2-on-1 Ground balls
Objective: The primary goal of this drill is to enhance communication during groundball recovery and to practice utilizing an extra player to gain an advantage in men’s lacrosse.
Space/Equipment Needed:
Lacrosse balls
Lacrosse goal
Players:
All players can participate, ideally with no more than 10-12 players in a group at any given time to ensure effective engagement and instruction.
Drill Execution:
Set up three lines of players along the near sideline: two offensive players on the outside lines and one defensive player in the center line.
The coach rolls a ball out in front of the players, who then compete to gain possession.
If an offensive player secures the ball, he must pass it to his teammate before passing it back to a coach.
If the defensive player wins the groundball, he must immediately pass it to a coach.
Skills Practiced:
Effective communication for man/ball scenarios.
Scooping under pressure and quickly moving the ball after possession.
Utilizing both hands to increase skill versatility.
Variations/Progressions:
Increased Difficulty: Incorporate both hands to challenge players, adding a dimension to the drill.
Competitiveness: Challenge offensive players with 10 push-ups each time the defender wins the groundball to foster competitiveness.
Complex Game-Like Scenario: Add an extra offensive and defensive player near the goal. If the offense recovers the initial groundball, they initiate a 3-on-2 attack on the goal. Conversely, if the defense recovers, they must clear the ball to the midfield line, mimicking game-like transition scenarios.
Goalie Involvement:
Goalies are fully involved when playing out the 3-on-2 situations on the goal, enhancing their reaction and coordination with defensive strategies.
This comprehensive approach not only focuses on the fundamental skill of groundball recovery but also integrates communication and strategic team play, making it a dynamic and essential drill for improving overall team performance in men’s lacrosse.
