Ground balls are one of the most critical aspects of lacrosse. Winning ground ball battles determines possession, sets up scoring opportunities, and helps control the pace of the game. Whether you’re on offense or defense, your ability to scoop up loose balls with precision and speed is vital to your success. This page explores the fundamental techniques for improving your ground ball play and offers drills to help you enhance your skills.
Understanding how to consistently win ground balls can make the difference between a winning team and a struggling one. Top players dedicate time to drills, positioning, and mental preparation to ensure they can react quickly in chaotic situations. Mastering ground ball play isn’t just physical—it’s also about anticipation, focus, and being aware of your teammates and opponents.
In lacrosse, possession is power. The team that controls the ball the most has a better chance of scoring and winning the game. Ground balls are the key to gaining possession, whether it’s picking up a loose ball after a missed shot, winning a battle on defense, or securing a faceoff. Players who excel in ground ball play help their team maintain control, execute plays more effectively, and prevent their opponents from gaining easy possession.
Winning ground balls allows your team to set up offensive opportunities quickly and keep the opposing team on defense. Coaches often emphasize ground ball drills because possession drives the tempo and outcome of the game. Teams that dominate ground ball stats usually dominate the scoreboard as well.
Proper Stance: Always approach the ground ball in a low stance with your knees bent and body balanced. This allows you to react quickly and maintain control of the ball once you scoop it. The lower your stance, the better your chances of winning the ground ball.
Quick Reaction Time: Ground balls are often unpredictable, so quick reactions are key. Train your reflexes to anticipate where the ball will bounce and position yourself accordingly. The faster you can react, the more likely you are to scoop the ball cleanly before your opponent can get to it.
Reading the Play: Always be aware of where your teammates and opponents are on the field. Predicting the path of the ball and positioning yourself accordingly increases your odds of winning the ground ball.
Stick Positioning: Keep your stick low and close to the ground when approaching the ball. This allows for a quicker scoop and ensures better control when picking up the ball. Keep your hands at the right distance apart for maximum leverage and control.
Protecting the Ball: Once you’ve scooped the ball, use your body to shield it from defenders. By keeping the ball close to your body and using your non-stick hand for protection, you can secure possession and maintain control under pressure.
Winning the Mental Battle: Ground balls are as much mental as physical. Stay confident, aggressive, and focused. Often, the player who wants the ball the most wins the battle.
Ground ball play is about more than just picking up a loose ball; it’s about quick thinking, positioning, and maintaining possession under pressure. Here are some drills designed to enhance your ground ball abilities:
The Ground Ball Rodeo drill simulates chaotic situations where players must fight for possession. Players work on fighting through defenders, scooping the ball, and maintaining control as they move through a series of obstacles or defenders. This drill helps players develop toughness, speed, and the ability to scoop under pressure.
The Hot Potato Game focuses on speed and quick ball transitions. Players work in pairs or small groups and pass the ball around quickly, forcing each player to scoop up the ball and move it to another player. This drill helps improve quick decision-making, ground ball recovery, and passing accuracy under pressure.
The Diamond Keep Away Game teaches players to control the ball while under pressure from defenders. Players work in a diamond formation, passing the ball around while the defenders try to intercept or disrupt the passes. The goal is to maintain possession and improve footwork, passing accuracy, and reaction time.
This drill focuses on moving ground balls to the sideline to reset the play. Players practice scooping the ball and quickly getting it out of the dangerous area by moving to the sideline. This drill improves positioning, decision-making, and the ability to clear the ball under pressure.
Mastering ground ball battles is essential for becoming a complete lacrosse player. Whether you’re scooping up a loose ball on offense, fighting for possession on defense, or clearing the ball after a turnover, ground balls will determine possession and control of the game. By practicing the right techniques and utilizing effective drills, you can become a more confident and successful player during ground ball battles. Keep working on your skills, and you’ll help your team dominate possession and win crucial moments on the field.
Remember, ground ball mastery is built over time with consistent effort. Incorporate these drills into every practice, focus on proper technique, and challenge yourself against strong opponents. The more ground balls you win, the greater your impact on the game will be—both for yourself and your team.
Ground balls are loose balls on the field that are not currently controlled by either team. They can appear after a missed shot, a bad pass, or a faceoff. Winning these balls is essential because it directly impacts possession, which is crucial in lacrosse. The team that controls more ground balls can dictate the pace of the game, create more scoring opportunities, and prevent opponents from gaining momentum. Practicing ground ball skills improves reaction time, hand-eye coordination, and overall game awareness.
The proper technique starts with a low, balanced stance and keeping your stick close to the ground. Your hands should be spaced correctly to maximize leverage, and your body should shield the ball once scooped. Beyond stance and stick positioning, mental awareness is key. Anticipate where the ball might bounce, watch your opponents, and focus on cleanly lifting the ball while maintaining control. Practicing these skills daily with drills like the Ground Ball Rodeo or Hot Potato Game builds muscle memory and confidence in live game situations.
Several drills help players become more efficient at ground ball play. The Ground Ball Rodeo simulates chaotic situations, teaching players to fight through defenders and maintain control. The Hot Potato Game develops speed and quick decision-making under pressure. Diamond Keep Away improves passing accuracy while under defensive pressure, and Ground Balls to the Sideline emphasizes clearing the ball efficiently during play. Incorporating these drills regularly will improve reaction time, ball handling, and overall field awareness.
Ground balls often involve physical contact, chaos, and unpredictability. Mental toughness is as important as physical technique. Staying aggressive, confident, and focused allows you to commit fully to each ground ball battle. Accept that you may occasionally lose a battle, learn from it, and immediately refocus. Players with strong mental resilience can maintain possession in high-pressure situations and support teammates by staying composed when the game becomes hectic.
Common mistakes include approaching the ball too upright, neglecting stick positioning, or failing to protect the ball once scooped. Avoid guessing the bounce without observing the ball’s movement and don’t hesitate to use your body to shield the ball from defenders. Another error is poor communication; letting teammates know your intentions can prevent collisions and turnovers. Focusing on technique, positioning, and situational awareness helps reduce these mistakes and increases the chance of successful ground ball plays.
Teams that consistently win ground balls gain more possessions, allowing them to implement offensive strategies effectively. It reduces pressure on the defense and creates more opportunities to score. Ground ball dominance also disrupts opponents’ rhythm, forcing them to adjust and sometimes make mistakes. Coaches often track ground ball stats to measure a player’s contribution to team success. Players who excel in this area often become leaders on the field because their efforts directly affect game outcomes.
While winning ground balls is challenging, beginners can improve quickly with proper guidance and consistent practice. Start with fundamental drills focusing on stance, stick positioning, and reaction time. As skills develop, introduce more complex drills that simulate in-game chaos. Even new players can see noticeable improvement within weeks if they focus on technique, practice regularly, and maintain mental toughness. Advanced players refine timing, anticipation, and body positioning to dominate ground ball battles consistently.
