Lacrosse Skills Tutorial

Fundamental skills of the game of lacrosse include cradling, catching, passing, shooting and scooping. A player's skill set can vastly improve by practicing with a friend or using a wall. In addition to providing personal enjoyment, a study conducted at Illinois Wesleyan University and published in 2009 in the "Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research" found that lacrosse is a good source of exercise.

Cradling

Players move the ball up and down the field by cradling the ball in the pocket of the stick. They need to be able to carry the ball while scanning the field for oncoming defenders and opportunities to pass to other players or take a shot on goal. A player should hold the stick upright with his dominant hand on top palm outward and non-dominant hand on the bottom of the shaft knuckles outward. As author David Pietramala notes, "the key to cradling is the looseness of the top hand's wrist." Players should carry the stick while rocking it rhythmically in an arc as they run down the field.

Catching

The key to a successful catch is to be able to give with the stick. Players should hold the stick upright and extend it so that the head of the stick gives the passer a clear target. As the ball approaches, players move the stick so that the ball hits the middle of the pocket. As the player receives the ball, she should gently give with the stick by bending at the elbow. Once the player is in possession of the ball, she should immediately begin to cradle it to prevent defenders from checking her.

Passing

Passing the lacrosse ball is the quickest way to move the ball up and down the field to create scoring opportunities. Players should work on developing passing skills with both their dominant and non-dominant hand. The passer should identify a teammate and aim his non-throwing shoulder toward the intended recipient. In one smooth motion, the top hand should come forward and through toward the receiving target. At the same time, the weight should shift from the back leg of the throwing arm to the front leg of the non-throwing arm in the follow through.

Shooting

Shooting on goal is the method by which players score points for their team. The technique for shooting is similar to that of passing. Players should hold the stick in a manner that will produce the most power, using their arms, wrists, hips and legs to create a strong follow through. By varying the grip on the stick, holding the upper arm closer or further from the head of the stick will change the power created. When shooting, players should attempt to shoot in a spot that is difficult for the goalkeeper to stop. The technique of skipping the ball off the ground in front of the goal creates an added challenge for the goalkeeper.

Scooping

Occasionally, a lacrosse ball drops or deflects onto the ground. Depending on whether the player is male or female, different techniques or rules may apply. To scoop up a ball, players should bend at the knees and get as close to the ground as possibly with the lacrosse stick being parallel to the ground. Aim the head of the stick at the ground and in a quick scooping method pick the ball up with the pocket of the stick. Immediately begin to cradle the ball to prevent an opponent from checking the stick.