Ground Balls: Essential Tips for Beginner Lacrosse Players

Sep 4

To teach a youth beginner lacrosse player how to pick up a ground ball, focus on the fundamental technique and keep the instructions simple:

1. Get Low: Emphasize the importance of getting low to the ground by bending the knees and lowering the body. This positioning allows the player to get close to the ball and maintain better balance, making the scoop more effective.

2. Hand Positioning: Show the player how to hold the stick with both hands—dominant hand near the top of the shaft and non-dominant hand near the bottom. This grip provides control and leverage, making it easier to scoop the ball up quickly.

3. Scoop Through the Ball: Teach them to push the head of the stick under the ball with a smooth, continuous motion. The key is to scoop through the ball, not just stop at it, ensuring the ball is lifted cleanly off the ground and into the pocket of the stick.

4. Follow Through: Once the ball is in the stick, instruct the player to quickly bring the stick up to a protected position by their head. This follow-through is crucial for securing the ball and preparing to make the next play, whether it’s running or passing.

5. Eyes on the Ball: Encourage them to keep their eyes on the ball throughout the entire process, from approaching it to scooping and securing it in their stick. This focus helps with accuracy and ensures they stay engaged with the ball.

Tips for Effective Teaching:

• Encouragement and Repetition: Praise their efforts and encourage them to keep practicing, even if they don’t get it right immediately. Repetition is key to building muscle memory.

• Demonstrate: Show them the proper technique yourself or use a more experienced player to demonstrate. Kids often learn better by watching and mimicking.

• Use Simple Language: Keep instructions simple and clear to avoid overwhelming them. Focus on one aspect of the technique at a time.

By breaking down the steps and reinforcing them with drills and positive feedback, you can help youth beginners quickly learn how to pick up a ground ball effectively.

By breaking down these key steps and practicing them regularly, you can help youth beginners develop solid ground ball skills, setting a strong foundation for their lacrosse play.