Every time I recall my initial days on the lacrosse field, I’m reminded of the vast number of skills a budding player needs to wrap their head around. And yet, amidst learning strategies, understanding game dynamics, and forging team synergy, the art of the throw remained central. Over my years of playing, coaching, and mentoring, I’ve come to understand the nuances of the perfect lacrosse throw. Let me take you on this journey of mastering the throw, from the grip to the motion, adding some insights I’ve garnered over the years.
01. The Essence of the Grip
Your grip is the primary connection between you and the ball. An off-balanced grip can result in reduced power or compromised control. Throughout my playing years, I’ve seen promising shots go astray because of a misplaced hand. The dominant hand’s position near the middle of the stick isn’t merely a suggestion; it’s a time-tested method to ensure optimal power and control.
Understanding the distinction between the push and pull hand is not just technical jargon; it’s central to mastering the throw. The push hand, situated at the top, provides the initial thrust, while the pull hand at the bottom fine-tunes the direction. I often tell my mentees to think of it as a dance, where both hands need to move in harmony to achieve the desired result.
Top Hand Positioning
Your top hand, typically the dominant one, should be placed near the head of the stick. This placement is crucial for several reasons:
- Control: Being closer to the head of the stick offers better leverage, ensuring you can dictate the trajectory of the ball.
- Power: When shooting or passing, the top hand generates a significant portion of the force. A firm grip ensures that this force translates effectively to the ball.
- Protection: Holding the stick near its head allows for quicker maneuvers, which can be vital when opposing players attempt to check your stick.
While maintaining a firm grip, it’s important to ensure that you aren’t squeezing excessively. Over gripping can limit the fluidity of your motion and may reduce the accuracy of your throws.
Bottom Hand Placement
Your non-dominant or bottom hand has a different yet equally important role. Positioned near the base of the shaft, it functions as the pivot point and is instrumental in guiding the throw’s direction. Here’s why its placement is critical:
- Direction: The bottom hand essentially acts as the rudder, helping steer the direction of the pass or shot.
- Stability: Positioned lower down, this hand helps stabilize the crosse, especially during dynamic plays or while being checked by opponents.
- Leverage: With the bottom hand acting as the pivot, the stick can be rotated or flicked with ease, allowing for quick passes or deceptive shots.
02. Footwork and Posture
Before the hands take over, your body’s alignment plays a pivotal role in setting up the throw. Standing perpendicular to your target creates a line of energy, waiting to be unleashed. Your feet’s positioning might seem inconsequential, but this step towards the target, with the opposite foot of your dominant hand, is what helps generate that raw power. Remember, lacrosse, like many sports, is as much about the legs as the arms.
Your hips aren’t just bystanders in this process. The twist of the hips, following the step, acts like a spring, coiling and releasing energy. The more you practice, the more you’ll feel this energy surge from the ground, through your hips, and into the throw.
03. Perfecting the Throwing Motion
One tip that greatly helped me during my formative years was relating the lacrosse throw motion to that of football or baseball. The follow-through, wrist snap, and overall arm motion have uncanny similarities. If you have experience in these sports, use it to your advantage.
Two crucial, yet often overlooked aspects of the throw, are the final position of the stick’s head and the height of the elbow. They dictate the ball’s trajectory and speed. In my experience, adjusting these based on the throw’s intended distance and height is a skill in itself. Regular practice and keen observation will allow you to gauge just how much elbow height or stick angle is required for different throws.
04. Release: The Final Touch for Precision
How and when the ball is released from the crosse can make all the difference between a perfect pass and a missed opportunity.
- Timing: The ball should be released when the stick is at the peak of its forward motion. Releasing it too early or too late can lead to an inaccurate throw, either sending the ball too high or causing it to drop prematurely.
- Pocket Dynamics: The way the ball sits in the stick’s pocket plays a role in the release. A well-maintained pocket ensures a smoother release, as the ball isn’t trapped or doesn’t slip out unexpectedly.
- Follow Through: Just like in golf or baseball, the follow-through is vital in lacrosse. Once the ball is released, the motion of the arms should continue in the direction of the throw. This continuation guarantees that the throw is smooth and helps with accuracy. Additionally, it reduces the risk of injuries, as a sudden halt can strain the muscles.
05. Drill, Drill, and Drill Some More
No amount of theoretical knowledge can replace the value of consistent practice. Setting up drills, both solo with a rebounder and group ones with teammates, ensures that you internalize all the discussed techniques. Remember, each throw during practice is a step towards perfection during a game.
During my prime, I’d spend hours just working on my throw. Different angles, heights, distances – each variation honed a different facet of the skill. Over time, the muscle memory built, and the throws became second nature. That’s the stage every lacrosse player should aspire to reach.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while lacrosse might seem complex with its myriad rules and strategies, it’s these foundational skills like throwing that determine a player’s success. As someone who has lived and breathed the game, I cannot stress enough the importance of getting your throw right. It’s the cornerstone upon which your lacrosse journey is built. Happy throwing!
