If your off-season goals include scoring more points next year, learn what professional lacrosse players do right in order to shoot as fast as 111 miles per hour.
Footwork
The motion of a shot starts even before the wind-up. Professional lacrosse players frequently crow hop to develop a wide base that gets their legs into the shot. We strongly suggests screwing your front foot in the ground for maximum velocity.
Wind-Up
The wind-up is another part of shooting that is frequently done wrong. Many youth lacrosse players rush through the motions and don’t use the proper technique.
Try these tips to improve your velocity:
- Hold your hands away from your body
- Rotate them back to create power
- Extend your arms until your elbows are no longer bent
Body Position
If you really want to put some mustard on the ball, you can’t shoot with only your arms.
- Use the torque of your midsection to propel the ball forward faster
- Rotate your hips back as far as possible
- Twist your midsection forward as you shoot
If done right, your chin should rest on your shoulder and your back should be exposed to the target during the windup.
Stick Acceleration
Even though the motion of your body is crucial, how you accelerate your stick matters too. You should snap your wrist in a (hopefully) overhand motion.
Follow-Through
Players with the fastest lacrosse shots also have strong follow-throughs. One mistake players frequently make is stopping their follow-through too early. If you shoot correctly, the force of your forward motion will likely lift your back foot off the ground.
After studying the proper technique, practice your shooting motion without a ball. Once you have gained confidence with your mechanics, start firing away.
