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 Beginners Guide
Tired of standing around in the outfield yelling "batter, batter, batter, swing"? Tired of playing a 2 hour game of soccer to a scoreless tie? Well, you've come to the right place. Get ready to play the "fastest game on two feet". Below you'll find information and links about learning the fundamentals you'll need to have fun playing lacrosse. You'll need to devote a lot of time to learning these basics. Stick with it and try not to get frustrated. Before you know it you'll be making plays like these great plays provided by Inside Lacrosse.
The fundamentals covered below include picking up ground balls, cradling, and passing and catching the ball. Beginners will discover the ball ends up on the ground a lot. So let's start with picking up a ground ball.
Ground Balls
Picking up a ground ball seems like the easiest of the skills listed on this page. In actuality, there are a number of things that happen during a ground ball situation. Sometimes picking up the ground ball seems impossible. There are four main things to concentrate on when picking up a ground ball in a game situation (they should be practiced this way as well).
1. Angle of the Stick
The stick should be at about a 35-45 degree angle to the ground. The only way to get the stick at this angle is to get low to the ground yourself. Bend at the knees and drop your back hand down while picking up the ball. USE TWO HANDS ON THE STICK! One hand should be near the head and one hand near the butt end of the stick.
2. Scooping
To get the ball into the pocket of your stick from the ground, you have to scoop through the ball. While your stick head is at the correct angle, position your stick head so that it moves underneath the ball while you're running. You shouldn't stab at the ball with your arms. Your arms do the work after the ball is in your stick.
3. Securing the ball
Once the ball is in your stick, you need to secure it so it can't be checked from your stick. This is done by bringing the stick head close to your helmet. A common coaching term for this is to bring it to your "ear hole" or "listen to your stick". You can draw a penalty if you have the ball secured near your helmet and your opponent checks your stick. Even if your opponent doesn't hit your helmet, sometimes you'll draw a "slash" penalty. Don't worry about getting hit, the helmet will protect your noggin.
4. Talk
In a game situation, talking allows you to gain an advantage over your opponents. Sometimes your team will have more players around the ground ball. In this case, someone can go after the ball (call out "ball") while others go after the opponent (call out "man"). When a you pick up the ball, you should call "release". This tells teammates that you've secured the ball. You can't hit your opponent once your team has possession of the ball. This is called "interference" and results in the ball being awarded to the other team (i.e., change of posession foul). Calling out "release" helps avoid this type of turnover since your teammates know what's going on based on your call.
If your team's opponent has more players around the ball you still have a chance to get the ground ball if you can get to it first. If you are well ahead of your opponent(s), secure the ball then look immediately for someone to pass to. Someone has to be open if you're fighting 2 opponents for the ground ball. If your opponents are right on you and you can get to the ball just before they do, try to redirect the ball (e.g., kick it or rake it with your stick) to an open area on the field. The redirection may buy you some space so you can pick it up and pass it. Listen for your teammates who are nearby. Sometimes you can "redirect" the ball to them ("goose it"). Another strategy when out manned, is to continually contest your opponents from picking up the ground ball by checking sticks. This will buy time for your teammates to arrive and help out.
Cradling
Cradling is the art of keeping the ball in your stick via centrifugal force. Of all the fundamental skills presented here, this one takes the longest to master. There are different types of cradles that are used in different situations. In all cases, the stick is being moved in the same motion, however the frequency, size of the cradle motion, and the position of the stick may change.
Use the following link for a great description of how to cradle and variations of cradling for use in different game situations. Practice cradling diligently. This is one skill you can practice by yourself (e.g., practice stick "tricks", take your stick with you when you jog, etc.). There are no excuses for not practicing this skill.
Passing & Catching
The single most effective way to practice passing and catching a lacrosse ball is to play wall ball. The following link provides in-depth instructions on using a wall to practice.
Use the following link for a great description of how to cradle and variations of cradling for use in different game situations. Practice cradling diligently. This is one skill you can practice by yourself (e.g., practice stick "tricks", take your stick with you when you jog, etc.). There are no excuses for not practicing this skill.
For more information try the "tips" page at www.youthlacrosseusa.com
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