Cradling is one of the first skills you'll learn as a lacrosse player, and it is one of the most important that you'll use. You use cradling to keep the ball in your stick while maneuvering on the field. Indeed, ball possession---a critical aspect of this game---depends on having an effective cradle, advise Janine Tucker and Maryalice Yakutchik in the book "Women's Lacrosse." You need to master cradling with both hands to be an effective player. This takes time, practice and patience along with lots of off-the-field practice.
Bottom-Handed Upright Cradle
Step 1
Hold your stick diagonally across your body in ready position to initiate the cradling motion. Establish basic ready position by holding your stick parallel to the ground with your hands hip-width apart on the stick and arms at your sides. If you are right-handed, the palm of your right hand faces forward and your left palm faces your body with your hand covering the butt of your stick. Raise the stick so the lacrosse head is at ear height on your right. Do the opposite if you are left-handed.
Step 2
Bend your top arm, creating a 90-degree angle at your elbow. Ensure your index finger and thumb encircle the stick's shaft, according to the American Sport Education Program in "Coaching Youth Lacrosse."
Step 3
Use your bottom hand to cradle your stick. Start with your palm facing your body. Rotate your bottom wrist out and in rhythmically. The rotation keeps the ball in the pocket because you are adding centrifugal force, according to the Simply Lacrosse website. You are now using a bottom-handed upright cradle for carrying the ball so you're ready to dodge, shoot or pass, according to the American Sport Education Program. An upright cradle offers more protection to the ball than a vertical or horizontal cradle.
Step 4
Keep your arms relaxed and slightly away from your body instead of pulled in tight, recommend Tucker and Yakutchik.
Top-Handed Cradle
Step 1
Hold your stick in ready position, diagonally across your body to perform a top-handed cradle.
Step 2
Initiate the cradle with your top hand facing your body, according to the American Sport Education Program.
Step 3
Rotate your wrist out and back in a rhythmic motion. You'll feel the ball in the center of the pocket when you do this correctly. Use a pace that is steady but not too fast.
Step 4
Move to a top-handed cradle when a defender pressures you, because it helps to shield your ball and stick, according to the American Sport Education Program.
Tips and Warnings
- Perform everyday tasks with opposite hands to develop dexterity in both hands. This will make it easier to pick up cradling skills with both hands.
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