Picking up ground balls is one of the most basic skills in lacrosse, but it can also be one of the most important.

Every possession matters. A loose ball can lead to an offensive opportunity, stop an opponent's possession, or completely change the momentum of a game.

The players who consistently win ground balls tend to have more than just good technique. They attack every loose ball with urgency and take pride in competing for possession.

The foundation starts with learning how to scoop correctly.

Proper Ground Ball Technique

1. Approach the Ball

The first step is to attack the ball.

As you approach, place your lead foot next to the ball. This helps you line up your body with the ball while also giving you a better position to protect it from an opponent.

As you approach the ground ball, bend your knees and lower your center of gravity.

Don't simply bend at the waist.

Getting your body lower helps you create a better angle for the scoop and allows you to stay balanced while moving through the ball.

2. Keep Your Stick Parallel

Extend your stick directly in front of you.

Your stick should be parallel with the ground as you prepare to scoop.

This is an area where many players struggle. If the head of the stick is angled incorrectly, it becomes much harder to get underneath the ball cleanly.

Get the stick flat and ready before you reach the ball.

3. Aim Behind the Ball

Don't aim directly at the ball.

Instead, aim for the ground just behind the ball.

This gives you the opportunity to scoop through the ball rather than simply poking at it.

Your stick should continue moving forward as you make contact.

4. "Shovel the Snow"

Think of the scoop as a shoveling motion.

Drive the stick through the ball and allow the ball to roll into the pocket.

Once the ball is secured, bring your stick up toward your eyes and protect the possession.

The goal isn't simply to touch the ball.

Scoop through it, secure it, and get your stick protected.

Ground Ball Hustle

Technique is only part of winning ground balls.

Ground ball specialists take pride in competing for every loose ball. They approach each one with the mindset that possession is there to be won.

When two players arrive at a ground ball with similar technique, the player who is willing to hustle, compete, and be aggressive often comes away with it.

Treat every ground ball as a battle.

Don't wait for the ball to come to you.

Go get it.

10 Competitive Ground Ball Drills

Once players understand the basic scoop, competitive drills can help turn the technique into a game habit.

1. Ground Ball Races

Place a ball between two players and have them race to scoop it. The first player to secure possession wins.

2. Partner Scoop and Protect

Two players compete for a ground ball. The player who wins must immediately protect the stick while the other player applies pressure.

3. Ground Ball to Outlet

Players scoop a ground ball and immediately make an outlet pass to a teammate. Focus on securing possession before making the pass.

4. Two-on-One Ground Ball

Two offensive players compete against one defender for a loose ball. The offense must secure possession and move it quickly.

5. Three-on-Three Ground Ball

Create a small-sided competition where teams battle for a loose ball and then attack immediately after gaining possession.

6. Ground Ball Scramble

Roll multiple balls into an area and have players compete to collect as many as possible within a set amount of time.

7. Ground Ball to Fast Break

Start with a contested ground ball and immediately transition into an offensive attack after possession is won.

8. Back-to-Back Ground Balls

Players compete for consecutive ground balls, requiring them to recover quickly and maintain their intensity.

9. Box-Out Ground Ball

Teach players to use their body position to protect the ball while scooping. The defender applies controlled pressure as the offensive player works to secure possession.

10. Ground Ball Competition

Divide the team into two groups and keep score throughout the drill. Award points for clean scoops, possessions won, and successful outlets.

Key Coaching Points

When teaching ground balls, reinforce a few simple habits:

  • Attack the ball.

  • Get your lead foot next to it.

  • Bend your knees.

  • Keep the stick parallel.

  • Aim behind the ball.

  • Scoop through it.

  • Bring the stick up and protect it.

  • Compete for every possession.

The best ground-ball players don't treat loose balls as routine plays. They see them as opportunities to win possession for their team.

Build the technique, add competition, and teach players to attack every ground ball with purpose.