90-Minute Girls’ Lacrosse Practice Plan: Ground Ball Focus
Practice Overview:
This 90-minute girls’ lacrosse practice is tailored for youth beginner players, focusing on essential ground ball skills. Divided into 6 segments of 15 minutes each, with one drill per segment, this practice plan aims to enhance fundamental lax techniques. As a coach, you’ll guide the girls through engaging drills that not only improve their abilities but also foster a love for the game.
Segment 1 (0:00 – 15:00): Warm-Up and Ground Ball Fundamentals
Drill: Teaching Ground Ball Basics
• Description:
• Begin the practice with a dynamic warm-up, including jogging, high knees, and lunges to prepare the girls for lacrosse activities.
• Introduce ground ball fundamentals by demonstrating proper scooping technique: getting low, using two hands on the lax stick, and running through the ball.
• Have the girls spread out and practice scooping stationary balls, focusing on form and technique.
• Coaching Points:
• Emphasize keeping eyes on the ball and maintaining a low center of gravity.
• Encourage the girls to cradle immediately after picking up the ball.
• Provide positive feedback to build confidence early in the practice.
Segment 2 (15:00 – 30:00): Partner Ground Ball Drill
Drill: Ground Ball Partner Pass
• Description:
• Pair up the girls and have them stand 5 yards apart.
• One player rolls a ground ball to her partner, who scoops it up and then makes an accurate pass back.
• Switch roles after several repetitions to ensure equal practice time.
• Coaching Points:
• Focus on smooth transitions from scooping to passing.
• Reinforce proper hand placement and footwork with the lacrosse stick.
• Encourage communication between partners to simulate game scenarios.
Segment 3 (30:00 – 45:00): Relay Races
Drill: Ground Ball Relay Race
• Description:
• Divide the team into equal groups to promote teamwork.
• Set up cones to mark start and finish lines about 20 yards apart.
• Each girl runs to a ground ball placed midway, scoops it, and sprints to the finish line before passing the ball to the next teammate.
• Coaching Points:
• Promote a fun, competitive environment to keep the girls engaged.
• Emphasize speed combined with proper ground ball technique.
• Remind them of the importance of teamwork and supporting each other.
Segment 4 (45:00 – 60:00): Obstacle Course
Drill: Ground Ball Obstacle Course
• Description:
• Set up an obstacle course using cones and agility ladders.
• The girls navigate the course, encountering multiple ground balls to scoop along the way.
• Incorporate changes in direction to mimic real-game situations in lacrosse.
• Coaching Points:
• Encourage agility and quick footwork throughout the drill.
• Reinforce the need to keep the lacrosse stick close and protected after scooping.
• Provide guidance on maneuvering around obstacles while maintaining control.
Segment 5 (60:00 – 75:00): Small-Sided Games
Drill: 2v2 Ground Ball Challenge
• Description:
• Organize the girls into pairs for 2v2 matchups.
• The coach rolls a ground ball into play, and teams compete to gain possession and complete a pass to the coach or into a designated goal area.
• Rotate teams to ensure all players face different opponents.
• Coaching Points:
• Highlight the importance of communication and teamwork in lacrosse.
• Teach strategies from the playbook on how to effectively gain possession.
• Encourage aggressive yet fair play to win ground balls.
Segment 6 (75:00 – 90:00): Ground Ball Scrimmage
Drill: Full-Field Ground Ball Scrimmage
• Description:
• Conclude the practice with a controlled scrimmage focusing on ground balls.
• Stop play frequently to reset with ground ball situations, ensuring ample practice opportunities.
• Implement basic rules to keep the game flowing and educational.
• Coaching Points:
• Emphasize applying the day’s drills in a game-like setting.
• Provide real-time coaching to correct positioning and technique.
• Foster a supportive environment where girls feel comfortable trying new skills.
Cool-Down and Stretching (90:00 – 100:00)
• Description:
• Lead the girls through a series of static stretches targeting muscles used during practice.
• Include stretches for hamstrings, quads, shoulders, and back.
• Use this time to reflect on the practice and answer any questions.
• Coaching Points:
• Discuss the importance of flexibility and recovery in lacrosse.
• Highlight individual and team successes from the practice.
• Encourage the girls to share what they enjoyed and set goals for future practices.
Additional Notes:
• Equipment Needed:
• Lacrosse sticks, balls, cones, agility ladders, and small goals or targets.
• Safety Considerations:
• Ensure all girls are wearing appropriate protective gear as per lacrosse regulations.
• Monitor the girls for signs of fatigue and provide water breaks as needed.
• Focus on Fundamentals:
• Ground balls are crucial in lax; mastering them will give the girls an advantage in games.
• Reinforce that practice makes perfect and encourage them to keep working on their skills.
• Communication:
• Promote open communication throughout drills to build teamwork and trust.
• Coaches should maintain an encouraging tone to boost the girls’ confidence.
By following this 90-minute practice plan, coaches can effectively develop beginner girls’ lacrosse players’ ground ball skills through engaging and age-appropriate drills. This practice emphasizes the fundamentals of lax, ensuring that each girl gains confidence and improves her abilities on the field.
