Shooting basics

It is very important for players to learn the proper lacrosse shooting techniques.  Many players get taught the wrong way to shoot, and it ends up hurting their game in the future.  

If a player can develop a strong shot it gives the coach a chance to open up the playbook in a big way as it creates more options, especially on man-up.

Generally speaking, you want your players to learn to shoot overhand.  Underhand and Sidearm shots are both very bad habits to get into.  There are some situations where these shots are valid choices but they often have far lower accuracy, as well as no point.  As a goalie, it is much harder to save an overhand shot, because it has the threat of bouncing whereas sidearm and underhand shots can not be bounced very easily.

Players love working on their shot, however they very rarely practice it properly.  It is important to have a variety of drills to work on shooting in order to maintain the players' interest and practice the different scenarios that can happen in a game.

Lacrosse Shooting – Beginner Basics

• ​For accuracy, lacrosse beginners should focus on shooting overhand (versus sidearm or underhand).

• Aim low when shooting on the goal.

  •  It takes beginner goalies more time to move their stick down from the ready position up near their head to block a good low shot. 

  • A low shot can ricochet off the ground and into the goal

  • It does not need to be as accurate because with a low shot if you are too high you will shoot towards the level of the goalkeeper's waist and below and if you shoot too low the ball will take a high bounce into the goal.  Both can have a positive result whereas  if you aim high you have the chance of completely missing the goal.

• Bring their hand down nearer the bottom of the stick in order to generate power when shooting.).

Lacrosse Shooting for Power

• Power is generated by proper shooting techniques as well as arm/shoulder strength, body torque (core strength) and leg power. 

• When working on your strength, don’t forget your wrist and forearm strength in order to generate a stronger “snap” to your lacrosse shot.

Lacrosse Shooting on the Run

• When shooting on the run it is important that the player is focused on their target while in motion.

• Shooting on the run for beginners can be tricky, therefore it is important that they shoot low to minimize the chance for error in the shot.