Block – On Air (No Opponent) Lacrosse Drills

Block – On Air drills are designed for players to focus on individual skill development without defensive pressure. These drills allow athletes to work on shooting mechanics, footwork, and hand-eye coordination while emphasizing body control and proper form.

Why On Air Drills Are Essential

Practicing without an opponent allows players to perfect their techniques in a controlled environment. These drills improve accuracy, anticipation, and muscle memory for shooting, catching, and handling the ball. They are excellent for warm-ups, stations, or supplemental practice sessions.

On Air drills also help players work on lacrosse IQ by teaching proper positioning and sequencing of movement, which translates into better performance during live play. Coaches often use these drills to assess individual skill levels and identify areas for improvement.

Top On Air Lacrosse Drills

Hitch and Shoot Drill

This drill helps players develop hand extension, body control, and shot timing. Practicing the hitch motion without a defender allows players to focus on accuracy and power. It’s ideal for building confidence in off-the-run shooting.

Ground Ball Rodeo

A fun drill perfect for warm-ups or station practice. Players work on scooping, controlling, and quickly transitioning ground balls into play. This drill enhances footwork and hand-eye coordination while keeping the pace high.

Knockdowns and Skips

This drill emphasizes deception and stick skills from both offensive and defensive perspectives. Players practice bouncing passes, skips, and knockdowns, which improves reaction time and situational awareness.

3 Step Shooting

Designed to improve shooting on the run, this drill challenges players to coordinate footwork, body positioning, and stick control. It’s one of the most difficult skills in lacrosse, but mastering it greatly improves in-game shooting effectiveness.

C-Drill Shooting

This drill focuses on a deceptive hitch into a shot. Players practice fakes and quick releases, improving shooting deception and accuracy. It’s an excellent drill to simulate real-game offensive situations without defensive pressure.

Incorporating On Air Drills into Practice

Coaches can use On Air drills as part of warm-ups, skill stations, or individual training sessions. These drills allow athletes to focus on fundamental techniques, enhance game awareness, and build confidence before entering competitive play. Regularly practicing these drills improves precision, speed, and control in shooting, catching, and passing.

For maximum benefit, integrate On Air drills with other team and situational drills to ensure that skills translate effectively into live-game scenarios. Focusing on repetition, proper mechanics, and controlled movement is key to improving overall performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Block – On Air drills allow players to focus on individual skills without defensive pressure. They improve shooting mechanics, footwork, hand-eye coordination, and timing. Practicing in a controlled environment helps players build confidence, refine technique, and prepare for live-game situations with better accuracy and decision-making.

Drills like 3 Step Shooting and C-Drill Shooting help players master the difficult skill of shooting while moving. By focusing on footwork, body positioning, and stick control, players develop muscle memory and coordination. Practicing these techniques regularly increases shooting accuracy and effectiveness in real-game situations.

On Air drills are versatile and can be used as warm-ups, station work, or individual skill development. They allow players to practice fundamental techniques, build lacrosse IQ, and improve reaction time without the added complexity of defensive pressure. Incorporating these drills ensures that skills translate into competitive play effectively.

While On Air drills focus on individual skill development, they enhance performance in team drills and live-game scenarios. Players who master shooting, passing, and footwork in isolation can execute more effectively in competitive drills, small-sided games, and full-field situations. Combining On Air drills with team drills develops a well-rounded player capable of reading the game and reacting quickly.