LAX 101
The essence of what makes lacrosse an incredibly rewarding sport lies in the dedication to hours of practice. Like any sport, lacrosse begins with mastering its fundamentals. For those venturing into this dynamic game, it's crucial to focus on key lacrosse skills.
#1 Cradling
When you first pick up a lacrosse stick and attempt to run with a ball, you'll quickly realize that keeping the ball in the stick is a challenge. Given lacrosse's reputation as the fastest game on two feet, one of the initial skills players must acquire is cradling.
To achieve this, gently roll your top wrist up and down while carrying the ball in your stick. Beginners should keep the stick in front of them and cradle with both hands. As proficiency develops, players can transition to using one hand, enabling faster movement down the field.
#2 Passing
The subsequent fundamental skill in lacrosse is passing. The key to mastering a precise passing motion is pushing out with the top hand and pulling in with the bottom hand, releasing the ball while holding the stick across the front of the body. It's essential to step forward with the opposite foot when executing a pass.
#3 Catching
Catching is a complementary skill necessary for successful passing. Similar to hockey, soft hands are vital when attempting to catch the ball. A useful tip for catching is to keep the head of the lacrosse stick close to your ear and cradle after completing the pass.
Developing the ability to pass and catch with both hands enhances your effectiveness on the field. However, beginners should identify their dominant hand initially and progress from there.
#4 Shooting
The next phase in mastering lacrosse fundamentals is shooting, which becomes more accessible once passing skills are honed. Although the motion is similar, shooting is slightly faster. Coaches often emphasize shooting overhand and going low. Practice shooting while stationary and on the run to simulate game-like scenarios effectively.
#5 Groundballs
Mastering the groundball battle is crucial, as it can influence game outcomes. It is imperative for young players to learn the proper technique to avoid team penalties. Instead of scooping up a ball with one hand, use two hands, and keep the stick low and parallel to the ground. Maintain your dominant foot forward as you pick up the ball, securing it close to your body and cradling afterward.
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