If you’re looking to improve your lacrosse skills, one area to focus on is passing. Passing is an essential part of the game, and mastering it can make a big difference in your team’s success. Luckily, there are plenty of passing drills you can practice to improve your skills.
One of the best ways to improve your passing in lacrosse is through drills. There are a variety of drills you can do to work on different aspects of passing, such as accuracy, speed, and technique. Some drills focus on passing in a specific situation, such as passing while on the move or passing to a teammate who is cutting toward the net. Others focus on developing specific skills, such as catching and throwing with both hands or making quick, accurate passes under pressure. By practicing a variety of drills, you can become a more well-rounded player and improve your passing abilities.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, it’s important to work on your passing skills. By practicing passing drills regularly, you can improve your accuracy, speed, and technique, and become a more valuable player on the field. So grab a partner and start practicing some of these lacrosse passing drills today!
Basics of Lacrosse Passing Drills
Passing is a fundamental skill in lacrosse, and mastering it is essential for success on the field. Here are some basics to keep in mind as you work on your passing technique:
Grip
The way you grip your stick can make a big difference in the accuracy and power of your passes. Hold the stick with your dominant hand at the bottom of the shaft, and the other hand about a third of the way down from the top. Make sure your hands are close together, and use your fingers to grip the stick rather than your palms.
Stance
Your stance is also important when it comes to passing. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, and keep your knees slightly bent. This will give you a stable base to work from and help you generate more power in your passes.
Follow Through
When you throw a pass, make sure to follow through all the way to your target. This means extending your arms fully and flicking your wrists to put spin on the ball. A good follow-through will help your passes stay on target and give them more zip.
Types of Passes
There are several different types of passes you can use in lacrosse, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Here are a few of the most common:
- Cradle Pass: This is a basic pass where you cradle the ball in your stick and then release it with a flick of your wrists. It’s a good pass to use when you’re close to your target and want to get the ball there quickly.
- Overhand Pass: This is a pass where you throw the ball overhand, with your stick coming over your shoulder. It’s a good pass to use when you need to throw the ball a longer distance or over an opponent’s stick.
- Sidearm Pass: This is a pass where you throw the ball with your stick held to the side, at about waist height. It’s a good pass to use when you need to get the ball around an opponent’s stick or when you’re in a tight space.
- Behind-the-Back Pass: This is an advanced pass where you throw the ball behind your back, using your non-dominant hand. It’s a flashy pass that can be effective in certain situations, but it’s also risky and should only be attempted by experienced players.
Hear is the Behind-the-Back Pass:
Remember, the key to successful passing is practice. Work on your technique regularly, and try to incorporate different types of passes into your game. With time and effort, you’ll become a more skilled and effective passer on the lacrosse field.
Two-Handed Passing Drills
If you want to become a great lacrosse player, you need to have excellent passing skills. Two-handed passing drills are a great way to improve your passing accuracy and speed. Here are some drills you can try:
1. Wall Ball
Wall ball is one of the most popular and effective lacrosse drills for improving passing skills. All you need is a ball and a wall. Stand a few feet away from the wall and throw the ball against it with your dominant hand. Catch the ball with your other hand and repeat the process. Once you feel comfortable with your dominant hand, switch to your non-dominant hand. This drill will help you improve your hand-eye coordination and passing accuracy.
2. Triangle Passing
Triangle passing is a great drill for improving your passing accuracy and speed. To do this drill, you need three players and one ball. Stand in a triangle formation and pass the ball to each other using both hands. Focus on passing the ball quickly and accurately. This drill will help you improve your passing skills under pressure.
3. Partner Passing
Partner passing is a simple but effective drill for improving your passing skills. Find a partner and stand a few feet away from each other. Pass the ball back and forth using both hands. Focus on passing the ball quickly and accurately. You can also add variations to this drill by moving around or passing the ball while running.
4. Four Corners Passing
Four corners passing is a great drill for improving your passing accuracy and speed. To do this drill, you need four players and one ball. Stand in a square formation and pass the ball to each other using both hands. Focus on passing the ball quickly and accurately. This drill will help you improve your passing skills in tight spaces.
By incorporating these two-handed passing drills into your lacrosse training, you can improve your passing skills and become a better player. Remember to practice regularly and focus on passing the ball quickly and accurately. Good luck!
One-Handed Passing Drills
One-handed passing drills are essential for improving your lacrosse passing skills. These drills help you to develop better control and accuracy when passing the ball with one hand. Here are a few drills that you can try:
1. One-Handed Partner Passes
This drill is simple and effective. Find a partner and stand about 10-15 feet apart. Use only one hand to pass the ball back and forth. Start with your dominant hand and then switch to your non-dominant hand. This drill will help you to develop wrist strength and improve your one-handed passing skills.
2. One-Handed Wall Ball
Stand about 5-10 feet away from a wall and use only one hand to pass the ball back and forth. Start with your dominant hand and then switch to your non-dominant hand. This drill will help you to improve your accuracy and control when passing the ball with one hand.
3. One-Handed Cradling
This drill is great for improving your ball control when cradling with one hand. Start by cradling the ball with your dominant hand and then switch to your non-dominant hand. Try to maintain a smooth and consistent cradle while moving around the field.
4. One-Handed Catching
This drill is all about improving your ability to catch the ball with one hand. Start by tossing the ball to yourself and catching it with your dominant hand. Then, switch to your non-dominant hand. You can also have a partner throw the ball to you for more of a challenge.
By practicing these one-handed passing drills, you can improve your passing skills and become a better lacrosse player. Remember to focus on your technique and form, and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself with more difficult drills as you improve.
Wall Ball Drills
Wall ball drills are a great way to improve your passing, catching, and overall stick skills in lacrosse. All you need is a wall and a lacrosse ball to get started. Here are some basic and advanced wall ball drills to try out:
Basic Wall Ball Drills
- Throw and Catch: Stand about 5-10 feet away from the wall and throw the ball with your dominant hand. Catch the ball with your non-dominant hand and repeat. Switch hands and repeat the drill.
- Quick Stick: Stand about 5-10 feet away from the wall and throw the ball with your dominant hand. Catch the ball with your non-dominant hand and immediately throw the ball back with your non-dominant hand. Catch the ball with your dominant hand and repeat. Switch hands and repeat the drill.
- One-Handed Catch: Stand about 5-10 feet away from the wall and throw the ball with your dominant hand. Catch the ball with your dominant hand and immediately throw the ball back with your non-dominant hand. Catch the ball with your non-dominant hand and repeat. Switch hands and repeat the drill.
Advanced Wall Ball Drills
- Behind the Back Pass: Stand about 5-10 feet away from the wall and throw the ball with your dominant hand behind your back. Catch the ball with your non-dominant hand and immediately throw the ball back behind your back with your non-dominant hand. Catch the ball with your dominant hand and repeat. Switch hands and repeat the drill.
- Off-Hand Passing: Stand about 5-10 feet away from the wall and throw the ball with your non-dominant hand. Catch the ball with your dominant hand and immediately throw the ball back with your non-dominant hand. Catch the ball with your non-dominant hand and repeat. Switch hands and repeat the drill.
- Split Dodge: Stand about 5-10 feet away from the wall and throw the ball with your dominant hand. Catch the ball with your non-dominant hand and immediately split dodge to your dominant hand. Throw the ball with your dominant hand and catch the ball with your non-dominant hand. Repeat the drill, switching hands each time.
Remember to practice these drills regularly to improve your skills. Start with the basic drills and gradually work your way up to the advanced drills. Happy practicing!
Partner Passing Drills
If you want to improve your passing skills in lacrosse, partner passing drills are a great way to do it. These drills are simple, effective, and can be done with just one other person. Here are two types of partner passing drills you can try: static and dynamic.
Static Partner Drills
Static partner drills are great for beginners or for warming up before a game or practice. In these drills, you and your partner stand in one spot and focus on passing the ball back and forth. Here are a few static partner drills you can try:
- Standard Pass and Catch: Stand about 10 feet apart and pass the ball back and forth. Focus on catching the ball with your stick and throwing it accurately to your partner.
- One-Handed Pass and Catch: Try passing and catching the ball with just one hand. This will help improve your hand-eye coordination and strengthen your grip.
- Quick Stick Drill: In this drill, you and your partner pass the ball back and forth as quickly as possible, without cradling the ball. This will help improve your reaction time and passing accuracy.
Dynamic Partner Drills
Dynamic partner drills are a bit more advanced and require more movement. These drills are great for improving your footwork, agility, and passing accuracy. Here are a few dynamic partner drills you can try:
- Cutting Drill: In this drill, you and your partner move around each other in a figure-eight pattern. As you pass the ball back and forth, you should also be cutting around each other. This will help improve your footwork and agility.
- Mirror Drill: In this drill, you and your partner mirror each other’s movements. If your partner moves left, you move right, and vice versa. This will help improve your reaction time and passing accuracy.
- Give and Go Drill: In this drill, you and your partner pass the ball back and forth, but after each pass, the passer runs in a different direction. The receiver then passes the ball back to the runner. This will help improve your passing accuracy and your ability to move without the ball.
Partner passing drills are a great way to improve your passing skills in lacrosse. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, these drills can help you become a better player.
Team Passing Drills
Passing is a fundamental skill in lacrosse, and it’s essential that players work on their passing skills as a team. In this section, we’ll go over two types of team passing drills: line drills and circle drills.
Line Drills
Line drills are a great way to work on passing and catching in a structured environment. They’re easy to set up and can be done with any number of players. Here are a few line drills you can try with your team:
- Two-Line Drill: In this drill, players form two lines facing each other about 10 yards apart. The player at the front of one line passes to the player at the front of the other line, who catches the ball and passes it back. The ball is then passed down the line until it reaches the end, where the last player runs to the front of the opposite line and the drill starts again.
- Three-Line Drill: This drill is similar to the two-line drill, but with three lines. The ball is passed from the first player in line A to the first player in line B, who passes it to the first player in line C. The ball is then passed back down the line until it reaches the end, where the last player runs to the front of the opposite line and the drill starts again.
- Four-Corner Drill: In this drill, players form four lines in a square formation. The ball is passed from the first player in line A to the first player in line B, who passes it to the first player in line C. The ball is then passed to the first player in line D, who passes it back down the line until it reaches the end, where the last player runs to the front of the opposite line and the drill starts again.
Circle Drills
Circle drills are another great way to work on passing and catching as a team. They’re more dynamic than line drills and can help players improve their communication and spatial awareness. Here are a few circle drills you can try with your team:
- Circle Passing: In this drill, players form a circle and pass the ball around to each other. The ball should be passed quickly and accurately, and players should move around the circle to create passing lanes.
- Around the World: In this drill, players form a circle and pass the ball around in a clockwise direction. The coach calls out a player’s name, and that player must run around the outside of the circle and back to their position before catching the ball and passing it on.
- Weave Drill: In this drill, players form a circle and pass the ball around in a figure-eight pattern. The ball is passed from player to player, with each player running around the outside of the circle to create space for the next pass.
By practicing these team passing drills, your team will improve their passing accuracy, speed, and communication on the field. Remember to focus on the fundamentals of passing and catching, and encourage your players to work together as a team.
Improving Accuracy
Passing accuracy is an essential skill in lacrosse. It requires a combination of hand-eye coordination, timing, and technique. If you want to improve your accuracy, here are some tips that can help:
1. Practice Regularly
The more you practice, the better you will become. Set aside time each day to work on your passing accuracy. Start with short passes and gradually increase the distance. Focus on accuracy rather than speed.
2. Use Proper Technique
Proper technique is crucial for accurate passing. Hold the stick correctly and use your wrist to control the ball. Keep your eyes on your target and follow through with your pass. Practice different types of passes, such as overhand, sidearm, and underhand.
3. Work on Footwork
Good footwork can help you get into a better position to make an accurate pass. Practice moving your feet quickly and efficiently to get into an open space. Use your body to shield the ball from defenders and create passing lanes.
4. Improve Your Vision
Having good vision on the field is essential for accurate passing. Keep your head up and scan the field for open teammates. Anticipate where your teammates will be and make quick decisions.
5. Get Feedback
Ask your coach or teammates for feedback on your passing accuracy. They can provide valuable insights and help you identify areas for improvement. Use their feedback to adjust your technique and practice more effectively.
By following these tips, you can improve your passing accuracy in lacrosse. Remember to practice regularly, use proper technique, work on your footwork and vision, and get feedback from others. With time and dedication, you can become a more accurate passer and a better lacrosse player.
Increasing Passing Speed
Passing speed is an important aspect of lacrosse, and it can make a big difference in the success of your team. Here are some tips to help you increase your passing speed:
- Practice with a wall – One of the best ways to improve your passing speed is to practice with a wall. Find a flat wall and stand about 10 feet away from it. Throw the ball against the wall and catch it as it bounces back to you. As you get more comfortable, increase the distance between you and the wall. This will help you to develop quick hands and increase your passing speed.
- Focus on your grip – Your grip on the stick can have a big impact on your passing speed. Make sure that you are gripping the stick tightly, but not too tightly. You want to have a firm grip, but you also want to be able to move your wrists quickly. Experiment with different grips to find the one that works best for you.
- Use your whole body – When you pass the ball, you should use your whole body, not just your arms. Start by turning your hips and shoulders towards your target. Then, use your legs and core to generate power as you throw the ball. This will help you to increase your passing speed and accuracy.
- Practice with a partner – Practicing with a partner is a great way to improve your passing speed. Start by standing about 10 feet away from each other and passing the ball back and forth. As you get more comfortable, increase the distance between you and your partner. You can also practice different types of passes, such as overhand, sidearm, and underhand.
By following these tips, you can increase your passing speed and become a more effective player on the field. Remember to practice regularly and focus on your technique to see the best results.
Developing Consistency
Passing is a fundamental skill in lacrosse, and developing consistency in your passing is crucial to becoming a successful player. Here are a few tips to help you improve your passing accuracy and consistency:
Practice the Basics
Before you can become a consistent passer, you need to master the basics of passing. This includes proper hand positioning, weight transfer, and follow-through. Practice these fundamentals until they become second nature, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a more consistent passer.
Focus on Accuracy
One of the keys to developing consistency is to focus on accuracy rather than speed. While it’s important to be able to pass the ball quickly, accuracy should always be your top priority. Take the time to aim your passes and focus on hitting your target, even if it means sacrificing a little bit of speed.
Develop Muscle Memory
Consistency comes from developing muscle memory, which is the ability to perform a skill without conscious thought. The more you practice passing, the more your body will become accustomed to the movements involved, and the more consistent your passes will become. Make passing a regular part of your practice routine, and you’ll soon see improvements in your consistency.
Use Drills
There are a variety of passing drills that can help you develop consistency and improve your passing skills. Some of the most effective drills include:
- Triangle passing: This drill involves three players forming a triangle and passing the ball to each other in a specific pattern.
- Wall ball: This drill involves throwing the ball against a wall and catching it as it bounces back. This is a great way to develop muscle memory and improve your accuracy.
- Partner passing: This drill involves passing the ball back and forth with a partner, focusing on accuracy and consistency.
By incorporating these drills into your practice routine, you can develop the muscle memory and consistency you need to become a more successful passer.
Conclusion
Improving your passing skills is essential to becoming a successful lacrosse player. With the right drills and techniques, you can enhance your ability to pass accurately and efficiently on the field.
In this article, we have discussed some of the best lacrosse passing drills that can help you improve your game. From the 3-Side Pig In The Middle to the Hippo Drill, these drills can help you develop better communication, agility, and teamwork.
Remember, passing is not just about throwing the ball to your teammate. It is also about anticipating their movements and understanding their strengths and weaknesses. By practicing these drills regularly, you can become a better passer and a more valuable member of your team.
In addition to these drills, there are other tips and techniques that can help you improve your passing skills. For example, stepping forward and releasing the ball can help you throw with more accuracy and power. Additionally, keeping your stick close to your body can help you maintain better control over the ball.
Overall, becoming a better passer takes time, practice, and dedication. By incorporating these drills and techniques into your training regimen, you can take your game to the next level and become a more successful lacrosse player.
