To become a successful lacrosse player, it is essential to master the art of catching the ball. Catching a lacrosse ball may seem like a simple task, but it requires a combination of proper body positioning, technique, and hand-eye coordination. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, improving your catching skills will make you a valuable asset to your team.
The first step to catching a lacrosse ball is to position your body correctly. You should face the direction the ball is coming from and have your stick out in front of you with soft hands. Keep your eye on the ball and be prepared to move your feet to adjust to the ball’s trajectory. With proper body positioning, you will be able to catch the ball more consistently and maintain possession for your team.
Once you have mastered your body positioning, it is time to focus on your catching technique. There are several techniques you can use to catch a lacrosse ball, including the cradle, the basket, and the one-handed catch. Each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is essential to practice them all to determine which one works best for you. With practice and dedication, you can become a skilled lacrosse player capable of catching any ball that comes your way.
How to Catch a Lacrosse Ball
The Basics
Catching a lacrosse ball is a fundamental skill that every player must master. Here are the basic steps to catch a lacrosse ball:
- Position yourself correctly: Keep your body (hips and shoulders) facing the direction the ball is coming from. Have your front shoulder directed at the person passing the ball.
- Use proper hand placement: Position your dominant hand at the bottom of the stick and your non-dominant hand near the top. Keep your hands and arms away from your body.
- Angle your stick: Angle the head of your stick towards the ball. Aim to have the ball hit the top center of your pocket where the netting is wider.
- Cushion the ball: Cushion the ball as it comes into the pocket as if it was an egg you do not want to break.
- Secure the ball: Secure the ball by cradling it in the pocket.
Importance of Catching
Catching is an essential skill when playing lacrosse. It is the foundation of ball possession and offensive play. Here are some reasons why catching is important:
- Maintain possession: To maintain possession of the ball, lacrosse players need to be able to receive passes from their teammates.
- Create scoring opportunities: A good catch sets up the player for a good shot, which increases the chances of scoring.
- Avoid turnovers: Dropping the ball can result in a turnover, which can be detrimental to the team’s success.
- Boosts confidence: A successful catch can boost a player’s confidence and motivate them to continue playing at a high level.
Catching a lacrosse ball may seem simple, but it requires practice and proper technique. With the right approach, you can master this fundamental skill and take your game to the next level.
Equipment Needed
To catch a lacrosse ball, you need to have the right equipment. Here are the essential items you need:
Lacrosse Stick
The lacrosse stick is the most important piece of equipment you need to catch a lacrosse ball. When choosing a stick, make sure it is the right size for you. The stick should be long enough to reach your waist when you stand it up next to you.
There are two types of lacrosse sticks: attack/midfield and defense/goalie. Attack/midfield sticks are shorter and lighter, while defense/goalie sticks are longer and heavier. Choose the stick that is appropriate for your position.
Lacrosse Ball
The lacrosse ball is also an essential piece of equipment. You cannot catch a lacrosse ball without one! The ball is made of rubber and is about the size of a baseball.
When practicing catching, it’s a good idea to have multiple balls so you can quickly retrieve them and keep practicing.
Other Optional Equipment
While the lacrosse stick and ball are the only essential items you need, there are some other optional pieces of equipment that can help you catch the ball more easily:
- Gloves: Lacrosse gloves can protect your hands and provide a better grip on the stick.
- Helmet: A helmet is required for all players, but it can also help you track the ball better and protect your head from injury.
- Goggles: Goggles are required for female players, but they can also help male players keep their eye on the ball.
- Mouthguard: A mouthguard can protect your teeth and mouth from injury.
Remember, having the right equipment is important, but it’s not enough to catch a lacrosse ball. You also need to practice the right techniques and have good hand-eye coordination.
Fundamentals of Catching a Lacrosse Ball
Hand Position
When catching a lacrosse ball, your dominant hand should be placed near the top of the shaft, while your non-dominant hand should be placed near the end of the shaft. This positioning gives you better control of the stick and allows for a quicker release when passing or shooting.
Your top hand should be choked up about a foot from the head, while your bottom hand should be about a foot above the end of the stick. This grip will give you better control of the stick and allow for quicker and more accurate passes.
Body Position
Having the proper body position is crucial when catching a lacrosse ball. Your body should be facing the direction the ball is coming from, with your hips and shoulders aligned with the ball’s trajectory.
As the ball approaches, move your feet so that you lean into it. This will give you better control of the ball and prevent it from bouncing out of your stick.
Eye Tracking
Keeping your eye on the ball is essential when catching a lacrosse ball. As the ball travels towards you, track it with your eyes and focus on its trajectory.
Angle the head of your stick towards the ball, and aim to have the ball hit the top center of your pocket where the netting is wider. This will give you a better chance of trapping the ball between the pocket and the sidewall.
Remember to keep your hands and arms away from your body to prevent the ball from bouncing out of your stick. With practice and proper technique, you’ll be able to catch a lacrosse ball with ease.
| Hand Position | Body Position | Eye Tracking |
|---|---|---|
| Dominant hand near top of shaft | Face direction of ball | Keep eye on ball |
| Non-dominant hand near end of shaft | Lean into ball as it approaches | Angle stick head towards ball |
| Top hand choked up a foot from head | Hips and shoulders aligned with ball’s trajectory | Aim for top center of pocket |
| Bottom hand a foot above end of stick | Keep hands and arms away from body |
Advanced Catching Techniques
If you want to take your lacrosse game to the next level, you’ll need to master some advanced catching techniques. These techniques require more skill and practice, but they can be game-changers when executed correctly. Here are three advanced catching techniques you should know:
One-Handed Catch
The one-handed catch is a difficult but impressive technique that can be useful in certain situations. To perform this catch, you’ll need to use your dominant hand to grip the stick near the head and keep your non-dominant hand near the bottom of the shaft. As the ball approaches, use your dominant hand to make a quick, one-handed grab.
This technique requires excellent hand-eye coordination and a strong grip on the stick. It’s important to practice this catch with both hands to become proficient with it.
Overhead Catch
The overhead catch is a useful technique for catching high passes. To perform this catch, you’ll need to position yourself under the ball and raise your stick above your head. As the ball comes down, use both hands to secure it in the pocket of your stick.
This technique requires good timing and hand-eye coordination. It’s important to keep your eye on the ball and be ready to adjust your position as needed to make the catch.
Watch this to learn for Overhead Catching and Passing.
Behind-The-Back Catch
The behind-the-back catch is a flashy technique that can be useful in certain situations. To perform this catch, you’ll need to reach behind your back with your stick and catch the ball as it comes towards you.
This technique requires excellent hand-eye coordination and a lot of practice. It’s important to be confident in your ability to make this catch before attempting it in a game situation. This video will help you a lot.
Remember, these advanced catching techniques require practice and patience to master. Start by practicing them in a controlled environment before attempting them in a game situation. With enough practice, you’ll be able to add these techniques to your arsenal and become a more versatile player.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When learning how to catch a lacrosse ball, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can hinder your progress. Here are some mistakes to watch out for and tips on how to avoid them:
Losing Focus
One common mistake when catching a lacrosse ball is losing focus. It’s easy to get distracted by other players or the noise on the field, but this can cause you to miss a pass or drop the ball. To avoid losing focus, try these tips:
- Keep your eyes on the ball at all times.
- Focus on the sound of the ball hitting your stick.
- Stay alert and ready to catch the ball, even when it’s not coming directly to you.
Incorrect Hand Position
Another mistake that can make catching a lacrosse ball difficult is having incorrect hand position. This can cause the ball to bounce off your stick or fly out of your control. To avoid this mistake, make sure you have the proper hand position:
- Your dominant hand should be near the top of the shaft, while your non-dominant hand should be near the end of the shaft.
- Keep your wrists firm and your hands close together.
- Use your top hand to guide the stick and your bottom hand to control the ball.
Poor Body Position
Poor body position can also make catching a lacrosse ball challenging. If you’re not in the right position, you may not be able to reach the ball or control it effectively. Here are some tips on how to improve your body position:
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.
- Keep your weight on the balls of your feet.
- Position yourself so that you’re facing the ball and can see it clearly.
By avoiding these common mistakes and practicing proper technique, you can improve your ability to catch a lacrosse ball. Remember to stay focused, maintain proper hand position, and position your body correctly to maximize your chances of success.
Drills for Improving Your Catching Skills
To become a successful lacrosse player, it is essential to have excellent catching skills. Catching the ball is not only about having quick reflexes but also about having the right technique. In this section, we will discuss some drills that can help you improve your catching skills.
Wall Ball Drill
Wall ball is a classic lacrosse drill that can help you improve your catching and throwing skills. To do this drill, all you need is a wall and a lacrosse ball. Stand about 5-10 feet away from the wall and throw the ball against it. Catch the ball as it bounces back and repeat the process.
Make sure to use both your dominant and non-dominant hand to catch the ball. This drill helps improve your hand-eye coordination, reaction time, and catching technique. You can also add variations to this drill, such as throwing the ball with one hand or catching the ball with one hand.
Partner Passing Drill
Another great drill to improve your catching skills is the partner passing drill. This drill involves finding a partner and standing about 10-15 feet away from each other. One person throws the ball to the other, and they catch it with their stick.
This drill helps improve accuracy and timing, which are also essential for catching a lacrosse ball. Make sure to use both your dominant and non-dominant hand while catching the ball. You can also add variations to this drill, such as throwing the ball with one hand or catching the ball with one hand.
Catching Under Pressure Drill
Catching under pressure is a crucial skill for any lacrosse player. This drill involves having a teammate or coach throw the ball to you while you are being defended by another player.
This drill helps improve your ability to catch the ball in tight spaces and under pressure. Make sure to use both your dominant and non-dominant hand while catching the ball. You can also add variations to this drill, such as having multiple defenders or catching the ball while on the move.
By incorporating these drills into your practice routine, you can improve your catching skills and become a more successful lacrosse player. Remember to practice regularly, use proper technique, and stay focused. Good luck!
Conclusion
Congratulations on learning how to catch a lacrosse ball! Catching is an essential skill that is fundamental to the game of lacrosse. With consistent practice, you can improve your catching skills and become a valuable player on your team.
Remember to always keep your eye on the ball and position your hands correctly on the stick. Use your non-dominant hand to cradle the stick and your dominant hand to guide it. Keep your stick in the box and move your feet when the ball is in flight to make it easier to catch.
In addition to practicing catching drills, don’t forget to work on your hand-eye coordination and reaction time. These skills will improve your overall performance on the field.
Now that you know how to catch a lacrosse ball, it’s time to take your game to the next level. Keep practicing and have fun!
