Lacrosse players use three kinds of sticks, depending on their position: the short stick, long stick and goalie stick. Defensive players most often play using the long stick, which is also sometimes called the long pole. Defensive players should have a basic stance with their feet apart, keeping a low center of gravity and a slight forward bend at the waist. The defensive players should work to stay between the offensive ball carrier and the goalie. Many practice drills can reinforce these skills.
Ground Ball Drills
Scooping up ground balls is an essential skill in lacrosse. Players using long sticks and short should be able to scoop the ball from the ground with ease. In this scooping and passing drill, the players begin in two lines. The first player rolls the ball in front of him, scoops it up and passes it to the team member facing him. This process is repeated down the line. Players should be reminded to keep the stick close to parallel with the ground and keep their knees bent, allowing the head of the stick to hit the ground about six inches in front of the ball. The scooping motion carries the stick to the front of the ball allowing the player to pick up the ball.
Poke-Check Drills
Poke-checking allows you as a defensive player to keep the offensive players away from you and the goalie. In this drill, all defenders line up side by side with their long sticks to the right. The first player in line walks out and faces the next player, standing approximately five feet away, and getting into the defensive posture. This player then poke-checks the other player's stick twice, shuffles down the line, and repeats this as quickly and cleanly as possible with all other players.
One-on-One Drills
One-on-one practice is important for all players, defense and offense alike. Start both an offensive and defensive line at the top center of the box. The defensive should try to stop the offensive player from making a good shot and taking the ball away. To prevent the defense from taking too many slap checks, try taking their sticks away, allowing them to play with their gloves only. This drill variation will help with body positioning and help to reduce penalties. This drill can be repeated at other areas around the box as well.
Passing Drills
Practicing long passes and clearing passes can be tedious, but these are important skills to master. In the drill known as the weave, three lines of players face the goal from center field. The middle line has the balls and as the first players in each line start down the field, the center player passes the ball to the player to her right, who then crosses the field and passes to the player on the left, and so on. This drill helps practice long, leading passes while advancing down the field.
Member Comments