Your Lacrosse Balls Soft. 15 Foam Lacrosse Ball Training Tips to Enhance Your Handling Skills

How can foam lacrosse balls improve your game. What are the key advantages of using foam balls for training. Which drills can help maximize your lacrosse skills development.

The Benefits of Foam Lacrosse Balls in Training

Foam lacrosse balls have emerged as a valuable training tool for players of all skill levels. Their soft, spongy texture offers numerous advantages over traditional rubber or leather balls, particularly for developing fundamental stick skills and enhancing overall performance.

Why should you consider incorporating foam balls into your training regimen? Here are some key benefits:

• Enhanced handling skills due to the lightweight nature of foam
• Confidence building for beginners and younger players
• Safer for indoor practice sessions
• Reduced risk of injury during drills and exercises
• Versatility in skill-building exercises
• Cost-effectiveness compared to standard lacrosse balls

These advantages make foam balls an excellent choice for players looking to refine their techniques and improve their overall game.

Mastering Cradling Techniques with Foam Balls

Cradling is a fundamental skill in lacrosse that requires practice and precision. Foam balls can significantly aid in developing this crucial ability. How can you use foam balls to enhance your cradling technique?

Cone Cradling Drill

Set up a series of cones in your practice area and cradle the foam ball around them. Focus on maintaining ball security while navigating the obstacles. As you progress, increase your speed to challenge yourself further.

Behind-the-Back Cradling

Experiment with more advanced cradling techniques, such as behind-the-back cradling. The foam ball’s forgiving nature allows you to perfect these moves without the risk of losing control.

Cradling Ladder Drills

Incorporate foam balls into agility ladder drills to isolate hand-eye coordination skills. Try two-handed cradling while moving through the ladder, or switch hands at each rung for an added challenge.

Improving Passing and Catching Skills

Accurate passing and reliable catching are essential components of a well-rounded lacrosse player’s skillset. How can foam balls help refine these crucial abilities?

Quick Stick Wall Ball

Position yourself 5-10 feet from a solid wall and practice quick stick throws and catches. Focus on rapid ball release and soft catches with minimal cradling. This drill enhances your reaction time and hand speed.

Catching on the Run

Have a partner toss foam balls ahead of you while you sprint to catch them over your shoulder. This exercise builds confidence in catching passes while in motion, a vital skill in game situations.

Off-Hand Drills

Develop your non-dominant hand by performing passing and catching drills with your off-hand. The lightweight nature of foam balls makes it easier to build confidence when switching hands.

Enhancing Ground Ball Skills with Foam Balls

Securing ground balls is a critical aspect of lacrosse that can often determine the outcome of a game. How can foam balls help improve your ground ball technique?

Partner Ground Ball Drills

Work with a partner who rolls foam balls on the ground for you to scoop. Focus on proper form: knees bent, buttocks lowered, and head up. The foam’s forgiving nature allows you to concentrate on body positioning rather than worrying about clean catches.

Rapid-Fire Ground Ball Practice

Coaches can roll a continuous stream of foam ground balls for players to scoop. The soft texture eliminates hand sting, allowing for more repetitions and faster skill development.

Ground Ball Transition Drills

Incorporate foam ball ground ball work into full-field transition drills. For example, scoop a foam ground ball, pass to a teammate, sprint downfield for a catch, and finish with a foam ball shot on goal.

Developing Dodging and Agility Skills

Effective dodging and agility are crucial for creating scoring opportunities and evading defenders. How can foam balls enhance these skills?

Foam Ball Dodge Drills

Set up cones to represent defenders and practice dodging around them while cradling a foam ball. Focus on keeping your hands free and your stick away from your body to increase agility and ball control.

Split Dodge Practice

Work on crucial dodging moves like the split dodge using a foam ball. The ball’s softness allows you to concentrate on perfecting your footwork and body position rather than worrying about maintaining possession.

Flipping and Palming Techniques

The soft foam allows you to experiment with more advanced ball-handling techniques such as behind-the-back flips and topside palming. Master these moves with foam balls before attempting them with regulation balls.

Enhancing Shooting Accuracy and Power

Precise and powerful shooting is essential for scoring goals and putting pressure on the opposing team. How can foam balls contribute to improving your shooting skills?

Wall Ball Shooting Practice

Practice shooting against a solid wall from various distances, starting close and gradually moving farther away. The foam ball’s soft nature allows you to shoot with full force without risking damage to your practice area.

Different Shot Types

Use foam balls to work on different shot types, such as overhand, sidearm, and underhand shots. The lightweight nature of the foam helps you focus on proper form and technique for each shot type.

Shooting on the Move

Incorporate foam ball shooting into movement drills. Practice shooting while dodging, cutting, or after receiving a pass on the run. This helps simulate game-like situations and improves your ability to shoot accurately under pressure.

Goalie Training with Foam Balls

Goalies play a crucial role in lacrosse, and foam balls can be particularly beneficial for their training. How can goalies leverage foam balls to enhance their skills?

Goalie Warm-Up Drills

Use foam balls for goalie warm-up shooting drills. The softer material is gentler on the goalie’s hands, allowing them to focus on save movements and techniques without the added hand pain from harder balls.

Reaction Time Drills

Set up rapid-fire shooting drills using foam balls to improve a goalie’s reaction time. The lighter weight of the foam balls allows for quicker shots, challenging the goalie to make split-second decisions.

Positioning Practice

Use foam balls to work on proper positioning in the goal. The reduced fear of injury allows goalies to experiment with different stances and movements to find the most effective positioning for various shot types.

Incorporating foam lacrosse balls into your training routine can significantly enhance your overall skills and performance on the field. By utilizing these 15 tips and drills, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a more confident and capable player. Remember to gradually increase the difficulty of your drills as you improve, and don’t hesitate to get creative with new exercises that target specific areas of your game.

As you progress in your training, you may find it beneficial to alternate between foam balls and regulation balls to ensure you’re comfortable with both. This approach allows you to build confidence and perfect your technique with foam balls while maintaining the feel and weight of standard game balls.

Ultimately, the key to success in lacrosse lies in consistent practice and a willingness to push your limits. By incorporating foam ball training into your regimen, you’re giving yourself a valuable tool to accelerate your skill development and take your game to the next level.

Why Use Foam Lacrosse Balls for Training?

As a lifelong lacrosse player and coach, I’ve seen firsthand the benefits of using foam lacrosse balls for training and practice. Whether you’re a beginner looking to develop fundamental stick skills or a seasoned player wanting to take your game to the next level, foam balls can be a useful tool.

Foam balls have a soft, spongy feel that makes them easier to control, especially for younger players and those new to the sport. The foam material absorbs some of the impact when catching passes or scooping ground balls, reducing sting and allowing players to focus on proper form and technique.

Here are some of the key advantages of using foam lacrosse balls:

• Improved handling skills – The lightweight foam allows for quicker hand speeds and reaction time.
• Confidence building – The softness allows beginning players to build confidence cradling, passing, and catching.
• Safer for indoor use – Foam balls won’t damage walls, windows, etc. when practicing shots indoors.
• Gentler checks and contests – Foam balls reduce injury risk during stick checks and ground ball battles.
• Versatility – Foam balls can be used for all skill building, not just beginners.
• Affordability – Quality foam balls cost much less than leather or rubber balls.

From youth leagues to college club teams, I’ve seen athletes at all levels reap benefits from incorporating foam ball training. Here are 15 drills and exercises to help maximize your development:

1. Cradling Around Cones

Set up a series of cones or objects in your yard or a nearby field. Take your foam ball and practice cradling around the cones, focusing on keeping the ball secure in your stick without dropping. Increase speed for added challenge.

2. Quick Stick with a Wall

Stand about 5-10 feet from a solid wall. Practice quick stick throws and catches, focusing on releasing the ball quickly from your stick and softly catching the rebound with minimal cradling. Reaction time is key!

3. Scooping Ground Balls

Have a partner roll foam balls on the ground while you work on scooping techniques. Use proper form – knees bent, butt down, head up. The foam allows you to worry less about catching cleanly and focus on body position.

4. Foam Ball Dodge Drills

Set up cones as “defenders” and practice dodging around them while cradling a foam ball. Work on keeping your hands free and stick away from your body to increase agility.

5. Wall Ball Shooting

Practice shooting against a solid wall from up close or 10-15 yards away. The soft foam allows you to shoot full force for accuracy without worrying about damage. Make sure to practice different types of shots!

6. Cradling Ladder Drills

Use a foam ball while doing agility ladder drills – it helps isolate hand-eye skills. Try two-handed cradling while doing the ladder, or switch hands each rung.

7. Catching on the Run

Have a partner toss foam balls leading out in front of you while you practice sprinting and looking them in over your shoulder. The foam helps build confidence catching passes on the move.

8. Split Dodge Practice

Work on crucial dodging moves like the split dodge with the foam ball. The softness allows you to focus on perfect footwork and body position rather than keeping the ball in your stick.

9. Ground Ball Roll Drills

Coaches can roll a steady stream of foam ground balls for players to scoop. The softness allows for rapid-fire reps without worries of hand sting.

10. Quick Hands and Release

Practice boxing and triangle drills with foam balls to build quicker hands and release out of your stick. The lightweight material improves finger and wrist speed.

11. Foam Ball Transition Drills

Incorporate foam ball work into full field transition drills. For example: scoop a foam ground ball, pass to teammate, sprint downfield for a catch, then finish with a foam ball shot.

12. Behind-the-Back Cradling

Work on cradling and ball control drills using behind-the-back technique. Foam balls let you get the feel of trickier moves down before using a regular ball.

13. Flipping and Palming

The soft foam lets you experiment with more advanced ball handling like flipping behind your back and palming topside. Don’t try these with a real ball until mastering with foam!

14. Off-Hand Drills

Develop your weak hand by doing any of these drills with your off-hand cradling the foam ball. The lightness makes it easier to build confidence switching hands.

15. Goalie Warm-Ups

Foam balls are gentler on goalie’s hands during shooting warm-ups. Focus on technique and save movements without the hand pain.

As you can see, foam lacrosse balls have a place in every player’s training toolkit. The softness reduces sting while allowing players to develop confidence and build skills. Look for foam balls with a smooth outer skin for easy scooping and passing – DON’T use the squishy porous kinds. Brands like Champro make quality foam balls for lacrosse training. With some creativity, the possibilities for stick skill drills are endless!

Remember, foam ball training complements but doesn’t replace using regular lacrosse balls once skills are developed. But adding foam balls into your practice routines can take your fundamentals to the next level. Train hard and smart using the right tools – your handling and confidence will become truly unstoppable on the field!

Best Foam Balls for Ground Ball Drills

In my experience as both a player and coach, ground ball drills are one of the best ways to develop essential lacrosse skills. Scooping ground balls teaches critical body positioning, eye-hand coordination, and stick handling.

Unfortunately, taking repeated ground balls with a solid rubber lacrosse ball can really sting your hands. That’s why foam lacrosse balls are a must-have training tool for GB drills.

The soft foam material absorbs impact when scooping and cradling, reducing vibration and hand pain. This allows you to focus on proper technique – getting your body low, keeping your stick out front, and locking in the ball.

However, not all foam balls are created equal when it comes to ground ball drills. Here are some things to look for:

• Smooth outer surface – Allows for easy scooping without “sticking.”
• Medium density foam – Absorbs impact but still has some weight to mimic a real ball.
• Proper size – Same dimensions as a regulation lacrosse ball.
• Retains shape – Doesn’t flatten out or deform with repeated use.
• Bright colors – Easier to spot on grass during drills.

Based on these criteria, my top 3 recommendations for foam lacrosse balls for GB work are:

1. Champro Training Lacrosse Balls

Champro makes some of the best foam lacrosse balls I’ve used for drills. They have a durable outer skin that holds up well and provides great feel when scooping and cradling. The foam is dense enough to mimic the weight of a real ball. You can produce some satisfying “pop” sounds when passing and shooting too!

2. EZ Goal Soft Lacrosse Balls

EZ Goal’s soft lacrosse training balls are a great budget-friendly option. The polyurethane cover is smooth for easy handling. The softness allows for high rep GB drills without killing your hands. The bright colors make spotting rolls and passes easy.

3. SKLZ Lacrosse Training Balls

For a ball with a little more weight to it, check out SKLZ’s foam training balls. They compress easily when catching passes but still have some “substance” to mimic lacrosse ball physics. The outer material feels broken in, ideal for ground ball drills right off the bat.

In addition to dedicated foam lacrosse balls, I’ve also had success using soft foam playground balls for ground ball practice. They are super lightweight but have enough grip to scoop and cradle with a stick. Just make sure to get smooth easy-grip foam rather than porous foam.

Here are some of my favorite ground ball drills to do with foam balls:

Two-Line Ground Balls

Form two lines about 10 yards apart. Have the first player in each line roll a ground ball out toward the opposite line. Work on scooping through the ball and securing with quick, tight cradling. Take turns going back and forth, rolling ground balls for your partner.

Rapid Fire Ground Balls

Have players form a single file line. Take turns rolling ground balls to the first person in line who scoops and makes a quick outlet pass to the next person before jogging to the end of the line. Keep the pace fast so each player takes 4-5 ground balls in a row before rotating.

GB Scoop and Clear

Incorporate ground balls into a full field drill. Place two cones 15-20 yards apart. Take turns rolling a ground ball between the cones. The player must sprint, scoop the ball, and clear it past the opposite cone with hard, decisive cradling.

Situational GBs

Roll ground balls with specific game situations in mind. For example, simulate a scrappy ground ball near the crease and have players work on keeping their stick protected and clearing the ball through traffic. Or roll 50/50 ground balls just out of reach to practice full extension checks.

Varying the GB drill keeps things challenging. And using foam lacrosse balls allows for high volume, high repetition training to ingrain proper technique and body position. Remember to stay low, keep your stick out front, and drive through the ball on every ground ball!

Incorporating foam lacrosse ball drills into practices builds stick skills, confidence, and handling efficiency. Players learn to value possession and scoop ground balls cleanly. Work those ground balls and your game around the cage and on 50/50’s will reach the next level!

Improve Cradling Skills with Lightweight Foam

As a lacrosse coach, I’m always looking for tools to help my players improve their fundamentals. One of the keys to developing as a stick handler is improving cradling skills. This is where lightweight foam lacrosse balls can make a huge difference.

The soft, spongy feel of a foam ball allows for quicker hand speeds and reaction time. When you cradle a foam ball, it moves effortlessly with the slightest wrist and finger motions. This lets you focus on perfecting a smooth cradling motion rather than fighting to control a solid rubber ball.

Here are some of the advantages of using foam balls for cradling skill development:

• Builds hand-eye coordination
• Allows for subtler finger and wrist movements
• Improves ability to cradle in tight spaces
• Forces quick reactions to maintain ball control
• Less hand fatigue allows for longer training sessions

I like to incorporate foam ball cradling drills as part of every practice to reinforce muscle memory. Here are some of my favorite ways to utilize foam balls:

Figure 8 Cradling

Use cones to create “figure 8” patterns on the field. Have players cradle a foam ball through the course, changing direction and working on protecting their stick from checks.

Obstance Course Cradling

Set up an obstacle course using cones, ladders, small goals, etc. Players must cradle the foam ball through the course while maintaining control.

Moving Circle Cradling

Have players stand in a large circle and cradle a foam ball while shuffling to stay facing the middle. On command, change direction to mimic game action.

Dodge and Cradle

Set up foam ball cradling stations paired with dodging moves – rolls, splits, face dodges. Work on changing direction while keeping the ball protected.

Split the Defenders

Line up 2-3 “defenders” (teammates or cones). Offensive players must dodge and cradle through the gap while protecting their stick from checks.

Varying the drills keeps things competitive and challenging. I like to turn cradling skill work into relay races to keep energy high.

Here are some key coaching points I emphasize for improved cradling:

• Heads up, eyes scanning the field
• Elbows tight to the body
• Fingers spread wide down the sidewall
• Rolling top hand wrist for fluid motion
• Change pace and planes – high, low, side to side

Cradling a foam ball helps ingrain these proper mechanics. The lightweight material forces you to cradle with finesse and precision rather than power. Your hands and forearms will get a great workout!

Training with foam lacrosse balls builds hand speed, finger dexterity, and overall ball control. By mastering cradling fundamentals, you’ll gain the confidence to maintain possession in traffic on game day. Put in the reps and foam ball cradling mastery will soon become second nature.

Foam Vs. Rubber – Key Differences and Benefits

As a lacrosse player, you’ve probably used both foam and rubber lacrosse balls in your training. But do you know the key differences and the advantages of each type of ball?

Understanding the unique characteristics of foam and rubber balls allows you to select the right one for your practice needs.

Here’s an overview of the differences:

• Foam balls are lightweight, soft, and spongy. Rubber balls are solid and have more weight.
• Foam absorbs impact, reducing hand sting. Rubber provides a more realistic feel.
• Foam balls are easier to control and cradle. Rubber develops handling skills.
• Foam allows safer indoor shooting. Rubber generates ball speed.
• Foam gives confidence to beginners. Rubber improves skills of experienced players.

As you can see, each material has advantages depending on your needs. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the unique benefits of foam lacrosse balls:

Improved Handling

The lightweight responsiveness of foam promotes quicker hand speed and reaction time. The soft feel allows you to try trickier moves like behind-the-back cradling.

Confidence Building

Newer players can build confidence cradling, catching, and passing with foam balls before moving to rubber. The gentler feel helps reduce dropped passes and botched catches.

Injury Prevention

Checks and contests for ground balls are less jarring with foam balls. And foam provides a gentler alternative for hand wall ball shooting drills.

Versatility

Foam lacrosse balls can improve fundamentals for players of all ages and abilities. Beginners benefit from the soft feel and veterans use foam to enhance precision.

Indoor Use

The softness makes foam balls ideal for indoor shooting drills. They won’t damage drywall or windows like heavy rubber balls.

At the same time, rubber lacrosse balls have their own advantages:

Realism

The solid feel and extra weight of rubber balls closely mimics on-field lacrosse ball physics and forces you to improve control.

Lasting Durability

Quality rubber balls stand up to year after year of heavy use for practices and games. Foam tends to compress and deform over time.

Ball Speed

The added mass of rubber translates into harder, faster shots. Foam balls float slowly by comparison.

I like to use foam balls for focused skill training drills and rubber for scrimmages or shooting practice. Blending foam and rubber ball work accelerates development for players of all skill levels. Train hard and smart using the right tool for each practice task!

Develop Faster Hands with Foam Ball Reaction Drills

In lacrosse, quick hands are everything. The ability to catch crisp passes, flip the ball in tight spaces, and release from checks requires lightning fast hand speed and reaction time.

This is where foam lacrosse balls can really accelerate development. The soft, lightweight feel forces you to react quickly to maintain control. And the reduced impact allows for endless reps to ingrain muscle memory.

Here are some of my go-to reaction and hand speed drills using foam balls:

Quick Stick Wall Ball

Stand about 5 yards from a solid wall and work on catching your own pass off a rapid wall bounce. Catch the foam ball cleanly and release it immediately back to the wall. Start slow and increase the speed, mixing up wrist and overhand shots.

2-BallHandling

Cradle one foam ball in your stick while palming a second ball in your free hand. Pass the palmed ball back and forth from your stick to your palm hand, alternating at different angles and speeds. Keeps both hands engaged!

Flip Drills

While cradling a foam ball, work on quickly flipping it behind your back and over your shoulder to the opposite side. Catch cleanly and continue cradling to build coordination.

Quick Stick Partner Passing

Stand 5-10 yards apart and make quick touch passes back and forth to your partner. Work on catching the foam ball cleanly and firing immediate return passes from all angles.

Reaction Ball

Have a partner randomly drop or toss a foam ball your way from different angles. React quickly to scoop or catch the ball cleanly before it hits the ground.

I like to turn these drills into competitive reactions contests. See how many clean catches you can make in a row or race to 50 successful catches.

Here are some keys to developing faster hands through foam ball training:

• Minimize cradling – keep passes and releases quick
• Focus on finger and wrist motion rather than arms
• Work both hands equally
• Increase speed and reduce reaction time
• Practice catching balls above, below, and away from your body

The lightweight responsiveness of foam lacrosse balls forces you to react quickly with your hands and fingers to maintain control. This builds neural pathways for lightning fast reflexes and hand speed.

Make reaction drills part of every practice session. And remember to switch up hands – don’t just work your dominant hand. Faster hands lead directly to increased confidence and improved performance in game situations. Put in the foam ball work and feel your stick skills reach the next level!

How to Choose the Right Density Foam Balls

One of the key factors in selecting foam lacrosse balls for training is density. The softness or firmness of the foam material affects how the ball performs for different drills and skills work.

Finding foam balls with the right density optimizes the training benefits. Here are some tips on selecting foam density:

Lightweight Foam

The lightest density foam balls are very soft and squishy. They weigh next to nothing and are easy to indent with your fingers. These ultra-light balls are great for:

• Beginner cradling and handling skills
• Minimizing hand sting for high rep drills
• Developing finger and wrist strength
• Low-impact indoor shooting practice

Medium Density Foam

Medium density foam balls have a bit more heft and resistance. They still compress easily but retain their shape better than lightweight foam. Medium density is ideal for:

• Improving handling skills
• Ground ball pickup drills
• Passing and catching at close range
• Forceful indoor shooting practice

Firm Foam

The highest density foam balls feel almost solid. They compress minimally and have significant weight. Firm foam provides realistic sensation for:

• Advanced stick skill drills
• Mimicking the feel of a real lacrosse ball
• Full-force shooting practice
• Competitive scrimmages and drills

I recommend having a variety of foam densities available for different practice needs. Lightweight for repetitive skill building, medium for handling drills, firm for shooting and game simulation.

Factors like age, experience level, and drill type impact ideal foam density. Young beginners need the softest while varsity high school players may prefer firmer foam. Test foam balls in store by squeezing them in your hand to evaluate density.

Dialing in the right foam balls for each drill accelerates skill development. Analyze your training needs and choose foam with density optimized for the task. Soon handling any lacrosse ball will feel easy!

Foam Balls Allow Safer Wall Ball Shooting Practice

One of the best solo lacrosse training drills is wall ball. Firing shots against a solid wall improves shooting mechanics, accuracy, and power generation.

However, repeatedly pelting a hard wall with solid rubber lacrosse balls can take a toll on your hands and the wall itself. This is where foam balls provide a safer and smarter option.

Here are some of the benefits of using foam lacrosse balls for wall ball shooting practice:

• Reduced hand sting – Foam absorbs impact instead of your palms
• Lower risk of injury – Foam reduces chances of hand or wrist pain
• High repetition – Shoot relentlessly without battering your hands
• No wall damage – Foam won’t scuff, dent, or crack walls over time
• Practice anywhere – Foam enables indoor wall ball year-round

With foam balls, I can take thousands of shots in a single session without enduring throbbing hands after. The soft feel eliminates any hand or wrist pain while still allowing me to generate force and shoot full speed.

Here are some of my go-to foam ball wall ball drills to improve shooting:

Quick Stick Shooting

Focus on a fast catch and immediate shot off the rebound, releasing in one fluid motion. Develops shooting rhythm and rapid release.

Alternating Hands

Switch shooting hands on each shot to build strength and feel in your weak hand.

Shooting on the Run

Charge up to the wall and work on gathering and shooting while on the move. Great for game simulation at full speed.

Fake and Shoot

Incorporate shot fakes, jump shots, step-downs, and rolls before each foam ball shot. Mimics real in-game shooting mechanics.

Increase Distance

Start close with simple catch and shoots, then gradually move further from the wall to increase shooting power and range.

Foam lacrosse balls enable you to shoot flat out without sacrificing quality reps or destroying your hands. I like to finish wall ball sessions with a few minutes of rubber ball shooting to recalibrate the feel and pop.

Regularly incorporate foam ball wall ball into your training regimen. The soft feel maximizes shooting volume while minimizing pain and injury risk. Your shooting accuracy, velocity, and consistency will rapidly improve!

Train One-Handed Cradling and Dodges with Foam

Dodging and cradling with one hand is an advanced lacrosse skill. But foam balls allow you to safely practice tricky one-handed moves to expand your game.

The soft, lightweight feel of foam lets you try riskier cradling and dodges. A dropped foam ball is no big deal. But losing the ball in a game can be costly.

Here are some ways to use foam balls to improve one-handed skills:

One-Handed Cradling

While stationary or jogging, cradle a foam ball in your stick using just your top hand. Keep your bottom hand completely off the stick to isolate and strengthen top hand cradling.

Behind-the-Back Cradling

Cradle the foam ball behind your lower back using one hand. Switch hands each rep to build dexterity on both sides of your body.

Top-Hand-Only Dodges

Execute dodges like split dodges and roll dodges while cradling the foam ball with just your lead hand. Stay low and sell the dodge fully.

Quick Stick Reaction Transfers

Toss the foam ball in the air and practice quickly transferring it to your bottom hand before cradling or passing it. Develops hand-eye coordination.

One-Handed Ground Balls

Practice cradling and scooping ground balls with only your top hand on the stick. keeps your weak hand engaged while scooping.

I like to incorporate these one-handed foam ball drills into warmup routines to prepare hands and build confidence before switching to a regular ball.

Here are some keys to maximizing development:

• Start stationary, then increase speed and movement
• Exaggerate dodging moves and sell it with your body
• Keep your stick and elbows tight to your core
• Focus on wrist strength and finger dexterity
• Alternate lead hands each rep

One-handed cradling creates space from defenders when executed properly. Foam ball training builds the hand speed, strength, and control to cradle confidently in traffic.

Don’t limit yourself to two-handed cradling. Use foam balls to push your limits safely. You’ll gain an unpredictable edge when you master one-handed moves.

Use Indoor Foam Balls to Maintain Skills Off-Season

One of the biggest challenges in lacrosse is staying sharp during the off-season when you can’t get on a field. This is where training with foam lacrosse balls indoors provides a major advantage.

The soft, lightweight feel of foam balls allows you to practice stick skills inside without damaging walls or furniture. And the portability means you can take foam ball workouts on the road.

Here are some of the benefits of off-season foam ball training:

• Maintain handling and cradling skills
• Improve shooting accuracy
• Build hand-eye coordination
• Prevent skill regression between seasons
• Conveniently practice anytime, anywhere

I like to break indoor foam ball sessions into handling skill work and shooting/passing drills. Here are some of my go-to exercises:

Cradling and Ball Control

Figure 8’s, switching hands, behind the backs, underneath legs – get creative with cradling! Focus on keeping the ball secure.

Quick Stick Wall Ball

Work on rapid fire catching and shooting off a rebound. Vary shot type and move closer or further from the wall.

Target Passing

Set up targets like a laundry basket and practice hitting them with pinpoint foam ball passes. Boosts passing accuracy.

Footwork Agility

Incorporate cone drills, ladder drills, and suicides while cradling and handling the foam ball.

I also like to play “mini lacrosse” games inside using foam balls and improvised goals. Keeps things competitive!

Foam ball training bridges the gap between seasons. Stick skills remain sharp and muscle memory stays ingrained with regular practice. Just 15-20 minutes per day maintains feel and handling.

Don’t take extended time off. Dedicate off-season workouts with foam balls and you’ll dominate when taking the field next season!

Prevent Injury with Gentler Foam Ball Checks

In lacrosse, stick checks are part of the game. But repeatedly whacking solid rubber balls can take a toll on hands and wrists over time. This is where foam balls help reduce injury risk.

The soft, forgiving feel of foam absorbs impact rather than jarring your hands on contact. You can deliver hard checks without endured aching palms after practice.

Here are some of the benefits of using foam balls for stick check drills:

• Gentler contact reduces hand sting
• Lowers risk of developing wrist and hand pain
• Allows coaches to emphasize proper checking technique
• Safer checking fosters confidence in young players
• Decreased fatigue means more reps each session

I like using foam balls for these check-focused drills:

Poke Check Contests

Face off and try to poke check the foam ball free. Emphasize quick sticks and proper hand placement.

Checkout Dodge Drill

Cradle through a line of defenders trying to check your stick loose. Protect stick under arm.

50/50 Ground Balls

Place ball between 2 players and have them compete safely for possession.

Full Contact Foam Ball Scrimmages

Rotate foam balls during full field practice games. Checks are active but reduced injury risk.

I finish check drill sessions with some reps using rubber balls to recalibrate the feel. But foam enables high volume training.

Here are some key coaching points for proper checking technique:

• Lead with your hands, not your stick
• Keep your hands together and fingers spread wide
• Chop down through the lower third of your opponent’s stick
• Time checks to attack your opponent’s stick when vulnerable
• Stay controlled and avoid reckless slashing

Solid fundamentals make great checkers, not brute force. Foam balls allow coaches to instill proper mechanics and players to develop confidence delivering checks.

Incorporate foam balls into check drills early and often to build skills safely. Your defense will become punishing while reducing stick penalties.

Work on Quick Stick Skills with Foam Balls

In the fast-paced game of lacrosse, quick stick skills are vital. The ability to catch crisp passes and instantly re-direct the ball with a quick release separates elite players.

This is an area where foam lacrosse balls really shine for skill development. The soft, lightweight feel encourages you to cradle minimally and rely on quick handles.

Here are some of my go-to foam ball drills for honing quick stick skills:

Rapid Fire Passing

Stand 5 yards apart and make quick touch passes back and forth. Emphasize immediate catches and releases.

2 vs 2 Quick Stick

Play 2 vs 2 keep away in a small space. Work on tight catches and instant redirection of the foam ball.

Triangle Passing

Form triangles and run passing patterns. Focus on quick catch and release as third man gets open.

Foam Ball Boxing

Face a partner and trade quick stick passes back and forth, carrying the ball as little as possible.

Quick Outlet on Ground balls

Scoop a ground ball with minimal cradle and make a quick up-field outlet pass.

I emphasize catching the foam ball with hands only and avoiding cradling after catches. This forces quicker reactions.

Here are key pointers for developing quick stick skills:

• Minimize cradling – catch and release immediately
• Look to pass before the ball arrives
• Catch with hands only, no cradling
• Step toward target and lead with your stick hand
• Release with a push pass, don’t wind up

The soft feel of foam lacrosse balls makes catching cleaner. And the lightness accelerates handling speed and reactions.

Quick stick skills translate directly to more goals and assists. Use foam training to maximize hand speed and ball movement – you’ll become a threat in tight spaces.

Improve Accuracy on the Run with Foam Balls

One of the toughest lacrosse skills is shooting or passing accurately while at full speed. Foam lacrosse balls allow you to safely practice handling and passing on the run.

The soft, forgiving foam gives you confidence to try catching passes and winding up shots while moving at game speed. A dropped foam ball is no big deal.

Practicing on-the-run skills with foam balls provides several benefits:

• Builds hand-eye coordination at full speed
• Allows you to focus on body motion and mechanics
• Mimics real game ball feel and erratic movement
• Boosts conditioning by combining sprints and handling
• Allows for mistakes without turnovers or bruises

Here are some good dynamic shooting and passing drills with foam balls:

Give-and-Go

Pass to a partner while on the move then give a target hand for the return pass at full speed.

Catching Outlets on the Run

Have a coach or partner throw looping outlet passes to work on catching in stride and transition speed.

Wheeling Shooting Drill

Sprint laterally across the goal mouth, receive a pass, wheel around and shoot on the run.

On-the-Run Deflections

Toss foam balls off-target and work on adjusting your body and stick mid-sprint to catch or tip passes.

I like to progress from stationary passes to leading players at faster speeds with foam balls. This builds coordination and feel at game pace.

Mastering on-the-run skills requires quality volume reps. Foam lacrosse balls allow you to get in the work safely. Your handling and confidence make huge leaps!

Develop Footwork and Agility with Foam Ball Handling

Having soft hands and sharp stick skills are essential for any lacrosse player. But without proper footwork and agility, those skills can only take you so far. That’s why training with foam lacrosse balls can be a game-changer when it comes to improving your overall ball handling abilities.

Foam lacrosse balls have a soft, spongy feel that makes them easier to cradle and maintain control, especially for beginners. The foam material provides just enough grip to stick to your crosse while still being pliable enough to absorb impact. This allows you to focus more intently on developing quick feet and fluid body movements since you don’t have to worry as much about the ball bouncing out.

Here are 15 tips for utilizing foam lacrosse balls to boost your footwork and agility:

1. Practice cradling while moving – Jog, shuffle side to side, skip, backpedal and pivot while cradling a foam ball. Work on changing direction smoothly without losing control.
2. Ladder drills – Set up a ladder drill either on the grass or on a hard surface. Focus on maintaining a smooth cradling motion as you quickly weave your feet in and out.
3. Cone agility drills – Set up a series of cones in different patterns and work on cradling the foam ball as you maneuver your way through the course.
4. Quick sticks – Stand in front of a rebounder or wall and practice catching and throwing the foam ball as fast as you can while rapidly moving your feet.
5. Two-ball drills – Cradle one foam ball in your crosse and one in your free hand. Switch back and forth to work on handling while keeping your feet active.
6. Dodging drills – Pretend defenders are guarding you and practice dodging, cutting and changing direction abruptly while maintaining ball control.
7. Circle cradling – Stand in a circle with a group, cradling a foam ball. On command, sprint across the circle to switch spots with someone else while protecting your ball.
8. Box drills – Create a box shape with cones and practice side-shuffling, backpedaling and pivoting around the perimeter while cradling.
9. Pass and catch – Stand 10-15 yards apart from a partner. Quickly pass the foam ball back and forth while shuffling your feet in between catches.
10. Situational drills – Mimic game-like scenarios such as being double-teamed, picking up ground balls, rolling off picks and cutting toward the goal.
11. Behind-the-back – Work on cradling and handling the ball behind your back while incorporating footwork and agility movements.
12. Obstacle courses – Set up obstacles to run through, jump over, shuffle around or crawl under while maintaining ball control.
13. Mirror drills – Stand opposite a partner and mirror their footwork and agility movements while cradling a foam ball.
14. Reaction drills – Have a partner randomly call out commands like “Dodge left!” “Roll back!” “Spin right!” and quickly react while protecting your ball.
15. Yoga ball balancing – Improve coordination by standing on a yoga ball and smoothly cradling the foam lacrosse ball.

The beauty of foam lacrosse balls is that they allow you to push yourself to be quicker and more agile without sacrificing ball handling form. The foam material absorbs impact as you learn to cradle and control through complex footwork patterns. And since they have a similar feel to a real lacrosse ball, the skills translate directly onto the field.

Incorporating these types of foam ball drills into your training regimen will help take your overall game to the next level. Your footwork will get faster, your cuts will get sharper and your handle will get stronger. Before you know it, no defender will be able to keep up!

Get Creative with Foam Ball Training Drills

As a lacrosse player, you know the importance of having strong fundamental stick skills. But simply repeating the same basic drills over and over can get monotonous. That’s why adding foam lacrosse balls into the mix can spark new levels of creativity in your training.

The soft, forgiving nature of foam balls opens up a whole new world of possibilities. You can invent fun, dynamic drills that would be difficult to replicate with stiffer, heavier balls. Getting creative with your training keeps things fresh, challenges your skills and enhances your development as an overall lacrosse athlete.

Here are some ideas to ignite your imagination when using foam balls for your stick work and handling drills:

1. Obstacle Course Cradling – Set up a series of obstacles in your backyard or on the field. Zig-zag through cones, jump over sticks, crawl under a limbo pole, etc. while cradling a foam ball.
2. Lacrosse Bowling – Stand about 10 yards from a buddy and take turns rolling or bouncing foam balls to try and knock over a line of cones set up like bowling pins.
3. William Tell Trick Shots – Place foam balls on top of cones or pool noodles. Take shots trying to blast the balls off without knocking over the cones.
4. Lacrosse Juggling – Using your stick and hands, see how many foam balls you can juggle at once. Try behind-the-back and under-the-leg tosses.
5. Hot Potato – Stand in a circle and rapidly toss foam balls around, random style. If you drop a ball, you’re out!
6. Lightning Quick Stick – Test hand speed by seeing how many times you can pass a foam ball back and forth with a partner in 60 seconds.
7. Slippery Ground Balls – Soak foam balls in water to make them more slick. Then practice scooping tough ground balls.
8. H.O.R.S.E. – Take shots on goal from various spots and challenging angles. If you miss, that’s a letter. Spell out HORSE and you’re out!
9. Stickhandling Soccer – Dribble a foam ball up and down the field with just your stick and feet, no hands. Take shots on goal!
10. Foam Lacrosse Golf – Create a putting course with holes of different lengths. Use your lacrosse stick to sink foam “golf balls.”
11. Beach Ball Box Lacrosse – Substitute bigger, lighter beach balls for some unique box lacrosse competition.
12. Trick Shot Challenge – Film crazy behind-the-back, through-the-legs, off-the-wall trick shots using foam balls.
13. Partner Pass and Catch – While standing back-to-back, pass and catch foam balls to work on communication and awareness.
14. Foam Ball Fight – Split into teams and have a foam ball dodgeball battle royale in your practice space!
15. Cradling Maze – Set up a maze with sticks and cones. Travel through cradling foam balls without hitting obstacles.

The list could go on and on. Once you start brainstorming, you’ll discover so many creative and fun ways to integrate foam balls into your training routine. And the softness of the foam allows you to try innovative drills that you wouldn’t dare attempt with regulation balls.

Training with foam lacrosse balls breathes new life into your stick skills and handling work. The drills don’t feel repetitive because you’re consistently coming up with fresh ideas to challenge different aspects of your game. Before you know it, you’ve spent an hour or more honing your fundamentals without even realizing it.

So grab a handful of foam balls, utilize that lacrosse IQ and get those creative juices flowing. Not only will your skills improve faster, but you’ll actually look forward to your next training session! Then watch how those newfound stick abilities translate seamlessly onto the field when game time arrives.

Foam Lacrosse Balls: Affordable Must-Have Training Tool

If you’re looking to step up your lacrosse game without breaking the bank, foam lacrosse balls are an inexpensive piece of equipment that can make a big difference. These lightweight, soft balls allow for solo practice nearly anywhere and build essential stick skills. While professional players invest in high-end options for training, affordable foam balls offer developing athletes an easy way to hone their handling.

From perfecting cradling to nailing quick releases, foam lacrosse balls support all aspects of development. Their soft exterior develops hand-eye coordination needed for adept handling, while their lightweight build strengthens grip and wrist muscles necessary for controlling passes and shots. Let’s explore why every player should keep a set of foam lacrosse balls handy for practice.

Develop Stick Skills Without Equipment Damage

One major perk of foam lacrosse balls is that they prevent equipment damage during solo practice. Their soft exterior allows you to use full force without harming floors, walls, netting, or other gear. Since they weigh mere ounces, you can perfect passing, catching, cradling, and shooting to your heart’s content, even indoors.

Outdoor wall ball sessions are a great way to develop handling mechanics through repetition. Foam lacrosse balls won’t scuff or dent siding and play surfaces like heavy rubber balls might. You can also use them inside for stick tricks and handling drills without worrying about breakage or annoyance to housemates.

Practice Quick Releases and Develop Wrist Strength

A snappy release is critical for getting shots and passes to top speed quickly. Foam lacrosse balls are ideal for developing this skill since their lightness requires applying fast force to make them travel far. The foam material also allows gripping the ball within the pocket smoothly for seamless releases.

The lightweight design also helps strengthen wrists, hands, and forearms with less strain than heavier balls cause. Strong wrists translate to better ball control and more fluid handling. Targeted exercises like rapid fire passing against a wall or squeezing the ball improve performance through consistent practice.

Master Cradling Techniques for Flawless Control

Smooth and consistent cradling means keeping the ball settled securely in the pocket during play. Foam lacrosse balls make it easy to learn proper cradling techniques because their soft surface sticks nicely to mesh pockets. Since they’re lightweight, maintaining a cradling motion uses less effort compared to rubber versions.

Practicing cradling while walking, jogging, and sprinting improves coordination for maintaining control at all speeds. Changing direction quickly and cradling around obstacles also ingrains muscle memory for steadiness. Foam lacrosse balls are ideal for mastering cradling fundamentals through repetitive stick work.

Develop Hand-Eye Coordination for Superior Handling

Quick and accurate passing requires split-second coordination between eyes, hands, and stick. Foam lacrosse balls are bouncier than other balls, forcing you to focus on tracking them in motion. Their lightweight feel also requires precise handling to catch and direct their movement.

Challenging solo drills like the superman drill, which involves tossing the ball overhead and catching behind the back, builds this hand-eye connection. Even basic passing against a wall boosts focus, since the balls move faster and less predictably than heavier versions. Refining coordination translates directly to crisper handling on the field.

Practice Anywhere, Anytime for Frequent Skill Development

Foam lacrosse balls deliver unmatched convenience for frequent solo practice. Their softness and light weight allow using them both indoors and out with minimal noise or disruption. Leave a set in your bag or car for squeezing in practice anytime: while watching TV, waiting around, or on lunch break.

Portability also means easy outdoor practice on the go. Pack a ball on family trips or outings to brush up on fundamentals during free time. Frequent, short practice sessions with foam balls lead to natural skill development over time. Consistency is key!

Affordable Price Point Makes Them Accessible

While high-end lacrosse balls cost upwards of $30 each, quality foam versions are available for under $10 apiece. This affordable price point allows players of all levels to own multiple balls for solo and partner practice. Having a variety of colors and designs makes juggling drills more engaging too.

For youth and school teams, ordering inexpensive foam lacrosse balls in bulk keeps equipment costs down. Having enough lacrosse balls for the whole team ensures no one misses out on critical solo and small group training. Affordability makes foam balls a prudent training investment.

Prevent Injury and Gear Damage During Indoor Use

Practicing lacrosse indoors presents inherent risks of injury from high speed balls and potential damage to walls or furniture from errant shots. Foam lacrosse balls virtually eliminate these concerns by slowing down after contact and minimizing impact forces.

Using foam lacrosse balls while practicing shooting, passing, and stick tricks inside greatly reduces risks. Their soft exterior absorbs energy upon contact rather than transferring excess force through solid rubber constructions. The lightweight design also slows the balls after contact for safer indoor play.

Train Dexterity Needed for Deft Ball Control

Expert lacrosse players manipulate the ball deftly by rolling it around their stick head and body quickly during play. Foam balls are ideal for developing this dexterity since they easily roll across mesh pockets and over equipment. Their bouncy material actually improves control once you get the hang of it.

Practicing toe rolls, side rolls, neck rolls, and elbow rolls smooths out handling and transitions. Having full control over the ball’s positioning gives an edge when shaking defenders. Foam balls provide a fun way to learn intricate manipulation skills.

Hone Shooting Accuracy Without High Ball Speeds

Success in lacrosse depends greatly on shooting accuracy, both on the run and set up. Foam lacrosse balls allow players at all levels to develop this accuracy by removing excess ball speed from the equation.

Since foam balls have a maximum velocity much lower than solid rubber, you can focus on mastering shooting mechanics and placement. Developing muscle memory for shooting form is easier with foam versus heavy versions traveling too quickly to control.

Lower ball speeds also mean you can practice shooting on goal in your backyard safely without damaging fences or windows. Shooting repetitively in the same setting ingrains accuracy essential for scoring goals.

Whether you’re a youth athlete or accomplished player, keeping a set of foam lacrosse balls handy for frequent practice pays dividends. Their versatility and affordability make them an investment that supports skill development anywhere. By mastering handling fundamentals with foam balls, you’ll gain confidence controlling the ball when game time comes.