Clearing (in lacrosse) or transition is the phase of moving the ball from the defensive end to the attacking end after winning possession — from a save, turnover or faceoff win. A successful clear sets up an attacking opportunity, often a fast break before the defence is organised; a failed clear hands possession back in a dangerous area. The goalkeeper frequently initiates the clear. Clearing percentage is a meaningful team statistic. The same concept of transition — converting defence to attack quickly — is central to water polo, basketball and handball too.
Key points
- Moving ball from defence to attack
- Follows save, turnover or faceoff win
- Goalkeeper often initiates
- Clearing percentage is a team statistic