FOGO, What's that?
In lacrosse, FOGO means ‘face off, get off’. It’s a specialized position that is only on the field during a faceoff. They are usually the center man or the face-off man during the draw, but can also be a wingman, oftentimes with a longer stick. The job is pretty straightforward, as the acronym’s meaning implies: faceoff and then get off. And although this seems like it should be pretty simple, like anything else, there’s a wrong way to do it. So even if it’s not your number one responsibility, it’s worth it to learn to do it effectively.
Practicing good technique is important, and your technique should begin with balance.
1. Don’t put your weight on your hands. It will allow you to move quicker and make it harder for your opponent to read you.
2. Position you hands on the stick the same way every time. This will also make you less predictable and at the same time develop your muscle memory.
3. Line up as close to the ball as you can.
4. Drill for speed by tapping the ground on either side of the ball with the head of your crosse in rapid succession, making small arcs over the ball.
5. Learn to read your opponent; if the left wrist is off the ground, look for a jump or ball punch; if the left wrist is cocked back or on the ground, be prepared for the clamp;
One thing to keep in mind is that the faceoff doesn’t end as soon as possession is gained or lost. The efforts that a faceoff mid takes in the thirty seconds after the drop are crucial and can make or break reputations.
There are a few possibilities of what follows after a faceoff. First, there’s a neutral zone possession or a loss, an illegal procedure call, or a fast break. Familiarizing yourself with these three situations will put you in the best position to react correctly, thus giving your team a huge advantage. Following the faceoff, your coach will usually inform you of your role, but there are a few fundamentals to remember that will up your effectiveness in any situation.
1. First, get in the game! If your team ends up with possession, get out of the way of the carrier and make yourself open for a pass. Once the offense is in good position, sub off through the mid or follow whatever direction the coach gives.
2. If you lose the draw, don’t go berserk! Making aggressive checks near the midline will many times earn you a flag.
3. If the opportunity to make a play presents itself, be bold. Having the confidence and knowledge to handle the situation when you’re stuck on the field will only help the team.
4. Listen to the coach. Not only are they a wealth of knowledge, but they are also an extra set of eyes that may be able to see changes in the game that you miss when you’re in the mix.
Head to Rukket.com for all your lacrosse needs and wants this year!
