Ground ball lacrosse drills are essential to any player’s training regimen. Mastering the technique required to scoop and secure possession of ground balls is crucial for any player looking to improve their game. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, incorporating ground ball drills into your training routine can help you develop the skills necessary to succeed on the field.
There are a variety of ground ball drills that you can use to improve your skills. Two-step drill, up and over shooting drill, Mikey Powell ground ball drill, and gauntlet ground ball drill are some of the most popular ones. Each drill focuses on a different aspect of ground ball technique, such as speed, agility, and accuracy. By incorporating these drills into your training routine, you can improve your overall game and become a more effective player on the field.
How To Scoop A Lacrosse Ball?
Scooping a ball is a crucial part of lacrosse. A ground ball is when the ball is loose on the ground, and the players must scoop it up. Winning ground balls can be the difference between winning and losing a game. Understanding the basic techniques for picking up ground balls is essential for any lacrosse player.
Basic Techniques for Picking Up Ground Balls
To pick up a ground ball, you need to get low and use your stick to scoop the ball up. Here are some basic techniques to keep in mind:
- Get low: To pick up a ground ball, you need to get low. Bend your knees and get your butt down to the ground. This will help you get under the ball and scoop it up.
- Use your stick: Your stick is your most important tool for picking up ground balls. Get your stick low to the ground and use the scoop to scoop up the ball.
- Keep your eyes on the ball: Keep your eyes on the ball at all times. This will help you track the ball and get to it quickly.
Strategies for Winning Ground Balls
Winning ground balls is all about positioning and anticipation. Here are some strategies to help you win more ground balls:
- Positioning on the field: Positioning is crucial for winning ground balls. You need to be in the right place at the right time. Stay between your opponent and the ball, and be ready to move quickly.
- Anticipating the ball’s path: Anticipating where the ball is going is essential for winning ground balls. Watch the ball and try to predict where it’s going to go.
- Using stick skills to secure ground balls: Good stick skills are essential for securing ground balls. Use your stick to block your opponent and protect the ball.
- Mental and physical aspects of ground ball plays: Winning ground balls requires both mental and physical preparation. Be mentally prepared to fight for the ball and physically ready to move quickly.
Overall, ground balls are an essential part of lacrosse. Winning ground balls can give your team a significant advantage. By understanding the basic techniques for picking up ground balls and using the right strategies, you can become a ground ball machine.
Basic Ground Ball Lacrosse Drills
Scoop and Run
If you’re new to lacrosse or just looking to improve your ground ball skills, the scoop and run drill is a great place to start. This drill focuses on picking up the ball quickly and running with it, which is a critical skill for any player on the field.
To do this drill, start by standing in a line with your teammates, facing the coach who is holding a lacrosse ball. When the coach drops the ball, the first player in line should run to scoop it up and then run to the opposite end of the field before passing the ball to the next player in line. Repeat this process until everyone has had a chance to run the length of the field.

Man Down Drill
The man down drill is another great way to work on your ground ball skills. This drill is designed to simulate a game situation where your team is down a player and you need to fight harder for possession of the ball.
To do this drill, start by dividing your team into two groups. One group will start on offense and the other on defense. The coach will then throw a ball onto the field and the two groups will compete for possession. The team that comes up with the ball should then try to score while the other team tries to stop them. Repeat this process until everyone has had a chance to play offense and defense.
Box Out Drill
The box out drill is a great way to work on your positioning and body control when going for a ground ball. This drill is especially useful for defenders who need to be able to box out their opponents and prevent them from getting to the ball.
To do this drill, start by dividing your team into two groups. One group will start with the ball and the other will be on defense. The coach will then throw a ball onto the field and the two groups will compete for possession. The defensive players should focus on boxing out their opponents and preventing them from getting to the ball, while the offensive players should focus on getting to the ball and picking it up. Repeat this process until everyone has had a chance to play offense and defense.
Advanced Ground Ball Drills
Traffic Drill
This drill is designed to help you work on your ground ball skills while under pressure from other players. To begin, set up two lines of players facing each other about five yards apart. One player will start with the ball in the middle of the two lines. On the coach’s whistle, the player with the ball will try to get past the other players and score a goal. The other players will try to steal the ball and prevent the player from scoring.
This drill not only helps you improve your ground ball skills but also your dodging and ball handling skills. It is a great way to simulate game situations and work on your ability to maintain possession of the ball while under pressure.
Ground Ball Gauntlet
The Ground Ball Gauntlet is a challenging drill that will help you improve your ground ball skills and reaction time. To begin, set up a series of cones in a straight line about five yards apart. Have one player start at one end of the line and another player at the other end. On the coach’s whistle, the two players will run towards each other, trying to pick up the ground ball at each cone as they go.
This drill helps you work on your ability to quickly react to the ball and pick it up while on the move. It also helps you work on your footwork and agility, which are essential skills for any lacrosse player.
Triangle Drill
The Triangle Drill is a great way to work on your ground ball skills in a small space. To begin, set up three cones in a triangle shape about five yards apart. Have one player start at the top of the triangle and two players at the bottom. On the coach’s whistle, the player at the top of the triangle will try to pick up the ground ball and pass it to one of the players at the bottom. The other player at the bottom will try to steal the ball and prevent the pass.
This drill helps you work on your ground ball skills and passing skills in a small space. It is also a great way to work on your ability to read the defense and make quick decisions with the ball.
By incorporating these advanced ground ball drills into your training routine, you will be able to improve your skills and become a more effective player on the field. Remember to always practice with intensity and focus, and you will see results in no time!
Team Ground Ball Drills
Ground ball drills are an essential part of lacrosse practice. They help players develop the skills they need to scoop up loose balls and secure possession for their team. Here are two great team ground ball drills that you can use in your next practice.
3 Man Ground Ball Drill
The 3 Man Ground Ball Drill is a great way to work on ground ball skills while also developing communication and teamwork. Here’s how to set it up:
- Divide your team into groups of three.
- Have one player roll the ball out onto the field.
- The three players will then race to the ball and try to scoop it up.
- The player who gets the ball will then pass it to one of the other players in the group.
- The group will then race to the opposite end of the field and back, passing the ball between them.
- The drill continues until each player has had a chance to get the ball.
Ground Ball Relay
The Ground Ball Relay is another great team ground ball drill focusing on speed and teamwork. Here’s how to set it up:
- Divide your team into two groups.
- Have each group line up on opposite sides of the field.
- Roll a ball out onto the field.
- The first player in each line will race to the ball and try to scoop it up.
- Once they have the ball, they will race back to their group and pass the ball to the next player in line.
- The drill continues until each player has had a chance to get the ball and race back to their group.
These team ground ball drills are a great way to develop communication, teamwork, and ground ball skills. Incorporate them into your next practice to help your team become more efficient at securing possession.
Drills for Improving Speed and Agility
If you want to become a better lacrosse player, you need to work on your speed and agility. Here are some drills that can help you improve:
Cone Drills
Cone drills are another great way to improve your speed and agility. Set up cones in a zigzag pattern and run through them as quickly as possible, making sure to touch each cone. You can also set up cones in a straight line and practice sprinting back and forth between them.
Remember, the key to improving your speed and agility is to practice these drills regularly. Incorporate them into your training routine and you’ll start to see improvement in no time!
Ladder Drill
Ladder drills are great for improving footwork and agility. Set up a ladder on the ground and run through it as quickly as possible, making sure to step in each square. You can do this drill forwards, backwards, and sideways to work on different aspects of your footwork.

Tips for Effective Ground Ball Drills
Ground ball drills are essential in lacrosse training as they help players improve their scooping, cradling, and passing skills. Here are a few tips to help you make the most out of your ground ball drills:
1. Get Low
When going for a ground ball, make sure to get low to the ground. This will help you get closer to the ball and make it easier to scoop. Remember, the low man always wins in ground ball battles.
2. Hips to the Ball
Another important tip is to position your hips towards the ball. This will help you get closer to the ball and make it easier to scoop. Avoid reaching out as this will only make you vulnerable to getting hit.
3. Helmet Over the Ball
When going for a ground ball, position your helmet over the ball. This will help protect you from any potential hits from opposing players and may even draw a penalty.
4. Scoop Through
When scooping the ball, make sure to keep moving. Don’t stop once you have the ball in your stick. Instead, continue moving and look for opportunities to pass or shoot.
5. Incorporate Agility Drills
Incorporating agility drills into your ground ball training can help you improve your transition time. This will help you quickly move from scooping the ball to making a pass or shot.
By following these tips, you can improve your ground ball skills and become a more effective player on the field.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have completed the Ultimate Lacrosse Ground Ball Drills guide. By now, you should have a solid understanding of the importance of ground ball drills and how to perform them properly.
Remember, ground ball drills are essential for any lacrosse player, regardless of their position. Practicing scooping, cradling, and passing with both hands will improve your overall game and increase your chances of winning.
Incorporating agility drills into your training regimen will also improve your transition time and make you a more effective player on the field.
Don’t forget to always keep your front foot at the side of the ball and to bring the stick close to your body after scooping the ball to avoid getting stripped by opponents.
Keep practicing and have fun! With consistent effort and dedication, you will see improvement in your ground ball skills and overall lacrosse game.
Please browse more videos on YouTube with lots of awesome training drills.