Understanding how to control the ball in lacrosse is vital for any team that wants to compete and win games and for any player who wants to improve. Lacrosse is a demanding game that requires excellent hand-eye coordination and overall conditioning. Players who want to control the ball and improve their stick skills can execute drills to improve passing, catching, shooting and overall confidence.
Step 1
Practice your ball control by throwing the lacrosse ball off a wall. This will enable you to pass the ball, catch it and take it on the run. You will learn exactly where to pass the ball off the wall to get it to hit a spot that will rebound to a spot where you can catch it. You will learn how to hold your stick so you can catch it easily.
Step 2
Move your feet when you are throwing the ball at the wall. There may be certain occasions where you will either make a pass or a catch while standing still, but for the most part you will be on the run while you are making plays. If you are going to be an effective player, you are going to have to practice making plays on the run.
Step 3
Develop your opposite side when practicing off the wall or with a teammate. Most player learn to throw, catch and shoot off their dominant side. That's a great starting point, but you cannot be satisfied and have to develop your opposite side. Don't just shoot off your right side. Learn to shoot with your left hand in the dominant position -- on top -- to become a more effective lacrosse player.
Step 4
Cradle the ball when you run. The process of cradling the ball means protecting your possession when you run with the ball. You don't want to lose the ball as a result of a defensive player's stick check or because you can't hold it. Cradling the ball will give you firm possession when you carry the ball into the offensive zone.
Step 5
Choke up on your stick when you are firing a shot on net. This is vital for all beginners and even for veteran players. Choking up on the stick means placing your hands higher up on the stick, and it will give you more control over the shot you are taking. It will give you a better chance of hitting the corners of the net and beating the goalie.
Things You'll Need
- Lacrosse stick
- Ball
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