DRILLS FOR NEW AND BEGINNING PLAYERS

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Player Development: Fundamental Skills & Drills

This page provides links to videos that highlight the core skills every new McKinney Lacrosse athlete should master before moving on to advanced offensive and defensive techniques. The drills are listed in a recommended order of progression, allowing players to build confidence step by step. While athletes are free to explore in any order, following the sequence will help ensure each new skill builds on the last. Alongside the videos, we’ve included tips, notes, and coaching points tailored to new players and parents.

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Cradling the Stick

Video: How to Cradle a Lacrosse Stick

Coaching Notes:

• Most players cradle with their dominant hand (usually the hand they write with), but all athletes should practice both hands.

• Keep the stick at a 45º angle, cradling between the shoulders. This protects against stick checks and allows quicker passing and shooting.

• Avoid taping the stick until players are comfortable with proper hand placement.

• Cradle by bending the elbow rather than just the wrist — this provides better ball control.

• Beginners should avoid one-handed cradling until they are more advanced.

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Ground Balls: Scooping

Video: How to Pick Up a Lacrosse Ball (Ground Ball)

Coaching Notes:

• Focus on hand spacing, bottom hand placement, and bending the knees.

• Follow through up to the facemask (“kiss the stick”) to ensure possession.

• Keep running forward after scooping to avoid turnovers.

• Knee bend is the key — when knees are low, other fundamentals fall into place naturally.

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Passing

Video: How to Throw a Lacrosse Ball

Coaching Notes:

• Do not cut palms out of gloves — this is an illegal modification and a serious penalty.

• Delay taping the stick until players know their hand positioning.

• If throws are going into the ground, adjust by moving hands further back on the stick for better leverage.

• Strong hand positioning and follow-through improve consistency and accuracy.

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Catching

Video: How to Catch a Lacrosse Ball

Coaching Notes:

• Parents can help by tossing balls by hand or with a baseball/softball mitt if no stick is available.

• Hold the stick upright with the head facing the passer — not flat to the sky.

• Emphasize “no snapping” of the stick head when receiving.

• Shoulders should face the passer; rotate at the waist or feet to square up before catching.

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Shooting

Video: How to Shoot a Lacrosse Ball

Coaching Notes:

• Hand positioning and leverage are crucial for power and accuracy.

• Use the same grip adjustments learned in passing to generate more shot strength.

• Build proper mechanics before focusing on speed or distance.

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Wall Ball

Video: Wall Ball Drills

Coaching Notes:

• One of the most important habits for skill development — players should practice regularly.

• Any routine against a wall helps: focus on consistent passing and catching.

• Rebounders are also effective and provide additional challenges with varied angles and bounces.

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