Ground balls are one of the most crucial elements in lacrosse. The ability to win ground ball battles can greatly impact the flow of the game, as it determines possession and creates scoring opportunities. Whether you’re on offense or defense, mastering ground ball techniques will make you a more effective player and allow you to contribute to your team’s success. This page highlights essential skills and drills for improving your ground ball play, focusing on positioning, timing, and battle mentality.
In lacrosse, possession is everything. The team that controls the ball the most has a greater chance of scoring and winning the game. Winning ground balls is a fundamental skill that directly impacts possession. Whether you’re scooping up loose balls in the defensive zone or fighting for possession during a face-off, the team that wins the most ground balls often dominates the game. Good ground ball skills not only help you maintain possession but also allow your team to control the tempo and set up offensive plays.
Body Positioning: Proper body positioning is essential when going for ground balls. Always get low to the ground and keep your body between the ball and your opponent. By maintaining a low center of gravity, you improve your balance and ability to scoop the ball without losing control.
Use Your Stick Effectively: Your stick is your main tool for winning ground balls. Make sure your stick is angled correctly and that your hands are spaced properly for maximum control. The key is to quickly scoop up the ball without fumbling or losing possession to an opponent.
Anticipate the Bounce: Ground balls often take unpredictable bounces. Anticipating where the ball will land is crucial for gaining possession. By reading the trajectory of the ball, you can position yourself in the right spot to scoop it up before your opponent.
Fight Through the Chaos: Ground ball battles often involve multiple players fighting for possession. It’s important to stay aggressive, fight through contact, and maintain focus. Often, the player who is the most determined will come away with the ball.
Ground ball battles are not just about luck; they require skill, timing, and mental toughness. Below are some drills designed to improve your ability to win ground balls and become more effective on the field:
This drill simulates real game conditions where players need to scoop a ground ball and quickly transition to chasing it. Players line up, and the coach rolls a ground ball into a designated area. Players must race to the ball, scoop it cleanly, and then sprint to a target area. This drill helps players improve speed, scoop accuracy, and their ability to quickly transition after gaining possession.
The Bumper Build Up drill focuses on improving quick reactions and positioning during ground ball battles. Players pair up and engage in a competition to grab a ground ball. Once the ball is scooped, the player must quickly pass it to a teammate in a set position, allowing them to practice both scooping and passing under pressure.
The Ground Ball Rodeo drill is a competitive drill designed to improve ground ball skills in chaotic situations. Players must fight through multiple defenders while trying to scoop up loose balls. This drill encourages toughness, speed, and the ability to fight for possession, even when surrounded by opponents.
In the Musical Groundballs drill, players must quickly react to a whistle or command and rush to scoop up a ground ball. Players compete against one another to get to the ball first, with the coach adding challenges such as rotating players or increasing the number of balls. This drill helps with reaction time, agility, and competitive spirit.
Mastering ground ball battles is essential to becoming a well-rounded lacrosse player. Whether you’re scooping up a loose ball on offense or fighting for possession on defense, your ability to win ground balls will significantly impact your team’s success. By practicing the right techniques, using the appropriate drills, and maintaining a strong mindset, you’ll be able to consistently win ground ball battles and help your team control the game. Keep working on your ground ball skills, and you’ll become a crucial asset to your team’s offense and defense.
