Lacrosse Tip

Nike Lacrosse Tip: 3 Easy Backyard Lacrosse Drills For Beginners

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As many lacrosse players know, the game is all about skills and strategy. Developing your stick handling during the off-season is one of the most important ways to stay sharp and continue to improve. While in-person practices may be on pause for the time being, there are plenty of ways for athletes to develop skills that will help them level up their game—all from the comfort of home. Below, find three easy backyard lacrosse drills that can help players work on their all-around skills.

#1. Cradling

Cradling is one of the most versatile skills you can master in lacrosse—it’s how you keep control of the ball. One-handed or two-handed cradling drills can be practiced anytime and anywhere. To get started, position your dominant hand by the head of the stick and your other hand toward the bottom. With the ball in the pocket of the neck, gently twist the stick back and forth away from and toward you. Eventually, you’ll perform this motion while switching between your right to left side. To practice using cradling to actually move the ball down the field, start by cradling while walking, and eventually progress to a jog or full-out run like you’d use in a game.

Once you feel confident cradling, try the 'tap the fingers' drill. Take your lacrosse stick with a ball in it and try to catch the shaft with your fingertips without dropping the ball. Remember, the goal of any drill is to push yourself—and dropping the ball occasionally is to be expected if you’re working your hardest.

#2. Scooping

Another skill you can build at home is scooping. In a lacrosse match, you need to be able to scoop the ball off the ground quickly to gain possession—one of the keys to winning. Simply practice scooping the ball up at different angles. If you are socially distancing, and you have a sibling or parent who can join in with a stick, try to compete for who can scoop up the ball. This will simulate the competition for the ball on the field. As you improve, work on transitioning to a cradle, pass, or shot immediately after getting the ball.

#3. Off-Handed Catching

In a game, you may find that getting the ball requires catching—and then passing or shooting—in a variety of different positions that may not feel the most natural. Avoid the element of surprise by practicing and strengthening your cross-handed catching skills. Start out either facing a wall or standing across from a partner. Instead of catching with your dominant hand at the head of the stick, reverse the motion by shifting the stick to your non-dominant side. When you’re more comfortable with the movement, try following the catch up with a cross-handed pass.

Practice Makes Perfect

Drills are a great way to spend time building dexterity and becoming a stronger lacrosse player. The more players practice solo skills at home, the better they’ll perform in a group setting when they’re back on the field.

Check out more lacrosse training tips to help take your game to the next level!