Top 5 Lacrosse Drills for Beginners

Lacrosse is an exciting and fast-paced sport that combines agility, strength, and strategy. For beginners, mastering the basics is crucial to building confidence on the field. Practicing drills regularly can help players improve their skills and have fun while learning. Gladiator Lacrosse offers high-quality equipment to make your training sessions even more effective. In this article, we will discuss the top five lacrosse drills for beginners, breaking each one down into clear steps.

1. Wall Ball Drill

Practicing the wall ball drill is a fundamental way to enhance stick handling and improve hand-eye coordination. All you need is a flat wall and a lacrosse stick.

Steps to Practice the Wall Ball Drill:

1. Find a smooth wall and mark a small target, such as a circle, on it.
2. Stand about 5-7 feet away from the wall.
3. Throw the lacrosse ball against the wall, aiming for the target, and catch it as it rebounds.
4. Switch hands after every 10 throws to develop ambidextrous skills.
5. Practice different throwing techniques, like overhand and sidearm passes.
6. Repeat the drill for 10 minutes daily to improve your stick control.

2. Shooting on a Beginner Lacrosse Target

Learning to shoot with accuracy is essential for beginners. A lacrosse target provides a clear goal to aim at and helps develop shooting precision.

Steps to Practice Shooting Drills:

1. Set up a lacrosse goal with a beginner lacrosse target that has marked zones for accuracy.
2. Place several lacrosse balls around the shooting area for easy access.
3. Stand about 10-15 yards away from the goal to simulate a realistic shooting distance.
4. Focus on proper body mechanics—use your legs, hips, and arms to generate power.
5. Aim for different sections of the target to challenge yourself.
6. Repeat 20-30 shots, alternating between standing and running shots.

3. Passing with Lacrosse Rebounders

Passing drills are vital for improving teamwork and building quick reflexes. Lacrosse rebounders are excellent tools for solo practice as they mimic the effect of a teammate passing the ball back.

Steps to Practice Passing with Rebounders:

1. Set up the lacrosse rebounder in a flat, open area.
2. Stand 5-10 feet away from the rebounder.
3. Pass the ball against the rebounder using an overhand throw.
4. Catch the ball as it bounces back and maintain a steady rhythm.
5. Experiment with different angles and distances to simulate various in-game scenarios.
6. Repeat for 15 minutes, focusing on accuracy and catching speed.

4. Ground Ball Pickup Drill

Mastering ground ball pickups is essential for gaining possession during games. This drill helps beginners practice scooping the ball cleanly and quickly.

Steps to Practice Ground Ball Pickup:

1. Scatter several lacrosse balls randomly on the ground.
2. Hold your stick at a low angle, with your dominant hand at the top.
3. Run toward a ball, bend your knees, and scoop it up in one smooth motion.
4. Protect the ball by immediately cradling it after scooping.
5. Repeat the process, moving from one ball to the next without stopping.
6. Aim to pick up 10-15 balls within a minute for better speed and efficiency.

5. Cradling Basics Drill

Cradling is the foundation of ball control in lacrosse. This drill helps beginners develop the muscle memory needed to keep the ball secure while moving.

Steps to Practice Cradling:

1. Start with a lacrosse stick and a ball.
2. Hold the stick firmly with your dominant hand near the top and your non-dominant hand near the bottom.
3. Move the stick back and forth in a gentle rocking motion while keeping the ball in the pocket.
4. Practice cradling while walking, jogging, and eventually running.
5. Alternate between one-handed and two-handed cradling to improve versatility.
6. Repeat for 10 minutes daily, focusing on smooth, controlled movements.

Lacrosse drills are a great way for beginners to improve their skills while enjoying the sport. Whether you’re practicing wall ball drills, shooting at a beginner lacrosse target, or using lacrosse rebounders, consistency is key. These drills not only enhance individual abilities but also build confidence on the field. Gladiator Lacrosse provides reliable tools to support your training journey and help you excel as a player.

Start practicing today, and you’ll see a noticeable improvement in no time!