If you’re looking for a new way to get your kids off the couch to burn some calories, consider lacrosse. We’ve seen the pros move the ball from one end of the field to the other, seemingly like magic, but the aerobic benefits of this high-intensity game can be enjoyed by anyone. And it can be done safely at home.
Here are five lacrosse drills that kids can do at home. Many can be done with a parent or friend while some can be done solo. The best part is that kids don’t need huge spaces to practice these drills. They can be done in your backyard or at the local park. If your kids like lacrosse, you will want to invest in some equipment, such as the Lacrosse Rebounder. A lacrosse stick may be good to have, too.
Catch-and-throw drills
Catch-and-throw lacrosse drills can be done by a kid at home on her own or with a friend. If your child is on their own, they can just do this by throwing lacrosse balls against a wall and aiming to catch them as they bounce back.
Instruct your child to begin throwing with their strongest hand, and then progress to their weakest hand. They can also vary distances. Throwing and catching, whether against a wall or with a training partner, is great for improving skills and reflexes. Even the professionals still practice catch-and-throw drills.
Stickhandling drills
Young players can improve their stickhandling by practicing cradling the ball when they are running. They can do this one-handed, two-handed, and also by switching hands on the run.
For another stickhandling drill, you’ll need a whistle and will need to join in on the fun. Every time you blow the whistle, your kid has to swap the hand carrying the ball. You can have fun with pacing with this drill.
Ground ball drills
Scooping up balls is a vital skill, and one that kids should practice regularly. If doing it on their own, kids can perform the drill by running and scooping up a stationary ball. To make this drill more difficult, a young player could roll the ball out in front of themselves and scoop the ball up while it is moving.
If practicing the drill with a friend, young players can mimic game conditions by competing to scoop up a lacrosse ball.
Dodging drills
Young players should practice dodging drills, as they will face defenders during game conditions. Practicing these drills gives kids a competitive edge as these drills are often the ones that are ignored. You can practice dodging drills using objects in the natural environment, such as trees, or with cones or other people.
If using natural features or cones, run up to the first object and do a dodge, then run to the second object and practice a different dodging strategy.
Shooting drills
Shooting drills are usually a favorite with kids because everyone wants to be the star forward. Everyone wants to score goals.
They can start by practicing stationary shots, then progress to making shots while on the move. As kids get more experienced, they can add a dodge before taking a shot, which increases their reflexes and agility.
The main takeaway
Young players who want to be the best need to regularly repeat these lacrosse drills. Those who practice regularly will see a rapid improvement in their skills. Regular practice of drills will give kids an edge over their competitors. If they keep practicing, one day they may get to play in the NCAA or in one of the professional lacrosse leagues.
Jason Kennedy is a freelance writer with Victorem Gear. He enjoys writing about training and staying up-to-date on the most innovative training regimes and exercises for his favorite sport, lacrosse. When he’s not writing about lacrosse, he’s in the gym training his players or on the field with his stick.
