How to improve your lacrosse catching skills. What are the fundamental techniques for catching a lacrosse ball. Which advanced catching methods can elevate your game. Why proper hand and body positioning are crucial for successful catches. How to avoid common mistakes when learning to catch in lacrosse.
The Fundamentals of Lacrosse Ball Catching
Catching a lacrosse ball is a fundamental skill that every player must master. It requires a combination of proper technique, body positioning, and hand-eye coordination. Let’s explore the essential elements of successful catching in lacrosse.
Hand Positioning for Optimal Control
Proper hand placement on the lacrosse stick is crucial for effective catching. Where should you position your hands on the shaft? Place your dominant hand near the top of the shaft and your non-dominant hand towards the bottom. This grip provides better control over the stick and allows for quick adjustments when receiving the ball.
Keep your hands relaxed but firm, and position them away from your body to allow for greater maneuverability. As the ball approaches, be prepared to adjust your grip to ensure a secure catch.
Body Positioning for Successful Catches
Your body position plays a significant role in your ability to catch the ball effectively. How should you position your body when receiving a pass? Point your front shoulder towards the passer to track the ball’s trajectory more accurately. As the ball nears, lean slightly into the pass to absorb its impact and maintain better control.
Remember to keep your eyes focused on the ball at all times and angle the head of your stick towards it. Aim to catch the ball in the top center of your pocket, where the netting is widest, for the best chance of a successful reception.
Improving Your Lacrosse Catching Skills
Developing proficiency in catching requires consistent practice and dedication. Let’s explore some effective methods to enhance your catching abilities.
Essential Practice Drills for Better Catching
Regular practice is key to improving your catching skills. What are some effective drills to enhance your catching abilities?
- Wall Ball Drill: Stand 5-10 feet from a wall, throw the ball against it, and catch it with your stick. This drill improves hand-eye coordination and reaction time.
- Partner Catch Drill: Practice with a partner, standing 10-15 feet apart, throwing and catching passes. This helps improve accuracy and timing.
- Running Catch Drill: Have a partner throw passes while you’re on the move to simulate game situations.
- Quick Stick Drill: Practice catching and immediately passing the ball back without cradling to improve your reaction speed.
Incorporate these drills into your regular practice routine to see significant improvements in your catching skills.
Mental Preparation for Successful Catches
The mental aspect of catching is often overlooked but equally important. How can you mentally prepare for better catching performance?
- Visualization: Picture yourself successfully catching the ball in various game scenarios.
- Stay Relaxed: Tension can hinder your catching ability. Take deep breaths and maintain a calm demeanor.
- Focus: Concentrate on the task at hand and block out distractions.
- Positive Self-Talk: Encourage yourself and maintain a confident mindset.
By incorporating these mental preparation techniques, you can improve your focus and confidence, leading to better catching performance on the field.
Advanced Lacrosse Catching Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to explore advanced catching techniques that can elevate your game and surprise opponents.
Mastering One-Handed Catches
One-handed catches are impressive and can be extremely useful in certain game situations. How can you perform a successful one-handed catch?
To execute a one-handed catch:
- Extend your dominant arm out to the side, holding the stick firmly.
- Track the ball with your eyes as it approaches.
- Reach out to catch the ball with your stick, using your thumb to secure it against the sidewall.
- Bring the ball in towards your body in a smooth motion.
Practice one-handed catches by throwing the ball against a wall and catching it with one hand. Start with your dominant hand and gradually incorporate your non-dominant hand as you become more comfortable.
Perfecting Behind-the-Back Catches
Behind-the-back catches are another advanced technique that can catch opponents off guard. How do you perform this impressive maneuver?
To execute a behind-the-back catch:
- Turn your body so your back faces the passer.
- As the ball approaches, reach behind your back with your stick.
- Catch the ball with the sidewall of your stick.
- Use your wrist to cradle the ball and bring it around to the front of your body.
Practice behind-the-back catches with a partner, starting with slow, easy passes and gradually increasing the speed and difficulty as you improve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Learning to Catch
As you develop your catching skills, it’s important to be aware of common mistakes that can hinder your progress. By recognizing and avoiding these errors, you can accelerate your learning and become a more effective catcher.
Mistake #1: Improper Stick Positioning
One of the most common mistakes beginners make is incorrect stick positioning when attempting to catch. How should you position your stick for optimal catching?
Keep your stick at a slight angle, with the head tilted slightly upward. This creates a “funnel” effect, guiding the ball into your pocket. Avoid holding your stick completely vertical or horizontal, as this can cause the ball to bounce out or miss the pocket entirely.
Mistake #2: Taking Your Eyes Off the Ball
Another frequent error is looking away from the ball before completing the catch. Why is it crucial to maintain visual focus on the ball?
Keeping your eyes on the ball until it’s securely in your stick ensures better hand-eye coordination and reduces the chances of drops or missed catches. Resist the urge to look for defenders or teammates before you’ve secured the ball.
Mistake #3: Rigid Arms and Hands
Many novice players tense up when attempting to catch, leading to stiff arms and hands. How does this affect your catching ability?
Rigid arms and hands make it difficult to absorb the impact of the ball and adjust to its trajectory. Instead, keep your arms and hands relaxed but ready. This allows for better “give” when the ball makes contact with your stick, increasing your chances of a successful catch.
Enhancing Your Catching Skills Through Proper Equipment
While technique is paramount, having the right equipment can significantly impact your catching abilities. Let’s explore how your choice of lacrosse stick and pocket can affect your catching prowess.
Choosing the Right Lacrosse Stick
Selecting an appropriate lacrosse stick is crucial for developing strong catching skills. What factors should you consider when choosing a stick for catching?
- Stick Length: Ensure the stick length complies with your league’s regulations and feels comfortable for your height and playing style.
- Head Shape: A wider head can provide a larger catching surface, beneficial for beginners. As you advance, you may prefer a more pinched head for ball control.
- Shaft Material: Consider the weight and feel of different materials like aluminum, titanium, or composite.
Remember, the best stick for catching is one that feels comfortable and natural in your hands, allowing you to focus on technique rather than equipment.
Optimizing Your Pocket for Better Catches
The pocket of your lacrosse stick plays a crucial role in catching. How can you optimize your pocket for improved catching performance?
A well-strung pocket should have a slight bag in the middle, creating a natural catching area. The depth of the pocket can affect your catching ability:
- Deeper Pockets: Offer more forgiveness for catches but may slow down your release.
- Shallower Pockets: Provide quicker releases but require more precise catching technique.
Experiment with different pocket depths and stringing styles to find what works best for your catching style and skill level.
Incorporating Catching Skills into Game Situations
Mastering catching techniques in practice is essential, but applying these skills in game situations is where true proficiency is demonstrated. Let’s explore how to effectively use your catching abilities during actual play.
Catching on the Move
In lacrosse, you’ll often need to catch while running or changing direction. How can you maintain your catching form while in motion?
- Keep your eyes on the ball and your stick in a ready position as you move.
- Adjust your speed to match the trajectory of the pass.
- Use quick footwork to position your body for the catch.
- Practice catching while running at various speeds and angles during drills.
Remember, catching on the move requires excellent coordination and spatial awareness. Regular practice in dynamic situations will help you become more comfortable with this skill.
Catching Under Pressure
During a game, you’ll frequently need to catch while defenders are applying pressure. How can you improve your ability to catch in tight situations?
To enhance your catching skills under pressure:
- Develop quick hands through rapid-fire catching drills.
- Practice catching with a defender nearby, gradually increasing the defensive pressure.
- Work on your peripheral vision to anticipate passes while keeping track of defenders.
- Learn to use your body to shield the ball from defenders as you catch.
By regularly practicing these scenarios, you’ll build the confidence and skill necessary to make crucial catches even when closely guarded.
Developing a Catching Mindset
Beyond physical technique and practice, developing the right mindset is crucial for becoming an exceptional catcher in lacrosse. Let’s explore the mental aspects that can elevate your catching game.
Building Confidence in Your Catching Abilities
Confidence plays a significant role in successful catching. How can you build and maintain confidence in your catching skills?
- Celebrate successful catches during practice and games.
- Learn from mistakes without dwelling on them.
- Set achievable catching goals and track your progress.
- Visualize successful catches before games and during breaks.
Remember, confidence comes from preparation and positive experiences. The more you practice and succeed in catching, the more confident you’ll become.
Developing Catching Instincts
Great catchers often seem to have a sixth sense for where the ball will be. How can you develop these catching instincts?
To hone your catching instincts:
- Practice reading the body language of passers to anticipate throws.
- Work on your reaction time through quick-stick drills.
- Expose yourself to various passing speeds and angles in practice.
- Play catch with teammates of different skill levels to adapt to various passing styles.
Over time, these practices will help you develop a natural feel for catching, allowing you to react instinctively in game situations.
How to Catch a Lacrosse Ball (Hack Your Skills)
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Catching a ball is an essential skill in lacrosse, like cradling or passing. It may seem simple but it requires proper technique, body positioning, and hand-eye coordination. This article will give you some tips and techniques on how to catch a lacrosse ball like a pro.
Here we go.
Table of Contents
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Fundamentals of Catching a Lacrosse Ball
Hand Positioning
Proper hand positioning is crucial 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 grip will allow you to have better control over the stick and the ball.
When catching the ball, you want to ensure your hands are away from your body. This will give you more room to move and adjust your stick as needed. Keep your hands relaxed but firm, and be ready to adjust your grip as necessary to catch the ball.
Body Positioning
Body positioning is just as important as hand positioning when learning how to catch a lacrosse ball. To properly receive a pass, keeping your front shoulder pointed toward the person passing you the ball is important. This will allow you to track the ball better and be in a better position to catch it.
As the ball travels toward you, move your feet so you lean into it. This will help you absorb the impact of the ball and give you more control over it. Keep your body relaxed but ready to move, and be prepared to adjust your position as necessary to catch the ball.
Remember to keep your eyes on the ball at all times, and angle the head of your stick toward the ball. Aim to have the ball hit the top center of your pocket where the netting is wider. This will give you the best chance of catching the ball and maintaining control of it.
Improving Your Catching Skills
Practice Drills
Practicing catching drills is crucial to improving your catching skills in lacrosse. One of my favorite drills is the “wall ball” drill. This drill involves standing about 5-10 feet away from a wall and throwing the ball against it, catching it with your stick, and then repeating the process. This drill helps improve hand-eye coordination and reaction time, which are essential for catching a lacrosse ball during a game.
(You may also watch this video to learn more about how to catch a lacrosse ball on a wall)
Another great drill is the “partner catch” 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.
Mental Preparation
Catching a lacrosse ball also requires mental preparation. One way to mentally prepare is to visualize yourself catching the ball successfully, which is a key component of learning how to catch a lacrosse ball. This can be done before a game or during practice. Visualizing yourself catching the ball can help build confidence and improve your focus.
Another way to mentally prepare is to stay relaxed and calm. Tensing up or getting anxious can make it harder to catch the ball. Take a deep breath and focus on the task at hand. Remember that catching a lacrosse ball is a skill that takes practice and patience.
Advanced Techniques
If you’ve mastered the basics of catching a lacrosse ball, it’s time to move on to more advanced techniques. These techniques require more skill and practice but can be game-changers on the field.
One-Handed Catches
A one-handed catch is a flashy move that impresses your teammates and opponents. You’ll need excellent hand-eye coordination and a firm grip on your stick to perform a one-handed catch.
When attempting a one-handed catch, keep your stick in your dominant hand and extend your arm out to the side. As the ball approaches, track it with your eyes and reach out to grab it with your stick. Use your thumb to secure the ball against the sidewall of your stick and bring it in towards your body.
Practice one-handed catches by throwing the ball against a wall and catching it with one hand. Start with your dominant hand and then switch to your non-dominant hand once you feel comfortable.
Behind-the-Back Catches
Behind-the-back catches are another impressive move that can catch your opponents off guard. To perform a behind-the-back catch, you’ll need good hand-eye coordination and comfortably cradle the ball behind your back. Learning how to catch a lacrosse ball using this technique can take time and practice, but it can pay off in a big way on the field.
Start by turning your body so that your back is facing the passer. As the ball approaches, reach behind your back with your stick and catch the ball with the sidewall. Use your wrist to cradle the ball and bring it back around to the front of your body.
Practice behind-the-back catches by throwing the ball against a wall and catching it behind your back. Start with slow, controlled movements and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.
Troubleshooting Common Mistakes
Misjudging the Ball’s Trajectory
One common mistake when catching a lacrosse ball is misjudging the ball’s trajectory. This can happen when you don’t keep your eye on the ball or when you don’t position your body correctly to receive the pass.
To avoid this mistake, make sure to keep your eye on the ball from the moment it leaves the passer’s stick. Also, position your body correctly by turning your head and front shoulder to the direction of the person passing the ball and move your feet so you lean into it.
If you still get into trouble misjudging the ball’s trajectory, try adjusting your stance and footwork. Practice catching with a partner and have them vary the speed and direction of the passes to improve your reaction time and ability to judge the ball’s trajectory.
Dropping the Ball
Dropping the ball is another common mistake when learning how to catch a lacrosse ball, but it can be avoided with the right technique. This can happen when you don’t have a firm grip on the stick, don’t use your non-dominant hand to secure the ball, or don’t have soft hands to absorb the ball’s impact.
To avoid dropping the ball, make sure to have a firm grip on the stick with your dominant hand near the top of the shaft and your non-dominant hand near the end of the shaft. Use your non-dominant hand to secure the ball and absorb the impact with soft hands.
If you still have this mistake, try adjusting your grip and hand positioning. Practice catching with a partner and have them vary the speed and direction of the passes to improve your hand-eye coordination and ability to secure the ball.
Lacrosse Catching Tips
Here are some tips that can help:
- Proper body positioning is key. You want to have your front shoulder directed at the person passing the ball. This allows you to see the ball better and react quickly to catch it.
- Keep your hands and arms away from your body. This gives you more space to catch the ball and reduces the chance of it bouncing off your stick.
- Angle the head of your stick toward the ball. This helps you catch the ball in the sweet spot of your pocket.
- Watch the ball into your stick. Keep your eyes on the ball until it is securely in your stick.
- Practice catching with both hands. Being able to catch with your non-dominant hand can make you a more versatile player.
Remember, catching a lacrosse ball takes practice and patience. Keep working on your skills, and you will see improvement over time.
In conclusion, learning how to catch a lacrosse ball may seem daunting at first, but with the right technique, practice, and patience, anyone can master this essential skill. Remember to keep your eyes on the ball, position your body correctly, and use your hands and arms to secure the catch. With time and effort, you’ll be able to catch lacrosse balls with ease, leading to greater success on the field and a deeper appreciation for the sport. So go out there, grab your stick, and start catching!
Want more skills? Click below:
Lacrosse Cradling | Lacrosse Passing
Lacrosse Stationary Passing
Using a lacrosse stick properly to deliver and receive passes can be easy to learn, but difficult to master. Like juggling, the basic moves that allow players to catch a ball in mid-flight can be taught in just a few sessions. But the unconscious thought that goes into the motion can take months or years to develop properly, and there are several ways to move an athlete from the beginning stages to an advanced level of play. As athletes gain confidence, control, and coordination, they also gain the ability to send passes with greater speed and accuracy. And as throwing skills improve, catching skills also increase. Players eventually reach a stage in which they can lock onto the trajectory of the ball, tune out distractions on the field, and catch a pass delivered at lightning speed.
By far, the best way to improve passing confidence and accuracy is simple: Practice and repetition. Players who spend at least a few minutes every day throwing and catching passes delivered by a friend or partner will see rapid improvements in their catching rates and passing accuracy. Coaches should encourage players to pass and catch on their own and at the beginning and end of each practice session. The more hours of practice an athlete can find during the season, the faster their skills will increase.
But as players partner or team up, they can divide their passing sessions into two basic categories: dynamic and stationary passing drills. Dynamic passing exercises can happen while players are in active motion across the field, which can include sprinting, moving around the goal area, or working against the pressure of a defender. Stationary passing exercises can take place with a small group standing in a circle or a row of partners positioned on either side of a line across the field.
Lacrosse Stationary Passing Drill
The exercise demonstrated in this video is a classic, simple routine called the lacrosse stationary passing drill. This drill requires almost no preparation and no equipment beyond a standard set of lacrosse gear for each participant. Players can execute this drill before beginning an intense training session, or they can work this simple exercise into the end of session as part of a warm up or cool down process.
To complete the drill, players can divide into two groups and the two groups can line up facing each other across a line down the center of the field. Each participant will stand facing a partner about five to ten yards away. Players can work with the same partner throughout the entire drill, or teams can shift partners by having the players on one side of the line move to the left or right occasionally throughout the session.
Each partner pair will be handed a ball and will begin sending the ball back and forth across the line using a simple, low speed overhand passing motion. As they pass the ball back and forth across the line, players can observe and offer each other pointers on technique. To shift the nature and purpose of the drill, advanced players can partner with beginners, or beginner and advanced players can pair with each other in order to create an appropriate level of challenge and/or experienced guidance. Coaches can move down the line to make sure players are paying close attention to skill, technique and teamwork.
Lacrosse Stationary Passing Drill: Correct Passing Technique
At all times during the stationary passing drill, players should be conscious of their stick handling skills. The stick should be held in a light but controlled grip, and the weight of the stick should be in the upper part of the hand, near the pads of the palm instead of close to the wrist. The arms should be held slightly away from the body with relaxed shoulder and a light, agile bend in the elbows.
The stick should be held in a way that allows quick movement and direction changes and a high level of responsiveness. Athletes should be careful not to clutch the stick tightly or become tense in the arms, shoulders and wrists.
The delivery of the pass should happen at a relaxed pace at first, until players feel the rhythm of the drill. Passes can be high or low and they can be sent to the left or right. The speed of the pass can pick up as the drill moves forward. If a pass is missed or a ball is dropped, players should move quickly to retrieve it and should use the opportunity to practice their loose ball recovery skills.
As players work on catching and receiving passes, they should focus on maintaining soft hands and a relaxed stick position that allows them to cradle the ball and return the pass with a high level of rhythm and control.
Players can exchange passes for just a few minutes before and after other exercises, or they can engage in a steady exchange for ten to fifteen minutes at a time. This drill can be incorporated into any daily practice session and should be a regular part of a seasonal training program.
Lacrosse Stationary Passing Drill: Following Up with Dynamic Passing Drills
After this basic drill, players and teams can move on to a few drills that engage slightly more complex passing and receiving actions, like the rhythm passing drill, the zig-zag drill, and any of a series of offensive and defensive passing drills available for both beginners and advanced players.
For a long list of video demonstrations of passing and receiving drills, players and coaches can visit the lacrosse training section of KbandsTraining.com. The site offers detailed video tutorials for a wide range of sports narrated by trainers and experts. Explore the available resources for baseball, basketball, track and field, football, soccer and several others. In the meantime, visit the site or reach out to the Kbands Trainers directly for questions and purchasing information regarding the Kbands resistance bands, the KB Powerbands, and other training aids like speed and agility cones and agility ladders.
Shesterkin about lacrosse goals: “This is disrespect for the goalkeeper. I would send off for trying to score like that” – Hockey
Igor Shesterkin considers lacrosse goals to be disrespectful to the goalkeeper.
“Sidney Crosby tried to score like that once. He did lacrosse with an uncomfortable hand. In general, I saw the beginning of this movement, but I don’t know if I would have managed to catch if the puck had [not] come off the hook or not.
But in general my opinion is that I would change the rules and send off for attempting lacrosse. This is disrespectful to the goalkeeper and his business,” said Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin.
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