Possession is nine-tenths of the game of lacrosse. Without it, your team has no shot of putting points on the board. To increase offensive opportunities, lacrosse teams across the country spend practice time emphasizing the fundamentals, like scooping. Whether you are a novice coach or a young athlete, these three lacrosse ground ball drills will help you win the all-important battle for possession.
The best lacrosse pick up artists are the ones who practice the fundamentals over and over again. With these three drills from US Lacrosse in your repertoire, your team will gain a significant on-field advantage.
One-on-one Ground Balls with an Outlet
The one-on-one ground ball drill is a typical part of any lacrosse practice. It helps youth teams improve not only scooping skills but also passing performance.
How to do it
- Split players into three lines about five yards apart from each other.
- One line’s players are there to receive an outlet pass, while the other two compete for possession.
- The coach stands in the middle and rolls out a loose ball.
- Once the ball is picked up, the other athlete switches to defense to attempt to prevent an outlet pass.
5-yard Scoop Drill
The five-yard scoop drill is another one of the most basic lacrosse ground ball drills. It helps young players improve through repetition of the fundamentals.
How to do it
- Players line up at a designated point on the lacrosse field.
- Each athlete holds a ball in their stick.
- On the first whistle, each player rolls a ball out about five yards in front of them.
- At the second whistle, they run to the ball, get in scoop position and then freeze.
- On the third whistle, players scoop through and sprint to the next designated point.
- The drill can be repeated several times until 10 minutes elapses.
Man/Ball
Man/ball is a traditional lacrosse drill used in youth practices everywhere. It teaches players how to work together to pick up ground balls as a team.
How to do it
- Split the team into five groups, three defensive lines and two offensive lines.
- Place the two offensive lines in between the three defensive lines.
- On the whistle, a coach rolls out a ball and all five players are released from the line.
- The two teams of players must work together to gain possession.
- Once one team picks up the ball, the players must complete one pass before throwing it back to the coach to end the drill.
Ground Ball Rules every Player must Pick Up
Picking up a ground ball is easy in your backyard when no one is around. But, add a few defenders to the mix, and it can become a bit more complicated. The best way to beat the other team to the ball is to have a solid grounding in the fundamentals.
Every time you practice lacrosse ground ball drills, remember these eight tips:
- Keep your eye on the ball.
- Put your front foot alongside the ball.
- Hold your stick parallel to the ground.
- Place your top hand at the throat of your stick.
- Keep your bottom hand at the butt of the stick.
- Bend your knees.
- Don’t reach for the ball.
- Scoop through.
After picking up the ball, raise your stick near your helmet to protect the ball. Once you have possession, get away from defenders as quick as you can.
Lacrosse ground ball drills help to build a strong foundation in how to play America’s oldest sport. By practicing them regularly, your team will have a better shot of winning any game.
