men’s 1v1 ground balls with outlet...

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MEN’S 1V1 GROUND BALLS WITH OUTLET DRILL

DRILL SPECS: Drill Theme: Ground Balls Drill Style: Skills, Game Field Location: Midfield Field Position: Offense, Defense, Midfield Time Needed: 5 Min Skill Level: Basic OBJECTIVE: To develop scooping up ground balls and passing skills under pressure. DRILL DESCRIPTION: Three lines of players stand 5 yards apart. One line is the outlet “help” line, and the other two lines compete for possession of the loose ball. Coach stands in between the two lines and roll out a ground ball. The player that scoops the ball passes to the outlet, while the opponent plays defense. Each player goes to the end of his line. Instruct players to scoop through the ball and run away from pressure. They should protect their stick after scooping the ball by keeping their body between the defender and the stick. SKILLS PRACTICED:

• Ground Balls • Stick Protection • 1 v 1 defense and attack • Passing Under Pressure

VARIATIONS: You can switch the angle from where the ground balls are coming from, behind, in front, or off to the side.


DRILL DIAGRAM:

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MEN’S 2 ON 1 GROUND BALL DRILL

DRILL SPECS: Drill Theme: Ground Balls Drill Style: Drill Field Location: Anywhere Field Position: All Time Needed: 5-10 Min Skill Level: Basic, Can be progressed

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this drill is to improve communication on ground balls and using extra players to your advantage.

DRILL DESCRIPTION: All players can participate in this drill simultaneously, but there should be no more than 10-12 in a group at one time. DRILL EXECUTION:

• Along the near sideline, set three lines of players – the two on the outside are the offense, and the one in the middle is on defense.

• The first players in each line should step out with their eyes looking forward. A coach will then roll a ball out in front of them and then they will fight to pick up the ball.

• If an offensive player wins the ball, he must pass it to his teammate before passing it to a coach. If a defensive player wins the ball, he must immediately pass it to a coach.

SKILLS PRACTICED:

• Man/Ball communication • Scooping under pressure • Moving the ball after picking it up

VARIATIONS:

• This drill can – and should – be practiced using both hands. To increase the competitiveness, challenge offensive players to do 10 push-ups each time a defender wins the groundball.

• To increase the difficulty of the drill, add an extra offensive and defensive player and station them by the goal – if the offense wins the initial groundball, they will attack the goal and play out a 3-on-2 live situation; if the defense wins the initial groundball, they must clear it to the midfield line.


DRILL DIAGRAM:


MEN’S 2 PASS GROUND BALL DRILL


OBJECTIVE: The objective of this drill is to get players in the habit of scooping through the ball, picking up groundballs under pressure, and passing the ball immediately after picking it up.

DRILL DESCRIPTION: All team players can participate in this drill simultaneously, but there should be no more than 8-10 players in each line. DRILL EXECUTION:

• Set two lines of players facing each other about 25-30 yards apart with a coach in-between the two.

• On a coach’s whistle, the first player in one line should pick up a ball and begin to run towards the opposite line. As he is scooping the ball, the coach should make a light check (token defense/dummy defense) on him.

• After he successfully picks up the ball, he should immediately pass it to first person in the opposite line. This player throws it right back to him, and he then drops the ball at his feet, and runs to the end of that line.

• The first player in the second line then picks up the groundball, runs through a light check from the coach, and throws the ball to the first player in the opposite line, and the pattern repeats itself.

SKILLS PRACTICED:

• Scooping under pressure • Passing immediately after scooping

VARIATIONS:

• This drill can – and should – be practiced using both hands.


DRILL DIAGRAM:


MEN’S 2V1 GROUND BALLS DRILL DRILL SPECS: Drill Theme: Ground Balls Drill Style: Game Field Location: Midfield Field Position: Offense, Defense, Midfield Time Needed: 10 Min Skill Level: Basic OBJECTIVE: To develop skill and teamwork on ground balls. DRILL DESCRIPTION: Three lines of players stand five yards apart. Roll out a ball between the middle player and either of the end lines. The players in the first two lines are teammates, and the players in the third line are their opponents. The players in the teammates’ line work together against a single opponent to win a ground ball. The player closest to the ball goes to scoop the ground ball, and the other player goes between the ball and the opponent’s body to body check him from the front or side and above the knees. Make sure teammates communicate clearly and correctly. SKILLS PRACTICED:

• Ground Balls • Communication • Number Advantages/Disadvantages • Passing Under Pressure

VARIATIONS: You can the angle of where the ground ball is coming from, behind, in front, or off to the side. Also you can allow this to go to goal.


DRILL DIAGRAM:


MEN’S 3 MAN GROUND BALL DRILL AUTHOR INFORMATION: Author Name: Ted Garber Author School: DRILL SPECS: Drill Theme: Ground Balls Drill Style: Game Field Location: Half Field Field Position: Offense, Defense, Midfield Time Needed: 5 Min Skill Level: Basic OBJECTIVE: To work on scooping up ground balls, stepping into passing lanes and then finding the open player. DRILL DESCRIPTION: Player X1 starts with the ball and rolls it to X4 for a ground ball scoop. X4 scoops the ground ball and immediately passes it back to X5. X5 must now move the ball to X1 for a shot on goal. SKILLS PRACTICED:

• Ground Balls • Stepping into Passing Lanes • Clearing space offensively • Passing and Catching

VARIATIONS: Add a defender randomly to make X4 find the open man anywhere on the field. Have the defender chase the ball.


DRILL DIAGRAM:


MEN’S 4 CORNER PICK AND GO GROUND BALLS DRILL

DRILL SPECS: Drill Theme: Ground Balls Drill Style: Skills Field Location: Attack Zone Field Position: Offense, Midfield Time Needed: 10 Min Skill Level: Basic OBJECTIVE: To focus players on ground balls and allow them to drill picking up the ground ball and going to the goal for a shot. DRILL DESCRIPTION: The coach will have a bucket of balls at the top of the attack zone. There will be 4 lines of players around the attack zone. One by one the coach will roll a ball to a line, and that player will get the groundball, scoop, and go to goal for a shot. After the shot the player will sprint across the field to the other line. SKILLS PRACTICED:

• Ground Balls • Shooting • Conditioning

VARIATIONS: Add a coach or defender in the middle of the field with along stick that will play soft defense on each line as they drive to goal for a shot. Add a goalie as well to build into real live game situations.


DRILL DIAGRAM:


MEN’S 5 YARD SCOOP DRILL DRILL SPECS: Drill Theme: Ground Balls Drill Style: Skills, Warm-Up Field Location: Midfield Field Position: Midfield Time Needed: 10 Min Skill Level: Basic OBJECTIVE: To teach players the basics of ground ball pick ups, by doing repetitive scoops down the field. DRILL DESCRIPTION: Have your players line up at one end line or side line, all with a lacrosse ball. On the first whistle the players will roll the ball out about 5 yards. On the second whistle the players will run to the ball and quickly get into a scoop position overtop of the ball, and freeze. On the third whistle they will scoop through the ball and sprint to the next line, cone or endline. Repeat this drill the length of the field, or back and forth between cones 10 yards apart. SKILLS PRACTICED:

• Ground Balls • Conditioning

VARIATIONS: Have players freeze over top of the ball, then on the next whistle have them kick the ball out or pull it back with their foot to practice being creative in pressure situations, then picking up the ball. Also have players practice this along a sideline, so they practice scooping along the sideline with their backside to pressure.


DRILL DIAGRAM:


MEN’S ALLEY/GROUND BALL DRILL AUTHOR INFORMATION: Author Name: Lou Corsetti Author School: Atlanta Youth Lacrosse DRILL SPECS: Drill Theme: Ground Balls Drill Style: Skill Field Location: Attack Zone Field Position: Offense, Defense, Midfield Time Needed: 10 Min Skill Level: Basic OBJECTIVE: To have players work ground balls in game play situations, learn to move under pressure, and gain field awareness. DRILL DESCRIPTION: Set up three cones on the end line in the alley of the attack zone. The coach rolls the ball out, and the player at each cone must go after the ground ball, gain possession and throw it back to the coach. They must stay in the alley (side-line to restraining line), and if they don’t they lost the ground ball. You can mix it up and have 2 on 1 and 3 on 2 ground balls. The concept is to get them to stay in the close confines of the Alley. If you have 2 on 1 or 3 on 2 they must pass it to each man on their team before they get it back to the coach. You can also put the ball on the side line and have them go after it and see what they do when the ball is 6 inches from the line. Emphasize groundball fundamentals and pushing from behind (why it is illegal). SKILLS PRACTICED:

• Cradling • Ground balls • Ball Movement

VARIATIONS: Change the length of the field, number of players on each team, location on the field, or hands allowed to pick up the ball.


DRILL DIAGRAM:


MEN’S BLIND MAN’S BLUFF DRILL AUTHOR INFORMATION: Author Name: Marty Lattman Author School: Custom Lacrosse Camps DRILL SPECS: Drill Theme: Ground Balls Drill Style: Game Field Location: Half Field Field Position: Offense, Defense Time Needed: 15 Min Skill Level: Intermediate OBJECTIVE: To improve communications and field awareness during unsettled situations. DRILL DESCRIPTION: Coaches choose a random number of offensive and defensive players to simulate a transition/unsettled situation (4 v 3, 3 v 3, 4 v 2, 3 v 5, etc). They then have these players walk with their eyes closed until the coach yells STOP! While the players remain standing with their eyes closed, the coach rolls the ball out and yells “Ball down”! The players can then open their eyes and play out the unsettled situation. SKILLS PRACTICED:

• Communication (both offensive & defensive players) • Field awareness • Defensive formations • Moving without the ball on offense • Quick decision making • Adapting on the fly

VARIATIONS: Coaches can walk the players around with their eyes closed to ensure that they are randomly dispersed. Also, additional players can be sent in on the fly once play has started.


DRILL DIAGRAM:


MEN’S BLUE MOUNTAIN DRILL AUTHOR INFORMATION: Author Name: Jeremy Adams Author School: Elizabethtown Area High School DRILL SPECS: Drill Theme: Unsettled Opportunities Drill Style: Skill Field Location: Offense Field Position: Offense, Defense, Midfield Time Needed: 15 Min Skill Level: Basic OBJECTIVE: To work on unsettled opportunities, ground balls, shooting, clearing, and making quick passes. DRILL DESCRIPTION: Start by setting up 3 lines of offensive players and 2 lines of defensive players at the midfield line. The coach begins the drill by rolling a ball out and creating a 3 v 2 ground ball. If the offense wins the ball they must execute a 3 v 2 attacking the goal. If the defense wins the ball they must get the ball to their goalie and then successfully clear the ball. The drill continues until the defense clears the ball; therefore if a failed clear happens the offense get another opportunity to attack the goal. SKILLS PRACTICED:

• Ball Movement • Quick Passes • Clears • Offense • Defense • Shooting

VARIATIONS: You can require that the offense make a certain number of passes before shooting. Similarly, you can make the defense make a certain amount of passes before clearing the ball. Also, you can add another line of offense and defense.


DRILL DIAGRAM:


MEN’S BOX OUT DRILL


OBJECTIVE: The objective of this drill is to reinforce fundamental scooping and team groundball techniques. DRILL DESCRIPTION: All players can participate in this drill simultaneously. DRILL EXECUTION:

• Assign each team player a partner, spacing the pairs out along the midfield line, and place one ball about 2 yards in front of each group.

• One player in each pair will be the scooper and one player will be the defender. • On a coach’s whistle, the defender will try to get around the scooper and the scooper will

shuffle his feet so that he can use his back and body to box the defender out and prevent him from getting to the ball.

• On a second whistle, the scooper should pick up the ball and run up-field. • After several repetitions, players should switch roles.

SKILLS PRACTICED:

• “Boxing out” • Scooping under pressure • Running away from pressure

VARIATIONS: • This drill can – and should – be practiced using both hands. • To increase the difficulty of the drill, increase the time between whistles (15 seconds, 30

seconds, etc.). • To add an additional component, add a third player to each group – after the scooper

picks up the ball, he must pass it to the third player (scooper then goes to pass catcher, pass catcher goes to defender, and defender goes to scooper).


DRILL DIAGRAM:


MEN’S CANADIAN 2V2 GROUND BALL DRILL

DRILL SPECS: Drill Theme: Ground Balls Drill Style: Game Field Location: Attack Zone Field Position: Offense, Defense Time Needed: 15 Min Skill Level: Intermediate OBJECTIVE: To focus players on ground balls in game like situations. The drill forces players to communicate, gain possession under pressure, and then go to goal. DRILL DESCRIPTION: The coach will be at the top of the attack zone with a bucket of balls. (2) Lines of players in white will be behind the cage with (2) lines of dark players. The coach will roll out a ball and the first players in each line will go after the ground ball. Players use man/ball communications to gain possession of the ball and then the team with the ball is on offense and the team without goes on defense. The drill ends with a shot, save, or clear. SKILLS PRACTICED:

• Ground Balls • Communication • Ball Movement • Conditioning

VARIATIONS: Have the goalie clear all saves or goals back to the defensive team and work on re-breaking up the field after a player shoots. Also, have the coach add players by yelling “plus 1” at random times to increase the 2 v 2, into a 3 v 3.


DRILL DIAGRAM:


MEN’S COVER SERIES GROUND BALLS DRILL

AUTHOR INFORMATION: Author Name: John Piper Author School: Manchester Valley High School DRILL SPECS: Drill Theme: Ground Balls Drill Style: Skill Field Location: Attack Zone Field Position: Offense, Defense, Midfield Time Needed: 10 Min Skill Level: Basic OBJECTIVE: To teach player the skill of groundball pick ups on both sides. The drill allows for pressure and disguised conditioning. DRILL DESCRIPTION: Groups of 5 (6 max). Players 1 & 2 are 5 yards from line with ball between them and sticks crossed over ball. Player 3 runs thru ball, rolls out passes to 1. 2 goes to end of line. Repeat. Do right then left. SKILLS PRACTICED:

• Scooping GB • Circle wide make quick pass • Be a need bender, get low, explore turn

VARIATIONS: Cover 1: No pressure, working on form, they need to circle wide Cover 2: Pressure from behind - 3 scoops ball with 4 trailing poke back hand, put pressure so 3 has to move to make good pass to 1. 2 moves to end of line. Repeat until everyone had gone using both hands Cover 3: Pressure (double) from behind - 3 scoops ball with 4 and 5 chasing double pressure. 3 must get open to pass to 1. Follow same rotation as in Cover 1 & Cover 2). Repeat until everyone has gone using both hands). Cover 4: Pressure with shut off - 3 scoops ball with 4 giving pressure. 2 tries to shut off 1 (deny pass). 1 must move off ball to get pass


Cover 5: Pressure double (with shut off) - Same as above but 4 and 5 double 3 while 2 tries to shut off **Additional Notes** In 10 min/15 min you have worked GB under pressure, worked on doubling the ball, worked on shutting off a player and worked on getting open. There is not much time to play grab but in line = disguised conditioning. Give the players a set rotation. Outlet should put ball down to set up next run. Everyone needs to move to get back in place. DRILL DIAGRAM:


MEN’S GROUND BALLS – 3 ACROSS THE FIELD DRILL


OBJECTIVE: This is a great drill that can be done by an individual to improve their ground ball skills in a short period of time. It is very good for beginners as you introduce the skill of scooping and provides advanced players the chance to get in lots of reps, and to focus on fundamentals. DRILL DESCRIPTION: For Right Handed Scooping:

• Hands shoulder width apart. • When a player sees the ball on the ground they yell “Ball”. When the ball is scooped they

yell “Break”. If they don’t yell these then consider having the whole team do 3-5 push-ups as a gentle reminder.

• As the player approaches the ball they should get their right foot as close as possible to the ball. This gets their body over the ball and protects the head of the stick from checks by defensive players.

• The left hand should be at the knee or below. “Scrape the knuckles” • After scooping the player should accelerate (to avoid the defender catching them), bring

the stick up to their face, and turn in a counterclockwise arc. (Turning in an arc is important for younger players who hold the stick out in front after scooping because they haven’t mastered the skill of bringing the stick up to the face immediately after scooping.)

• You can remind the players to “Scoop it”; “Kiss it” (bring it to face); “Hear it” (bring the stick to the ear and protect it.

• For Left handed scooping the Right hand will be by the knee and the players will turn in a clockwise arc.

DRILL EXECUTION:

• Players pair off and stand on the sideline. • Player 1 gently rolls the ball out towards the opposite sideline, then runs and scoops it. • Repeat until the player has scooped it 3 times then turns around and repeats 3 scoops

going back towards Player 2.


• The coaches must stress to the kids that they go slowly enough so that their technique is perfect. This drill is to reinforce the fundamentals, not just “kill time”. Bring stick to face and cradle after the scoop, just like in a game.

• When Player 1 returns to the sideline Player 2 will then do the same thing. • To avoid confusion, we suggest that they do them all right-handed for 2 turns, then all

left-handed for 2 turns. SKILLS PRACTICED:

• Scooping • Protecting the ball • Turning in the correct arc• Conditioning

VARIATIONS:

• Pick up the pace so there is more conditioning and they learn to concentrate on the fundamentals when going full speed.

• Introduce a dodge after each scoop. They must protect the stick during the dodge.

DRILL DIAGRAM:


MEN’S GROUND BALL – BOX OUT DRILL


OBJECTIVE: The objective of this drill is for players to learn to get their center of gravity (their hips) low to protect a ground ball from a defender. They will also be practicing scooping and immediately passing to a teammate.

DRILL DESCRIPTION: The player protecting the ball must keep his hips low and knees flexed to maintain leverage against the defender. This is a great drill to get players used to responding to defensive pressure, and a good drill to use as a pre-game warm up. It also gets them active and in the correct state of mind for game play.

DRILL EXECUTION:

• Player 1 puts the ball down. • Player 2 stands behind him. • Coach blows the 1st whistle. Player 2 moves around trying to get by Player 1 and get to

the ball, but he should not actually scoop it. Player 1 must keep his hips low and knees bent to box Player 2 out and keep him away from the ball.

• After 5-10 seconds Coach blows the 2nd whistle. Player 2 relaxes. Player 1 scoops the ball, brings the stick up to his face, turns in the correct arc, and runs far enough away so he can throw it to Player 2.

• The players switch positions and the drill is repeated. SKILLS PRACTICED:

• Keeping the hips low and knees bent to avoid being pushed off of a ball. • Scooping, protecting the ball, turning in the correct arc. • Running through the ball so that they can pass to their teammate. • Learning to look for a teammate and pass the ball immediately after a ground ball.


VARIATIONS:

• Have Player 2 do the drill without his stick. He must focus on quick footwork to get around Player 1

DRILL DIAGRAM:


MEN’S GROUND BALLS WITH CONDITIONING DRILL

AUTHOR INFORMATION: Author Name: Laurie Markle Author School: DRILL SPECS: Drill Theme: Ground Balls Drill Style: Conditioning, Skill Field Location: Midfield Field Position: Offense, Defense, Midfield Time Needed: 5 Min Skill Level: Basic OBJECTIVE: Use physical fitness to work on ground ball pickups. DRILL DESCRIPTION: Start by placing 5 balls on the 10 yard line and 5 balls on the 15 yard line. Players start on the end line. On the whistle the players run out and pick up the ball on the 10 yard line, return the ball to the starting line, and run to pick up the ball on the 15 yard line. Players go until all balls have been picked up. SKILLS PRACTICED:

• Ground Balls • Conditioning • Pivots

VARIATIONS: You extend the length of the sprints and decrease the number of balls. You can have them do it with a partner so they can get a rest in between sprints.


DRILL DIAGRAM:


MEN’S GROUND BALL – OUT AND BACK DRILL


OBJECTIVE: This drill is meant to be done in pairs, providing a high number of repetitions, and reinforces scooping and quick passing to teammates. DRILL DESCRIPTION:

• Coaches must stress to the players that they go slowly enough so that their technique is perfect. This drill is meant to reinforce the fundamentals, not just “kill time”.

• Bring stick to face and cradle after the scoop, just like in a game. • To avoid confusion, we suggest that they do all 3 ground balls right handed for a turn,

and then left-handed for the next turn. Alternating each time. DRILL EXECUTION:

• Players pair off and stand on the sideline. Player 1 gently rolls the ball out towards the opposite sideline.

• Player 2 runs and scoops it, turns in the correct arc, makes an accurate pass to Player 1, and runs back to tap the sideline/ground near Player 1’s foot with his stick.

• This is repeated until Player 2 has scooped it 3 times, then the players switch positions. SKILLS PRACTICED:

• Scooping • Protecting the ball • Quick passing off of a ground ball • Turning in the proper direction (away from pressure)• Conditioning

VARIATIONS:

• Pick up the pace so there is more conditioning.


DRILL DIAGRAM:


MEN’S GROUND BALLS TO A SHOT DRILL AUTHOR INFORMATION: Author Name: Ted Garber Author School: DRILL SPECS: Drill Theme: Ground Balls Drill Style: Game, Warm-Up Field Location: Attack Zone Field Position: Offense, Midfield Time Needed: 5 Min Skill Level: Basic OBJECTIVE: To work on developing offensive recognition skills. DRILL DESCRIPTION: Player X1 starts with the ball and rolls it to X4 for a groundball scoop. X4 scoops the groundball and immediately passes it back to X1. After X4 passes he cuts back door to receive a pass back from X1. X4 then catches and shoots the ball. SKILLS PRACTICED:

• Ground balls • Denying cuts and passes • Finding open player • Passing and Catching

VARIATIONS: Add a defender randomly from either line. Have the players cross in front of the goal and flip or fake flip the ball instead of making the second pass once the defender is incorporated into the drill.


DRILL DIAGRAM:


MEN’S GROUND BALL WITH CHASER DRILL

DRILL SPECS: Drill Theme: Ground Balls Drill Style: Drill Field Location: Anywhere Field Position: All Time Needed: 5-10 Min Skill Level: Basic, Can be progressed OBJECTIVE: This ground ball drill provides high repetitions, reinforces scooping under pressure, accelerating through the ball to avoid being checked by a chaser, and quickly passing to a teammate.

DRILL DESCRIPTION: The player scooping the ball must remember to accelerate through the scoop to avoid being checked, bringing the stick to the face and cradling after the scoop, just like in a game. DRILL EXECUTION:

• Player 1 is 5 yards ahead of Player 2. Coach is even with Player 2. • Coach rolls ball out to Player 1 who runs to scoop the ball, Player 2 chases Player 1. • Player 1 must scoop, turn correctly, and make an accurate pass to the Coach. • Player 2 tries to poke or better yet, lift the bottom hand of Player 1 to disrupt his scoop.

SKILLS PRACTICED:

• Scooping under pressure, protecting the ball, turning in the correct direction.

VARIATIONS:

• Close the distance between the players so that Player 2 is more likely to get a check on Player 1.

• Switch to the other side so players must scoop left-handed.


DRILL DIAGRAM:


MEN’S GROUND BALL WITH OUTLET PASS DRILL

AUTHOR INFORMATION: Author Name: Ted Garber Author School: DRILL SPECS: Drill Theme: Ground Balls Drill Style: Warm-Up, Skill Field Location: Attack Zone Field Position: Offense, Defense, Midfield Time Needed: 15 Min Skill Level: Intermediate OBJECTIVE: To work on developing offensive recognition skills. DRILL DESCRIPTION: Player X1 starts with the ball and rolls it to X4 for a groundball scoop. X1 then steps out to shadow defend X4. As X4 scoops the groundball, X2 steps out after X1 and “mirrors” the side that X4 steps to after scooping. X4 passes back to X2. SKILLS PRACTICED:

• Ground Balls • Stepping into Passing Lanes • Passing and Catching

VARIATIONS: Have the outlet pass step out to the opposite side of the defender.


DRILL DIAGRAM:


MEN’S MAN/BALL DRILL DRILL SPECS: Drill Theme: Ground Balls Drill Style: Skills, Games Field Location: Midfield Field Position: Offense, Defense Time Needed: 15 Min Skill Level: Basic OBJECTIVE: To teach players the basics of team ground balls and communications when the ball is on the ground and then picked up. DRILL DESCRIPTION: Set up 3 defensive lines on the sideline and facing midfield. Have 2 additional lines of offensive players in between the defensive lines, facing the same directions. The coach will have the ball and will roll it out into the midfield area. On the whistle the players will run after the ball and try to gain control. When the players get within 3 yards of the ball, players should work on taking either man (and checking the opposing player away from the ball) or take ball (and go after pick up the ground ball). After one team gains control of the ball, the players must complete 1 pass before getting the ball back to the coach. SKILLS PRACTICED:

• Ground Balls • Communication • Ball Movement

VARIATIONS: Haveplayersstartontheirstomachs,orfacingawayfromwheretheballwillbethrown.Thiswillrequireallplayerstoturnandfindtheballastheyruntopickitup,makingforanevenplayingfield.Also, add and subtract lines to make your players go 2 v 1, 2 v 2, 3 v 2, etc.


DRILL DIAGRAM:

Man-Ball Drill

MM M M MC


MEN’S HOGAN LACROSSE “BUTT TO BUTT DRILL”

DRILL SPECS: Drill Theme: Ground Balls Drill Style: Skills, Warm-Up Field Location: Midfield Field Position: Offense, Defense Time Needed: 10 Min Skill Level: Basic OBJECTIVE: This drill helps players understand body awareness, how to lower your levels, and fight for a groundball. But most importantly after scooping the ball, run away from pressure. DRILL DESCRIPTION: Thanks to Matt Hogan of Hogan Lax for this great drill – the “Butt to Butt Drill” This drill is a 2 man drill that has both players standing back to back with a ball between them on the ground. On the first whistle the players try and back up and get themselves over the ball and in position to play the ball. Then the coach will blow the second whistle and the players may then kick the ball out and pick the ball up and get away from pressure. In the video you will see how the ball is between players on the ground and how a player can benefit from using their feet and creativity to get the ball in a location that will allow them a successful ground ball pick up. Please go to the following link to see the video on Hogan Lax, https://www.hoganlax.com/butt-to-butt. SKILLS PRACTICED:

• Ground Balls • Stick Checking

VARIATIONS: Add a third player as an outlet pass, and after the ball is picked up by one of the two players fighting for the ball, then the third player will break out and receive the pass as an outlet.


DRILL DIAGRAM:


MEN’S PATTON DRILL AUTHOR INFORMATION: Author Name: John Pirie Author School: The Governors School DRILL SPECS: Drill Theme: Ground Balls Drill Style: Game, Skill Field Location: Half Field Field Position: Offense, Defense, Midfield Time Needed: 10 Min Skill Level: Intermediate OBJECTIVE: To work on attacking the goal in unsettled situations created by a ground ball. DRILL DESCRIPTION: This drill starts by splitting players into 2 teams and can be run using 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 players on the field. The coach throws a ball onto the field as a contested ground ball. Whichever “color” pinnie player gains possession, gets an additional teammate creating an immediate advantage. Drill is continued until one team either scores or clears the box. SKILLS PRACTICED:

• Ground Balls • Riding and Clearing • Unsettled Offense and Defense

VARIATIONS: Drill can be run as a progression starting with 4 players in the hole and gradually increasing the numbers as players learn the concepts. Can allow winner to always attack on offense or force defensive players to clear.


DRILL DIAGRAM:


MEN’S SCOOP AND CLEAR DRILL DRILL SPECS: Drill Theme: Ground Balls Drill Style: Skills, Warm Up Field Location: Attack Zone Field Position: Defense, Goalies Time Needed: 10 Min Skill Level: Intermediate OBJECTIVE: To teach defensive players to scoop through ground balls that happen around their crease area, and then transition the ball away from the goal and then up the field. DRILL DESCRIPTION: Have 2 lines of defensive players behind the goal, about 5 yards away from goal line extended. Place 2 goalies in the cage, one to the right and one to the left. The coach will be 15 yards away from the goal with a bucket of balls. The coach will shoot low, soft shots to the goalies, which deflect the balls in front of the crease in the rebound zone. The players in line behind the cage will rush up and scoop the ground ball out of the rebound zone and break out to the wing with the ball, then turn around and throw back to the goalie. The player will break up the field and receive a clearing pass from the goalie at that time. The drill repeats after the goalie clears out the pass. SKILLS PRACTICED:

• Ground Balls • Clears • Communication • Conditioning

VARIATIONS: Add another player down field at half field that your defensive players will relay the ball to once they receive the clearing pass from the goalie. You may also add the pitch and pursuit drill to the end of this drill to have attack players ride the clear up the field.


DRILL DIAGRAM:

D1

D2

C

G

Scoop and Clear Drill

G

DD


MEN’S SINGLE LINE GROUND BALL DRILL

AUTHOR INFORMATION: Author Name: Ted Garber Author School: DRILL SPECS: Drill Theme: Ground Balls Drill Style: Skill, Warm Up Field Location: Half Field Field Position: Offense, Defense, Midfield Time Needed: 5 Min Skill Level: Basic OBJECTIVE: To develop offensive recognition skills. DRILL DESCRIPTION: Player X1 starts with the ball and rolls it to self for a ground ball scoop. X2 chases X1 once scoop is made. X1 curls right or left and passes back to X3, who mirrors X1. X3 then rolls out a groundball for X2 to pick up. X2 passes back to x3 and the drill recycles with the next players in line, with X3 starting his own groundball. SKILLS PRACTICED:

• Ground Balls • Stepping into Passing Lanes • Passing and Catching

VARIATIONS: Have the outlet pass step out to the opposite side of the defender. Add more pressure from the defender as players technique improves.


DRILL DIAGRAM:


MEN’S ST. JOE DRILL AUTHOR INFORMATION: Author Name: Dave Slafosky Author School: Mount Saint Joseph High School DRILL SPECS: Drill Theme: Ground Balls Drill Style: Game Field Location: Half Field Field Position: Offense, Defense, Midfield Time Needed: 10 Min Skill Level: Basic OBJECTIVE: To work ground balls in the midfield and capitalizing on the man up situation. DRILL DESCRIPTION: Start with 3 pairs of attack and defense in the attacking zone. Have 2 lines of midfielders in the center of the field. The coach will toss a 50:50 ground ball for the midfielders. Whichever player gains possession goes to goal to create a 4v3. If a shot is not taken within 5-8 seconds from possession of the ground ball, a recovering defender will be added to create a 4v4 situation. SKILLS PRACTICED:

• Ground Balls • Communication – where to force the attacker with the ball • Clearing space offensively • Defensive Positioning • Denying cuts and passes defensively

VARIATIONS: You can automatically add in the recovering defender instead of waiting to see if the attackers cannot capitalize on their man advantage. Also you can have the 50:50 ball be in the air or on the ground.


DRILL DIAGRAM:


MEN’S SURVIVOR GROUND BALL DRILL AUTHOR INFORMATION: Author Name: Jeff Shirk Author School: Washington College DRILL SPECS: Drill Theme: Ground Balls Drill Style: Skill, Conditioning Field Location: Full Field Field Position: Offense, Defense, Midfield Time Needed: 15 Min Skill Level: Intermediate OBJECTIVE: To work on getting out on a ground ball, allowing the goalie to make an outlet pass, and work on conditioning. DRILL DESCRIPTION: Start by setting up 3 lines of players at the restraining line. The coach will throw a ball out and the 3 players will fight for a groundball. The winner of the groundball will throw a pass to the goalie and then the goalie will make an outlet pass to the coach at the top of the restraining line. The remaining two players will fight for another ground ball. Winner will throw the ball to the goalie for another outlet pass. The last person will run through one final groundball and pass to the goalie. The goalie will make one final outlet pass and then a new group will start. SKILLS PRACTICED:

• Conditioning • Groundballs • Outlet Passing

VARIATIONS: You can add additional lines to the group making the length of the drill longer, increasing the amount of conditioning the losing player has to do.


DRILL DIAGRAM:


MEN’S THREE PRESSURE GROUND BALL DRILLS

DRILL SPECS: Drill Theme: Ground Balls Drill Style: Skills, Game Field Location: Full Field Field Position: Offense, Defense Time Needed: 20 Min Skill Level: Intermediate OBJECTIVE: To focus players on ground balls and allow them to use the whole field and special situations to better their lacrosse IQ’s and ground ball play. DRILL DESCRIPTION:

• Crease Crunch: Coach rolls ball in for 2v2 GB with quick shot for winner • FO Wing GB: GB from wing, fight for ball, pass back to coach • Advantage GB: Coach rolls ball to one side or other creating advantage, winner shoots

and loser must cut off shooter and play defense. This is fun for long sticks. SKILLS PRACTICED:

• Ground Balls • Communication • Shooting

VARIATIONS: Have players who win the ground balls shoot on goal and have the players who lose the ground ball, break out for a clear if the goalie makes the save.


DRILL DIAGRAM:

men’s 1v1 ground balls with outlet...

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