The #LowAngleChallenge was a popular social media competition among lacrosse pros and amateurs alike in the fall.

U.S. co-captain Sarah Bullard beat everyone to the trend with this beauty during a pool-play game against Canada in last summer’s FIL Women’s World Cup.

“A low-angle challenge, when selectively applied, can be a great way to catch a defense and goalie off guard,” said Bullard, who won her fourth gold medal with Team USA. “Try these shots out in practice and on your own before implementing them into games.”

Bullard Bullets

1. Read the game situation. Determine whether a low-angle shot is a good move at the time. Do not take this type of shot after transitioning from a long stint on your defensive end.

2. Analyze the field. How is the goalie playing? How is your defender playing you? Is your defender tired? Does your defender think you are challenging the goal, running behind or passing behind? Be sure there is not an additional defender low on the crease that can slide to help.

3. Beat your defender with a quick move to cage. Be aggressive, take a hard step and cut into the 8-meter. Keep your body between you and your stick to protect it.

4. Shoot where the goalie isn’t. See the open net. Move the goalie if necessary. In this scenario, the goalie was left-handed, so a shot in the upper-right corner was ideal.