Beginner Boys’ Lacrosse Practice Plan: Building Skills Through Play

This practice plan is designed for young beginners who are just starting to learn the fundamentals of lacrosse in a fun and engaging way. The focus is on building basic skills like scooping, cradling, and handling ground balls while encouraging free play to help them develop a natural feel for the game.

00:00 to 00:15
Scooping and Shooting
Keep players engaged from the moment they arrive
Suggested Drill: Scoop and Shoot

00:15 to 00:25
Warm up and Jog around the field

00:25 to 00:40
Teaching how to Cradle
Cradle the lacrosse ball using proper technique
Suggested Article: Cradling the lacrosse ball for beginners

00:40 to 1:00
Teaching how to pick up a ground pall
This is a basic principle that must be understood in order to enjoy playing lacrosse
Suggested Drill: The 5 yard Scoop drill

1:00 to 1:20
Fun game using ground ball and cradling skills
Suggested Drill: Steal the bacon

1:20 to 2:00
Let them play!
Let the kids enjoy the game. Set up two goals on each end, with no goalies. If a team scores, the defense picks up the ball and immediately goes the other way. It will be messy—balls will be dropped—but as long as they’re safe, let them play and develop a love for the game. Don’t worry about offsides or other technicalities. Resist the urge to give too much instruction; kids often learn best through play and experimentation rather than constant direction.
Suggested Article: Let Them Play: A Simple, Fun Lacrosse Game for Young Beginners

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This practice plan is designed specifically for boys’ lacrosse at the beginner level, focusing on fundamental skills in a fun and engaging way. At this stage, young boys are just getting introduced to the sport, and the primary goal is to foster enthusiasm and confidence. Boys often learn best through hands-on play rather than strict instruction, so this practice is structured to keep them moving, engaged, and having fun.

Rather than overloading boys with rules, this session prioritizes repetition, movement, and instinctual learning. The emphasis is on scooping, cradling, and handling ground balls—all critical skills in boys’ lacrosse. The session ends with free play, allowing the boys to experience the flow of the game and develop natural instincts.

Scooping and Shooting
Boys at the beginner level need to develop scooping skills early, as ground balls are essential in boys’ lacrosse. Scooping is the foundation of possession, and reinforcing it in every practice will set them up for success. Adding shooting to the drill keeps the boys engaged, as scoring is one of the most exciting parts of boys’ lacrosse.

Warm-Up and Movement
Young boys are full of energy, and a warm-up routine helps them prepare for lacrosse practice while keeping their enthusiasm high. Warming up should be dynamic, keeping the boys active and moving, reinforcing their excitement for boys’ lacrosse.

Teaching Cradling
Cradling is a must-have skill in boys’ lacrosse, allowing young players to maintain control while running. Boys at the beginner level may struggle with cradling, but through play and experimentation, they will develop a natural feel for it over time.

Ground Ball Work
In boys’ lacrosse, winning ground balls often determines possession and game flow. Teaching boys how to scoop quickly and effectively will help them build confidence on the field. Ground ball work should be emphasized in every boys’ lacrosse practice, as it is one of the most important fundamentals.

Fun Game: Steal the Bacon
Games are a great way to keep boys engaged in lacrosse practice while reinforcing the skills they’ve learned. Steal the Bacon incorporates ground balls and cradling, keeping the boys active and competing in a way that builds excitement.

Let Them Play!
The best way for boys to learn lacrosse is to simply play the game. Setting up a scrimmage with no goalies allows the boys to run, scoop, cradle, and shoot in a free-flowing environment. It will be messy, balls will be dropped, and mistakes will happen—but as long as the boys are safe and having fun, that’s what truly matters.

At this stage, the boys don’t need to focus on rules like offsides or technical positioning. The goal is for them to develop a feel for boys’ lacrosse through play and experimentation. Coaches should resist the urge to overcorrect, allowing the boys to learn naturally by playing.

This boys’ lacrosse practice plan ensures that beginner players build their skills, develop confidence, and most importantly—have fun!