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Here are the basic skills that the Blackhawks believe any lacrosse player should strive to master, along with some "bullet" pointers:
For tips and video clips on technique and team play, go to Lacrosse Turf.
1. Carrying Stick
- Hands firmly on stick, but not squeezing stick
- Bottom hand at butt end, top hand about 18" up the stick (beginners may want to start with top hand a bit higher for more control)
- Stick should rest on fingers (not palms) of both top and bottom hand
- Elbows away from body (elbow of bottom arm about 6-8" away from chest and pointing away from body; elbow of top arm bent and pointing down, away from body)
- Learn to carry two-handed and one handed, horizontal and vertical
2. Cradling
- Coordinated movement of arms and wrists
- Top hand does most of work; bottom hand guides
- As top arm moves forward, top wrist rolls in same direction; then swing arm back and roll wrist back to create centrifugal force
- Develop horizontal, vertical, one-hand, and two-hand cradle
2. Catching
Good target in "box" area above shoulders and next to head
Stick head open to passer
Stick perpendicular to grounds
Hands hip width apart, bottom hand on butt end
Look ball into stick
Give with impact, using "soft" hands
Once pass received, quick cradle to gain control and prepare for next move
3. Throwing
- Same motion as throwing baseball or football
- Body turned to side with feet staggered
- Upper hand even with shoulders or slightly above (upper hand controls stick throughout)
- Lower hand about 6-8" from the body
- Body weight transferred from rear to front leg
- Upper body turns from side position to front-facing
- Upper hand drawn back several inches, then wrist snap and follow through
- Lower hand closer to body than upper hand, pulling down on end of handle
- Stick ends up pointing to target on follow-through, in near horizontal position
4. Dodging
5. Moving without the ball
6. Shooting
7. Ground Ball Technique
- Determination and fierce competitiveness are key
- Alert teammates with "ball" call that you are going for ball
- On approach to ball, bend at knees and waist in a semi-crouched position
- Control stick angle with back hand (30-45 degrees to ground)
- Right-hand scoop, right foot forward, and vice versa
- Hold butt end of stick to side of body (not front)
- Stick head should hit ground 1-2 inches in front of ball
- Two hands on stick
- Concentrate totally on ball, always going directly toward it
- Scoop ball into stick with fluid and continuous shovel-like motion and accelerate to open space
- On gaining possession, call "release" so teammates don't get called for interference
- Cradle ball to opposite ear, protecting stick by keeping it close to body
- Gradually straighten up body
8. Defensive stance and position
9. Stick checks
10. Body checks
SOURCES: Pietramala & Grauer, Lacrosse Technique and Tradition (2006); Urick, Lacrosse Fundamentals for Winners (2008).
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