How To Play Lacrosse

The four pillars of learning to play lacrosse—passing, catching, shooting, and cradling—form the essential foundation for developing skills and understanding the game. Here’s how each pillar contributes to a player’s overall ability:

1. Passing

Passing is crucial for effective teamwork and ball movement. Learning to pass accurately allows players to communicate and set up scoring opportunities. It also helps players develop their spatial awareness and understanding of positioning on the field.

How to Pass:

• Hold the stick with both hands, with your dominant hand near the middle of the shaft and your other hand at the bottom of the shaft.
• Step toward your target as you pull the stick forward with your bottom hand and push the stick vertical with your top hand, snapping your wrists to release the ball.
• Aim for your teammate’s stick to ensure an accurate pass.

2. Catching

Catching is the skill that enables a player to maintain possession of the ball. It involves hand-eye coordination and timing. Mastering catching helps players feel confident in their ability to receive passes under pressure, which is vital for both offense and defense.

How to Catch:

• Hold your stick in front of you with the head angled slightly upward.
• Watch the ball as it approaches and use your hands to cushion the catch by pulling the stick back slightly upon contact.
• Keep your eye on the ball until it’s securely in your stick.

3. Shooting

Shooting is how players score goals, making it a central aspect of the knowing how to play lacrosse. Developing various shooting techniques allows players to become versatile attackers. Learning to shoot accurately and with power helps build offensive strategies and contributes to a team’s scoring potential.

How to Shoot:

• Hold the stick with both hands, positioning your dominant hand near the head for control.
• Step into your shot, rotating your hips and shoulders for power.
• Snap your wrists as you follow through, aiming for the corners of the goal.

4. Cradling

Cradling, the equivalent to dribbling in basketball, is essential for ball control while in motion. It allows players to protect the ball from defenders and maintain possession. Mastering cradling helps players navigate the field more effectively, enhancing their overall gameplay and decision-making. You can use two hands when more control of the stick is necessary, or just the top hand when you need to pump your opposite arm for speed or stick it out for protection.

How to Cradle:

• Hold the stick with one hand at the top and the other at the bottom.
• Keep the ball in the pocket while moving your stick in a rhythmic motion, gently rocking it back and forth.
• Use your body and arms to protect the stick while cradling.

Finally, knowing the Rules of the Lacrosse is essential to knowing how to play as well. Brush up on the rules if you haven’t already to develop your understanding of the game!