To develop a successful career in playing lacrosse, you will have to master ball passing skills. This is a time-consuming process and you will have to train yourself properly.
Positioning your body properly for the pass
It is better that you adopt the sideways stance for passing the ball as it helps you safeguard the stick. Before making the pass, ensure you are sideways from the player receiving that pass. It is prudent as the player with the ball is likely to be approached by a defender of the opponent team. By turning the body sideways you can resist advances made by the defender. You can easily make the pass and keep the stick in a better position to defend yourself.
Another reason for adopting the sideways stance is that you get a clear view of the player you are passing to. This enables you to make an accurate and swift pass.
Gripping the stick well
You have to grab the stick well just like what you do while catching a ball. The top hand will be at middle of the shaft of the stick while the bottom part of the hand should be at the end of the handle. This will give you the necessary power to make a good pass.
Using 2 hands for passing the ball
When making the pass, ensure you do not move the hands much. After getting the ball, hold the stick at a 45-degree angle vertically with the top hand. The bottom hand should be used to support the stick. Keep your wrists stiff and use the upper arm muscles to pass the ball.
Moving the stick forward
To pass the ball, position the top hand straight backwards so that the end of the stick is aimed at the target. As you get ready to release the ball, step ahead with front foot. As the stick moves forward, ensure the weight is passed to the front foot from the back foot. Do not step ahead with the foot on the side of the stick.
As the stick gets forwards, your top arm will get fully extended and the stick’s butt will touch your elbow. If the stick gets very close to your elbow, it denotes the pass is near perfect. The stick’s butt misses the elbow by a few inches. The butt should not reach your stomach area in any case.
Steps to ensure the pass is a good one
This is what you need to keep in mind:
- It is not prudent to hold on to the ball for a long time. If you do so, the defenders will close in on you.
- Try to make hard, crisp passes that run parallel to the field. Remember a short pass is harder to intercept than a longer one.
- After you catch the ball, do not stand still.
- After you pick up a ground ball, pass it without much delay. A loose ball is likely to be followed by one or more defenders. Your aim should be locating a nearby open player. This is what leads to success in lacrosse games.
- Pass quickly but try to be as accurate as possible. Just passing the ball without zeroing in on the receiver and his direction will not cut much ice.
- Your target should be the receiver’s stick head.
- Remember that the success of a pass in lacrosse depends largely on the passer. It is important you establish eye contact with the receiving player. This ensures the recipient will be ready and the pass will not get intercepted by opponents easily. Check for any defender close to the receiver before passing the ball.
- Never make a pass after getting panicked. You may be chased by a defender or two but passing the ball in haste will not yield good results, such a pass is likely to be intercepted easily.
Summing it up
If your passes are dropped quite often, you are acting too fast. Do not hurry in catching and passing the ball at the earliest opportunity. Players tend to drop the balls in lacrosse as they are not good at concentration. Think of catching the ball first and making the pass at the right moment, without taking too much time.
There should be good coordination between the team players for catching the ball and making passes. They should be able to make swift movements even without the ball.
