Two of the most basic and important locrosse stick skills are cradling and scooping. Cradling is the ability to keep the ball in the pocket while maneuvering or running. This skill helps lacrosse players retain possession of the ball. Grip, wrist action, arm action and stick position are all important in cradling. Scooping is needed to gain possession of loose or ground balls. Hustling to the ball is important with the scoop, as is the proper technique for gaining control of the ball.
Cradling
Step 1
Practice wrapping the thumb around the stick with the bottom hand for cradling. The lower hand is the control hand. Train players to let the stick rest lightly in the fingers of the top hand, which creates the motion that lets the ball stay in the stick's pocket. Have players curl the top hand toward the wrist slightly.
Step 2
Do drills in which the players activate the cradle. Use a smooth and controlled motion with the top hand to create the cradle. Watch to ensure that the ball does not jump or bounce in the pocket. That means the wrist is moving too fast and/or the range of motion is too big. Have beginning players use smaller wrist movement during practice and work up to making the movement bigger once they gain better control.
Step 3
Train players on arm action in which the forearm of the top position hand swings as if on a hinge. Allow longer swings initially, but work to decrease the swing as the player gets more comfortable. Keep the upper arm, shoulder to elbow, mostly stationary, but allow some of the movement that comes naturally with running. Pretend the forearm is attached by as string as it makes the hinge motion.
Step 4
Practice stick position for varying situations. Use a more horizontal position for advancing the field without approach by a defender. Move to a more vertical hold in which the stick is parallel with the body to practice cradling under defensive pressure.
Scooping
Step 1
Drill players on scooping with both hands. Roll a ball and have a player run to it as fast as he can or have the player throw a ball against a 10-foot wall and retrieve the ball. The player bends his knees and lowers his midsection as he extends the stick head toward the ball. He lowers his bottom hand to make the stick parallel to the ground. Watch the bottom elbow to make sure it is not high, which pulls the stick perpendicular to the ground. Have the player aim just behind the ball.
Step 2
Practice finishing by making a shoveling motion that moves the player's stick through the ball and brings his stick up. Tell him to bring the stick toward his eyes. Work on making this a fluid motion instead of a motion that resembles stabbing.
Step 3
Train players to halt the scoop as soon as the ball settles into the pocket. This helps to ensure the ball remains stable and does not bounce around or out. Do 50 scoops on the strong hand and then 50 scoops on the weak hand.
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