How can lacrosse players improve their skills through targeted drills. What are the most effective training techniques for goalies. Why are soft training balls beneficial for lacrosse practice. How can coaches incorporate video analysis into their training programs.
The Fundamentals of Lacrosse Training: Building a Strong Foundation
Lacrosse is a dynamic sport that requires a combination of skill, agility, and strategic thinking. To excel in this fast-paced game, players must master the fundamentals through consistent and targeted training. The Swax Lax Lacrosse Training Drills program offers a comprehensive approach to skill development, utilizing innovative equipment and proven techniques.
One of the key components of effective lacrosse training is the use of specialized equipment. Swax Lax soft lacrosse training balls have revolutionized practice sessions by providing a safe and versatile alternative to regulation balls. These soft balls mimic the weight and dimensions of standard lacrosse balls while offering several advantages:
- Enhanced confidence for players due to the soft, quilted construction
- Reduced bounce, allowing for easier ball control and more repetitions
- Versatility for players of all ages and skill levels
- Improved focus on technique without fear of injury
Essential Lacrosse Drills for Field Players: Honing Skills and Techniques
To become a well-rounded lacrosse player, it’s crucial to practice a variety of drills that target different aspects of the game. The Swax Lax training program includes a range of exercises designed to improve stick skills, footwork, and game awareness. Here are some essential drills for field players:
Catch and Release: Perfecting Ball Control
The catch and release drill is fundamental for developing quick hands and accurate passing. How can players improve their catch and release technique? Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Stand about 10 yards apart from a partner
- Throw the ball back and forth, focusing on catching cleanly and immediately releasing the ball
- Gradually increase the speed and difficulty of passes
- Practice with both dominant and non-dominant hands
Ground Ball Progression: Mastering Field Awareness
Ground balls are a crucial aspect of lacrosse, often determining possession and momentum. The ground ball progression drill helps players develop the skills needed to secure loose balls effectively. Why is this drill particularly effective with Swax Lax balls? The soft construction prevents excessive rolling, allowing players to focus on technique rather than chasing errant balls.
Jackpot: Enhancing High-Point Catches
The Jackpot drill is designed to improve players’ ability to catch the ball at the highest point above their shoulders. This skill is essential for winning face-offs and intercepting passes. To perform the Jackpot drill:
- Have a coach or partner toss balls high into the air
- Players must catch the ball at its highest point before it begins to descend
- Encourage players to call for the ball and use proper form when catching
Goalie-Specific Training: Developing Quick Reflexes and Positioning
Goalies play a crucial role in lacrosse, requiring unique skills and training methods. The Swax Lax Goalie Balls, featuring numbered panels, offer innovative ways to enhance goalie performance. Here are some specialized drills for lacrosse goalies:
Bucket Drill: Improving Low Shot Saves
The Bucket Drill focuses on helping goalies save low shots effectively. How does this drill work?
- Place a bucket or target on each side of the goal
- Have a shooter aim for the buckets, forcing the goalie to make low saves
- The goalie must call out the number on the Swax Lax ball after making the save
- This drill improves reaction time, positioning, and visual tracking
Freeze Drill: Enhancing Focus and Reaction Time
The Freeze Drill is designed to sharpen a goalie’s ability to track the ball and make quick decisions. To perform this drill:
- The shooter holds the Swax Lax Goalie Ball with the numbered panel facing the goalie
- The shooter then fires the ball at the goal
- The goalie must watch the numbered panel into their stick while making the save
- This drill forces goalies to maintain focus on the ball throughout the entire shot
Incorporating Video Analysis into Lacrosse Training
In the modern era of sports training, video analysis has become an invaluable tool for coaches and players alike. How can lacrosse teams benefit from incorporating video analysis into their training regimen?
Video analysis allows players and coaches to:
- Identify strengths and weaknesses in individual and team performance
- Study opponent strategies and tendencies
- Track progress over time and adjust training plans accordingly
- Provide specific, visual feedback to players for improvement
The Swax Lax Lacrosse Training Drills program recognizes the importance of visual learning and offers a series of instructional videos featuring top players and coaches. These videos demonstrate proper technique and provide guidance on executing various drills effectively.
Advanced Training Techniques: Elevating Your Lacrosse Game
As players progress in their lacrosse journey, it’s essential to incorporate more advanced training techniques to continue improving. Here are some advanced drills and concepts to elevate your game:
3 Man 2 Ball Drill: Enhancing Team Coordination
The 3 Man 2 Ball Drill is an excellent way to improve passing accuracy, ground ball skills, and conditioning simultaneously. How does this drill work?
- Form a triangle with three players, spaced about 10-15 yards apart
- Introduce two Swax Lax balls into the drill
- Players must continuously pass and move, ensuring that one ball is always in the air
- If a ball is dropped, the player must quickly scoop it and resume passing
This drill challenges players to maintain focus, communicate effectively, and improve their multitasking abilities on the field.
Leading Pass Drill: Perfecting On-the-Run Catches
The Leading Pass Drill is crucial for developing the ability to catch while in motion, a fundamental skill for fast-break situations. To execute this drill:
- Set up two lines of players, one with balls and one without
- The player with the ball runs forward and passes to the receiving player, who is also running
- The receiving player must catch the ball in stride and continue moving
- Gradually increase the distance and speed of the passes to increase difficulty
The Role of Strength and Conditioning in Lacrosse Training
While skill-based drills are essential, a comprehensive lacrosse training program must also include strength and conditioning elements. Why is physical fitness so crucial for lacrosse players?
Proper strength and conditioning:
- Enhance overall performance on the field
- Reduce the risk of injuries
- Improve endurance for long games and tournaments
- Increase power for shots and checks
- Boost agility for quick direction changes and dodges
Incorporating exercises such as plyometrics, agility ladder drills, and sport-specific weightlifting can significantly improve a player’s physical capabilities and on-field performance.
Leveraging Technology in Lacrosse Training: Beyond Traditional Methods
As technology continues to advance, new opportunities arise to enhance lacrosse training methods. How can teams and players leverage technology to improve their skills and strategy?
Virtual Reality Training
Virtual reality (VR) technology is making its way into sports training, including lacrosse. VR can provide players with immersive experiences that simulate game scenarios, allowing them to:
- Practice decision-making in high-pressure situations
- Improve spatial awareness and field vision
- Analyze plays from multiple perspectives
- Train mentally without physical strain
Wearable Technology and Performance Tracking
Wearable devices and performance tracking software can provide valuable insights into a player’s physical condition and on-field performance. These tools can help coaches and players:
- Monitor heart rate and exertion levels during practice and games
- Track distance covered and movement patterns
- Identify areas for improvement in technique and efficiency
- Prevent overtraining and reduce injury risk
By integrating these technological advancements with traditional training methods, lacrosse players can gain a competitive edge and accelerate their skill development.
Mental Preparation and Visualization Techniques for Lacrosse Success
While physical skills are crucial in lacrosse, mental preparation plays an equally important role in achieving success on the field. How can players develop their mental game to complement their physical training?
Visualization Exercises
Visualization is a powerful tool that can help players improve their performance and confidence. To practice visualization:
- Find a quiet space and close your eyes
- Imagine yourself successfully executing various lacrosse skills and plays
- Visualize the sights, sounds, and feelings associated with successful performance
- Practice visualization regularly, especially before games or important practices
Mindfulness and Focus Training
Developing mental focus and resilience can help players maintain composure during high-pressure situations. Some techniques to improve mindfulness include:
- Meditation exercises to improve concentration
- Breathing techniques to manage stress and anxiety
- Setting specific, achievable goals for each practice and game
- Developing pre-game routines to establish a focused mindset
By incorporating these mental preparation techniques into their training regimen, lacrosse players can develop a well-rounded skill set that encompasses both physical and mental aspects of the game.
Customizing Training Programs for Different Positions and Skill Levels
Effective lacrosse training recognizes that different positions and skill levels require tailored approaches. How can coaches and players create customized training programs to address specific needs?
Position-Specific Drills
While some drills benefit all players, certain exercises should be tailored to specific positions:
- Attackmen: Focus on shooting accuracy, dodging, and off-ball movement
- Midfielders: Emphasize transition play, two-way skills, and face-off techniques
- Defenders: Prioritize footwork, body positioning, and stick checks
- Goalies: Concentrate on hand-eye coordination, communication, and clearing
Skill Level Progression
As players advance, training programs should evolve to challenge them appropriately:
- Beginners: Focus on fundamental stick skills and basic game concepts
- Intermediate: Introduce more complex drills and situational play
- Advanced: Incorporate high-intensity, game-like scenarios and specialized techniques
By tailoring training programs to specific positions and skill levels, coaches can ensure that each player receives the most relevant and beneficial instruction to improve their performance on the field.
Swax Lax Lacrosse Training Drills
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Swax Lax soft lacrosse training balls provide a variety of applications for players of all ages. The weight and dimensions of the product mimic the qualities of a regulation lacrosse ball, while also enhancing the player’s ability to play with confidence due to its soft quilted construction. And with no bounce, missed passes are easily corralled and put back into the drill allowing more reps and less chasing.
Introduction to Swax Lacrosse Training Videos
Menu of Lacrosse Training Drill Videos
Lacrosse Fundamentals
A video series in partnership with US Lacrosse. It stars Ally Carey, former USA Team Member and D1 college star, on the key fundamentals of lacrosse.
Lacrosse Training Videos for Boys
- Swax Lax balls are terrific for Rebounders
- Our favorite drill at Swax Lax is Playing Catch
- Try the classic Basic Line Drill
- The Jackpot drill encourages players to catch the ball above their shoulders at the highest point
- Swax Lax balls are perfect for goalie warm-up drills
- The Ground Ball Progression drill works well because the balls don’t roll too far
- Who doesn’t love Stick Tricks?
Lacrosse Training Videos for Girls
- The Sleeping Giant drill is ideal for reinforcing good ground ball technique to very young players
- The Loading Drill improves shooting technique and focuses on correct follow through
- The Leading Pass Drill teaches players the important skill of catching on the run
- The purpose of the Catching at All Angles Drill is to teach players to catch the ball in their protective zone
- The Goalie Drill is perfect for pre-game warm-up or for practicing eight-meter shots
- The 3 Man 2 Ball Drill is an excellent ground ball or passing drill as well as a great conditioner
Goalie Training Videos for Boys (using Swax Lax Goalie Balls)
Ted Glynn of Goalie Solutions shares lacrosse drills he uses when training goalies.
- The Bucket Drill for goalies is for low shots.
- The Freeze Drill for goalies forces them to watch the numbered panels into their stick
- The High Drill forces the goalie to call out the color or number
- The Step and Targeting goalie drill forces the goalie to step and call out the color or number
- This drill forces the goalie to call out the number on the Swax Lax ball during the traditional Walk the Line drill
Goalie Training Videos for Girls
Ted Glynn of Goalie Solutions shares lacrosse drills he uses when training goalies.
- Head up, head down, the Bucket Drill is good for low and tell the number on the ball after she’s made the save
- The Freeze Drill works on step as well as targeting
- The High Drill forces the goalie to catch high and call out the number on the ball
- The Step and Targeting Drill uses stick side targeting while calling the number
- The traditional Walk the Line Drill using a Swax Lax Goalie ball with numbered panels
Articles on Lacrosse Drills
Visit our page with links to lots of fun and effective lacrosse drills for different ages and abilities.
Swax Lax Lacrosse Training Drills | Lacrosse Training Videos
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Lacrosse: Ukrainian sport from American films
Screenshot from video
Lacrosse is a very old sport. Its history dates back to the time of the existence of tribes in North America, but it has gained true popularity literally in the last 20 years.
Lacrosse came to Ukraine in 2011, and 6 years later, adherents of this sport created the Ukrainian Lacrosse Federation.
“Back in 2011, I saw a video of some strange game on the Internet, and it was love at first sight. My heart just exploded, I couldn’t even sleep for several nights. I started looking for what it is, who plays lacrosse in Ukraine, and I couldn’t find anyone, ”comments the President of the Ukrainian Lacrosse Federation Vladimir Demedyuk .
Today in Ukraine there are already 3 adult teams : Rivne “ Iroquois ”, Vinnitsa “ Wolves ” and Kyiv “ Kings ”. There are also several children’s teams, but there are no women’s teams yet.
Despite its active development, lacrosse is a completely new sport in Ukraine, so few people know about it.
One of the heroes of our program, a player of the national lacrosse team, Andriy Datsko, recalls how he learned about this sport: “I studied at the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, walked around the university, and saw a poster on some stand. As I remember now, there was a man in uniform, a collar and a stick, and it was written: “Come to play.” I decided to look on the Internet, I found a video, I remember it was called “Welcome to the Show”. There was such a tough, driving, funny video with American players. I looked and realized that I want to try it, I want to go there. Well, that’s when it started. That was 4 years ago.”
Lacrosse is a very dynamic and really powerful sport. To achieve success in it, you need to train hard and carefully work out different tactics, throws and catches.
Lacrosse
“There are several types of lacrosse. There are field lacrosse when 10 to 10 people play on a large football field. There is also Women’s Lacrosse . It is also played on a large football field, but girls play 12 by 12. Unlike men, girls do not have such equipment, different helmets, gloves, because they cannot play “in contact”. The third type of lacrosse is baxlacross . This, if someone has seen hockey, is very similar. It is played in the same hockey box, it is very strong, it needs a lot of equipment. And now, just recently, another type of lacrosse has appeared. It is called 6 by 6, that is, half the field. It is easy to start playing it, because it does not need many players,” Vladimir Demedyuk shared .
Now Ukrainian lacrosse is developing very dynamically, and the Federation invites everyone to join the training.
How to start lacrosse training – see the new episode of the program “ Coeval ” on UATV .
Let me introduce myself: lacrosse! – Gornovosti.Ru
Interest in previously little-known sports games often leads to the fact that a new sport in a fairly short time suddenly becomes widespread, mass, even Olympic. Today, for example, no one needs to explain to anyone what curling or field hockey are, although a few decades ago this would have required flipping through encyclopedias and gleaning information from sports literature. The sport that we will try to talk about today is probably also known to a few. Well, the more interesting it will probably be to get to know him better. Get acquainted – and, perhaps, make your choice.
A game for real Indians
Lacrosse (“la crosse”) – literally translated from French means “stick”. They say that this game was invented by the American Indians – ball competitions were used for the physical training of warriors. And also – for the bloodless, sports-peaceful resolution of conflicts that arose between the tribes. Archaeological finds suggest that lacrosse originated in the first half of the 15th century in what is now Canada. The first European settlers got acquainted with it in the 17th century, and in the 19th century, the beloved sports fun spread quite widely among the inhabitants of the French colony of Canada, who dubbed it in the French way. The first official game of lacrosse took place in 1867, so this sport, due to its historical roots, is quite capable of competing with football. By the way, another interesting fact, also related to the preservation of the historical roots of this ancient game. In addition to the national lacrosse association in America, today there is a team in which representatives of the Iroquois and other Indian tribes play.
RULES
Lacrosse is a contact sport between two teams. The goal is to hit the ball into the opponent’s goal using a stick called a stick.
There are four player positions in lacrosse: linebackers, forwards, defensemen and goaltender. Midfielders can be in any part of the field and play both in defense and in attack. The task of the defense is to prevent a goal being scored and receive the ball using a stick stick, using contact wrestling or a correctly chosen position on the field. The goalkeeper is the last line of defense.
The game is divided into several types, depending on the venue of the competition.
Grass lacrosse is a classic game played by two teams of ten.
Mini lacrosse (box lacrosse) is an indoor game played in teams of six.
Depending on the composition of the teams, there are:
– men’s lacrosse. Four periods of 15 minutes each. The playing field measures 100 x 55 meters with goals 1.8 meters wide. The gates are located at a distance of 72 meters from each other;
Women’s lacrosse. The game consists of two periods of 25 minutes each. The dimensions of the field and the width of the goals are usually the same as in the men’s version of the game, but the distance between the goals is already 92 meters.
EQUIPMENT
Rubber ball. The main game projectile in lacrosse. Its dimensions are 62.8-64.77 mm, weight – 140-146 grams.
Stick is a stick of a special design, which is a symbiosis of racket and net. Players use three types of sticks, differing in the length of the handle. Midfielders and attackers are armed with short sticks, defenders with long sticks. The goalkeeper’s tool is a stick with a larger net-net.
Safety helmet. Mandatory attribute of the player, reliably protecting the head and face from injuries.
Leggings. Designed to protect hands from impact.
Elbow and knee pads. Means that protect the player during contact wrestling, falls. To protect against possible injury, players are also allowed to use additional, usually hockey body protection.
REPEAT ROAD TO OLYMPUS
In its long history, this game has managed to climb Olympus. Olympic medals in lacrosse, however, were played only twice, at 1904 and 1908. Both gold sets went then, of course, to the Canadians. Later, lacrosse was deleted from the Olympic program, although it appeared on the Olympic fields three more times, but already as demonstration performances. The annual lacrosse world championships, which have been held for almost thirty years, give hope that the game’s ascent to Olympus may well be repeated.
Today there are more than three dozen national lacrosse federations in the world. Most of them are located in Europe and were created in the last decade of the 20th century, but the United States and Eastern Canada remain the leading countries, where lacrosse is very popular. In Canada, for example, it has already managed to become national – the main summer sport. Lacrosse is well known to the British and Australians. Associations for this sport have been established in Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand. Lacrosse was appreciated in China and India. In Russia, it has not yet been recognized as an official sport, but the creation of a lacrosse federation, the Russian initiators and enthusiasts of its promotion assure, is a prospect for the very near future.
In Russia at the moment there are only two full-fledged teams, in Moscow and St. Petersburg, playing among themselves the “Capital Cup” in lacrosse. In Moscow, a student team appeared, created on the basis of the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia. They complete the team in Yaroslavl. Let’s hope that this list will soon be replenished with another one, formed by enthusiasts here, in Krasnoyarsk. The guys spend their training sessions on weekends in Tatyshev Park, inviting everyone to join these classes.
COMMENT
Andrey ISTOMIN , captain of the emerging Krasnoyarsk lacrosse team:
— It is impossible not to fall in love with lacrosse if only because it is the most dynamic, fastest team game.