Your edge // players
FLIGHT CLUB Nick Ossello, a Bayhawk
turned Outlaw, keeps the dive alive with a backhanded finish
AS TOLD TO MATT HAMILTON
Life is good for Denver Outlaws midfielder Nick Ossello. Since his Notre Dame lacrosse career ended with a 2015 NCAA semifinal loss to Denver — a game he memorably sent to overtime to cap an incredible Fighting Irish comeback — Ossello has not stopped. Ossello made Notre Dame’s football team as a walk- on after passing up an offer to play more extensively at Montana. He played sparingly for the Irish, but got to see time in the Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Day. “Who could really say no to playing with the Domers?” Ossello said.
Then, he was drafted by the Chesapeake Bayhawks with the second overall pick in the 2016 Major League Lacrosse Supplemental Draft. He began his MLL career playing with some of his idols, including Brendan Mundorf. But a June 22 trade to the Denver Outlaws sent the Wheat Ridge, Colo., native home to play for the team he grew up watching. He’s enjoying the fast pace of MLL. With a 60-second shot clock, players can take more chances. Ossello is relishing his extra chances, working in a few trick shots along the way. In this sequence, the former Bayhawk breaks down his backhanded shot.
FIND THE CLEAR PATH
This isn’t a play that I typically make, so there are a couple of factors that I need to consider. I have to check and make sure that there’s not a crease defender that’s ready to slide. Once I see that clear path, I get to the top of the crease. With no defenders in my way, that’s a good time to fully commit to the move.
52 LACROSSE MAGAZINE » September/October 2016 NO OPTIONS, GO
When I dodge and I don’t get a shot or slide right away, I look back for a skip pass or a step-out or a guy coming toward the crease. And then once I realize there is no one on the crease, there’s an open path. That’s when I’m able to use my strength, do a weight turn and get my arms and shoulders into it.
CUT HARD
I plant hard with my right foot. Usually this happens around GLE, and I take a sharp angle that’s up toward the top of the crease. I take a hard jab with my right foot and take a sharp angle at the top of the crease.
USE YOUR BODY
Once you fully commit to the move, bring your entire body with it. You can’t have your shoulders facing one way and try to sneak under with your hips facing the other way. Your entire body has to be committed.
A Publication of US Lacrosse
©JOHN STROHSACKER
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