared for the face-off against Claremont University’s fogo, the ref gave his speech:

“Alright guys, I want this clean, I want this mean. I want you down at the same time, I want you sticks straight, I want you to go on my whistle…(strategic pause)… and I want you to fight like hell”

Now this was not just to kick the game off in a certain fashion. He repeated this exact line before every face-off; each time with the exact same enthusiasm. It was strange at the time (that’s not to say I didn’t love it), but it changed my whole perception of the face-off. Up until then I thought of it largely as something that just needed to be done; you try and win possession and hopefully you will, otherwise you’ll push for a defensive turnover. But this is not the case. No longer does the game of lacrosse overlook the importance of the face-off, it is something that proves pivotal within a successful performance. 

This referee was a firm believer of the importance of a face-off to the outcome of a game, and was giving it the homage it deserves. It is essentially a battle; three on three, until someone has possession. As the game of lacrosse is developing and evolving; the free-flowing nature of field lacrosse has given way somewhat to a more calculated collaboration of specialist skill. You have an offensive midfield line, a defensive midfield line, a man-up squad, a man-down squad, a clearing squad, and of course a face-off squad. Be this a good thing or a bad thing, it does mean that retaining possession is getting more and more valuable; once you have possession you can bring on a line of fresh offensive goal-scoring machines to do their damage. So what does this mean for the importance of the face-off? It means that in terms of gaining and retaining possession it can entirely change the entire nature of the game.

We always used to joke when up against a strong team that if we won every face-off and scored every shot then the other team wouldn’t have a chance. Well perhaps that is stupid, but domination on the face-off can prevent the other team building upon a goal of theirs, and allows you to do just that.  So TopJLax is checking out some of the great face-off men that Britain has to offer. In doing this we’ve invited along Cardiff Harlequins and Team Wales mid-fielder Rhodri Stanford to give you all a little bit of insight into his experiences at the face, and tips for all you young aspiring Alex Smiths or Geoff Sniders…

Over to you Rhod…

Rhodri Stanford - I didn't start facing off until the second half of my 1st season, where I was 3rd choice face off man behind 2 of my very good friends at Penarth. My stance was terrible and my technique was awful, I just didn't know any better. That was until a Wales u19 scrimmage against Purley. On the Wales team at that time I wasn't even a consideration for face off, I watched as Mike Barret (aka Billy) murdered our guy's in the middle. He gave a clinic after the game to our face off guys, and I listened on from a distance as I ignored what our coach was saying in a team 'chat'. I learnt 2 lessons about clamping that day that I still pass on today:


1.       cock your wrists back when your setting up

2.       If you want to fast break punch your left hand forward to open up the opponent


That gave me a hunger to learn and to read, I read just about anything I could find. In 2003 web resources were scarce, unlike today, these are some of the articles I wish i'd had access to when I started:

 
Consider this one your bible - http://forums.insidelacrosse.com/showthread.php?t=62001

Smash this on your iPod - http://www.fogolacrosse.com/Down,%20Set,%20Whistle.zip

Anyway, with a bit of practice I was 1st choice at Penarth by the end of 2003/2004 and 4th choice for Wales at the start of the Euros. By the end of the Euros I was second choice only to the captain, taking a large number of face off's, but never the 1st of the game, which was the one I wanted. By 2004/2005 I'd cemented my place as 1st choice face-off for Penarth and Wales in scrimmage games/British nationals and never looked back. In 2006 I finally got the starting spot at a major championship for Wales.

How I set up:

Stance:
Feet shoulder width apart at a 45 degree angle to the line, putting weight over my left foot. I find this allows me to step with my right foot on the whistle to defend possible fast breaks while attacking the opponent and being in a position to fast break.

Grip:
I typically use the classic grip, left hand over, right hand under. I'll use this grip in most situations as I believe it offers the best variance in technique and deception. I am however not closed to the motorcycle grip and find it very effective against bigger guy's (I'm 6ft 80kg) managing to slow me down and push me off the ball.

Stick:
I'm not to fussy about shafts, I'd prefer something lighter than a Ti, but ill use what ever I've got. I currently use a Wales Lacrosse custom handle made by 1 Lacrosse.

I currently use a Blade 2.0, I was in love with the original and am always on the lookout on e-bay for a second hand one, since they've been discontinued.

I usually use semi hard mesh from monstermesh.co.uk - I string my sticks with a high pocket as I play a lot of offence from mid field.

Favourite move:
Clamp and pop forward

Pro – great opportunity to fast break the opposition
Con – If the ball gets stuck in the grass, or get dislodged by the opposite stick you’re open for a fast break
On balance – try not to mess it up...

Key's to face off

•Rock, Paper, Scissors (clamp, jump, rake) – if your opponent is clamping then jump

•Always set up the same, this makes your move harder to read

•If your getting beaten change it up, don't continue to pull the same move – you would be surprised how many people will continue to clamp when they’re up against someone faster and stronger.

•Look 1 – play the ball to yourself – reduce the variables that can lead to a mistake, your wing men are under pressure and at full tilt, they could miss the ball

•Experience is one of the biggest factors 


About Rhodri:

Rhod’s now entering his 9th season of lacrosse

2002/2003 – UWIC/Penarth
2003/2004 - Penarth
2004/2005 - Penarth
2005/2006 – Hitchin (Prem Champions)
2006/2007 – Hitchin (Prem Champions)
2007/2008 – Swansea Hawks
2008/2009 – Hitchin (lost in senior flags finals)
2009/2010 – Cardiff Harlequins
2010/2011 – Cardiff Harlequins

Honours:
U19 World Championships – Wales – 2003

European Championships – Wales – 2004 (team most improved and best mid fielder), 2008 (team best mid fielder and MVP)

Senior World Championships – Wales - 2006, 2010