Shooting on the Run: Unlocking Power and Precision in Lacrosse
To perform an effective shot on the run, it’s important to follow proper technique that involves a combination of movements and body adjustments. Here are the key points to achieve an accurate and powerful shot while running:
Starting Position: Begin in the triple threat position, with hands up and away from the body. Ensure that your shoulder is close to your chin and keep the stick in your dominant hand.
The Three-Step Process:
The first step is with the right foot, while pulling the hands back to prepare for the shot.
In the second step, with the left foot, rotate your hips to align your shoulders and arms, making sure your shoulder touches your chin.
The third step occurs with the right foot as you approach the cage, at which point your hands activate to release the shot, all while falling towards the goal.
Hip Movement: As you move, make sure to rotate your hips toward the target. This is crucial because good shooters can move their hips without moving their upper body. This generates tension in the core, giving you power in the shot.
Progression of the Moves:
In the first step, focus on maintaining space between your body and the stick, avoiding the stick getting too close to your body (this is known as "hugging the beach ball").
In the next step, rotate your hips toward the target while maintaining tension in your torso.
Finally, when executing the shot, follow through with the motion, rotating the hips and shoulders to generate power, resulting in a controlled and energetic shot.
The shot on the run is one of the most important skills in sports like lacrosse, as it allows players to generate powerful and accurate shots even while in motion. This skill is crucial for several reasons:Improved reaction time: This type of shot requires the player to combine their ability to move quickly with shooting accuracy. Mastering the shot on the run enables players to react faster to opportunities and take advantage of any moment when they can approach the goal while maintaining speed and control.
Increased power and control: Using the hips and torso to generate energy during the shot allows the player to add more power to the shot, even in dynamic situations. The ability to generate power through the rotation of the hips and shoulders, while maintaining control of the ball and body, allows players to take strong shots that are harder to stop.
Diversification of offensive options: This type of shot adds versatility to offensive plays. Instead of relying solely on static shots or predictable positions, a player can create shooting situations while running, which increases the unpredictability of their game. Defenders must anticipate multiple types of shots, making it harder to defend.
Increased effectiveness in the game: Being able to perform an effective shot on the run is essential for offensive effectiveness in lacrosse. This skill allows the player to take advantage of any moment while in motion, increasing the chances of scoring goals in fast and chaotic situations.
In summary, the shot on the run is a vital skill that improves offensive capability, offers greater control over the game, and creates more dynamic and difficult-to-defend shooting opportunities.
