What defensive players need
Strong defenders learn how to approach, break down, recover, communicate, win ground balls, and control space without guessing or lunging.
What Forge trains
Forge can train defensive footwork, approach angles, on-ball positioning, off-ball awareness, ground ball play, clearing decisions, and competitive defensive confidence.
Who this fits
This is built for close defenders, long-stick midfielders, short-stick defensive midfielders, and any athlete who wants better defensive habits.
Built for Greenville and Upstate athletes
Forge serves families across Greenville, Taylors, Greer, Simpsonville, Mauldin, Easley, Spartanburg, and the surrounding Upstate South Carolina lacrosse community. The work is specific, direct, and built around the athlete’s next step.
Related training paths
Explore the training paths that connect to this page.
Questions parents ask
What does defensive lacrosse training focus on?
Defensive training focuses on footwork, approach angles, body position, communication, recovery, ground balls, and decision-making.
Can short-stick midfielders train defense with Forge?
Yes. Short-stick defensive midfielders can benefit from footwork, leverage, recovery, communication, and matchup training.
Does Forge only train defense?
No. Forge offers broader lacrosse development, but defensive development is one of the brand’s strongest specialty areas.
Programs & Pricing at Eastside YMCA
Defenders and long poles train in the Defensive Academy or through private training.
Private Training
All ages · By appointment · From $75 · Submit preferred times before payment
Request a Private Training TimeTraining location: Eastside YMCA · 1250 Taylors Rd, Taylors, SC 29687 · (864) 448-6988
Forge Player Evaluation — $25
A 30–40 minute, position-specific session with a Forge coach. Every athlete receives coaching and correction during the session, three identified strengths, two development priorities, a recommended Forge training path, and a written Parent Development Summary.
Start with the evaluation
The fastest way to start is the Forge Player Evaluation — 30–40 minutes, free, and your athlete leaves with a written development plan and a recommended path.