Mastering Zone Defense: Concepts & Drills for the Backer Rover System

with Brittney Morris
Xavier University Head Women's Lacrosse Coach;
St. Mary's College of Maryland Head Women's Lacrosse Coach from 2021 to 2025;
4x United East Conference Regular Season Champions;
4x United East Conference Tournament Champions;
4x NCAA D-III Tournament Qualifier;
Oglethorpe University Head Women's Lacrosse Coach from 2017 to 2021;
Southeastern Women's Lacrosse League (SWLL) President from 2015 to 2021;
IWLCA Membership Committee Chair

and Kyle Morris
St. Mary's College of Maryland Assistant Women's Lacrosse Coach from 2022 to 2025;
Oglethorpe University Head Men's Lacrosse Coach in 2021;
Oglethorpe University Assistant Lacrosse Coach from 2017 to 2020;
former York College of Pennsylvania Offensive Coordinator;
played college lacrosse at Shorter University

Developing a strong, cohesive defense is critical for lacrosse success, especially for teams with limited depth. In this exclusive video, Brittney Morris, with help from assistant Kyle Morris, takes you inside a live team practice, demonstrating how to implement and refine a Backer Rover Zone defense.

Progressive Practice Structure
See how Coach Brittney Morris organizes a complete practice session, from warmups emphasizing movement and stick skills to competitive drills that build defensive awareness.

Learn how to transition from small-sided drills like 3v2 and 4v3 to a full 7v7 setup, ensuring your players grasp key defensive principles at every stage.

Drills for Zone Mastery
Watch as Coach Morris breaks down essential drills that develop communication, positioning, and coverage responsibilities.

Discover how to teach defenders to pass off cutters, maintain spacing, and handle backside rotations within the zone framework.

Whiteboard Breakdown & Game Implementation
Gain valuable insights as Coach Morris takes the team through a whiteboard session to explain Backer and Rover positioning, helping players understand their responsibilities in real time.

The session culminates with game footage that reinforces how these principles translate to live play.

Why This Video is a Must-Watch for Coaches!
If you’re looking for a proven way to install a zone defense that fits your personnel, this video gives you a complete roadmap.

Whether you coach a team with limited depth or want to refine your defensive strategies, this practice-focused approach will elevate your coaching and team execution.

81 minutes. 2025.