Swarm Ground Balls is a competitive ground-ball drill for intermediate through advanced players that develops scooping through pressure, protecting the stick, and escaping traffic immediately after possession.
SET UP
Create a circle with cones and have players line up around the outside, with long-stick players starting with one foot inside and one foot outside the circle. The coach initiates each rep by rolling a ball into the circle for a player to attack. The player must run through the ground ball, scoop through it without stopping, and continue moving in the same direction before exiting through the opposite side of the circle. Players around the circle apply controlled stick checks only as the player picks up and carries the ball through traffic. Emphasize getting low over the ball, bringing the stick and ball tight to the body, establishing a tight cradle, and accelerating out of the pressure.
COACHING POINTS & PRINCIPLES
- Scoop Through the Ball: Get low, attack through the ground ball, and continue your momentum rather than stopping your feet to pick it up.
- Bring It to Your Face: Immediately bring the stick tight toward your body and face after the scoop, using a compact cradle to protect against surrounding checks.
- Possession → Escape: Picking up the ball is only half the rep. Continue moving in your original direction and accelerate out the opposite side of the circle to escape pressure.
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