Top 5 tips for Stick Protection when Dodging
Dodging in lacrosse is more than just speed—it’s about controlling the ball while protecting your stick from aggressive defenders. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, mastering dodging techniques helps you evade defenders and maintain possession under pressure. This guide outlines key techniques to improve stick protection and dodging skills, blending multiple approaches.
1. One-Hand Cradle for Stick Protection
• Objective: Protect the stick during dodging by using the body as a shield.
• Key Points:
• Body Position: Keep your body between the defender and your stick.
• Cradling Technique: Use your wrist to cradle while keeping your elbow locked, ensuring smooth and controlled movement.
• Hide the Stick: Roll your shoulder over to hide the stick from the defender, making it harder to reach.
• Avoid “Chicken-Handed” Mistakes: Keep the stick close to your body for better protection, rather than holding it too far away.
2. Two-Handed Cradle on the Run
• Objective: Protect your stick while running with two hands on it.
• Key Points:
• Natural Movement: Cradling is a natural part of running, as your arms move in sync with your legs. Your left leg moving forward activates your right arm to cradle, and vice versa.
• Reaching Across: When running, reach across your body naturally to cradle while keeping the ball protected.
• Hip and Shoulder Separation: To effectively protect the stick while moving forward, separate the movement of your upper and lower body. Your hips move in one direction while your shoulders turn to protect the stick, ensuring better coverage from defenders.
3. Footwork: The Key to Dodging and Stick Protection
• Objective: Use footwork to dodge defenders and protect your stick.
• Key Points:
• Movement: Focus on dodging with quick footwork to move away from defensive pressure.
• Run Away from Pressure: Use your feet to keep out of trouble and create space between you and the defender.
• Body Shielding: If you can’t outrun the defender, use your body to shield the stick, protecting it while trying to draw a penalty or find space.
4. Changing Direction
• Objective: Dodge defenders by quickly changing direction.
• Setup: Set up cones 5-10 yards apart to practice changing direction while dodging.
• Key Points:
• Body-Stick Positioning: Keep your stick protected by staying between the defender and the ball while changing direction.
• Sharp Directional Changes: Practice shifting direction sharply at each cone, ensuring smooth transitions while maintaining control of the ball.
• Controlled Movements: Ensure your movements are fluid and controlled, keeping your stick safe from checks.
5. Changing Planes
• Objective: Confuse the defender by varying the distance between you and them while dodging.
• Key Points:
• Movement: Instead of just changing direction, practice changing the plane by moving closer to and further from the defender while maintaining forward momentum.
• Zigzag Drill: Set up cones in a zigzag pattern and practice moving toward and away from the defender, altering the angle of attack.
• Unpredictability: This technique keeps defenders guessing and prevents them from easily applying pressure.
Conclusion
To become a skilled dodger, it’s essential to combine body mechanics, footwork, and stick protection. Use the one-hand cradle to shield your stick, rely on natural cradling motion while running with two hands, and stay light on your feet. Incorporating techniques like changing direction and changing planes keeps defenders off balance, giving you control and space. Regular practice of these dodging techniques will enhance your ability to protect the stick, evade defenders, and maintain possession on the field.
