Steal the Bacon, Boys lacrosse game

This drill is ideal for young, beginner lacrosse players because it emphasizes fundamental skills like ground balls and cradling in a fun, engaging way. The game encourages quick decision-making and agility, keeping players actively involved. It requires minimal equipment, making it easy to set up and accessible for all. Additionally, the competitive aspect fosters a healthy, spirited environment where players can develop their technical abilities while staying fully engaged. It’s an enjoyable way to build confidence in core lacrosse skills, ensuring that players of all levels can participate and improve.

Objective of the Game: The goal is for players to run to collect a lacrosse ball from the center of the field and return it to their starting zone before the opposing team.

Materials:

• 1 lacrosse ball

• Cones to mark the playing area

Field Setup:

1. Team Division: Divide the players into two equal teams. 5 players is ideal but you can be flexible.

2. Playing Area: Mark out a playing area with cones. Set up two “starting” zones for each team, one at each end of the field.

3. Number Assignment: Each player is assigned a number within their team.

Rules of the Game:

1. Starting Position: Players from each team line up in their respective starting zones, with each player in a position assigned according to their number.

2. Ball in the Center: Place a lacrosse ball in the center of the playing area.

3. Game Start:

   • Number Call: When a signal (such as a whistle) is given, the coach calls out a number or a combination of numbers (e.g., “number 3” or “numbers 2 and 4”). Players from each team who correspond to those numbers must run to the center of the field to retrieve the ball.

   • Revolution: The coach can also say “revolution” to have all players from each team leave their starting zones and run to the center of the field to try to retrieve the ball. You can use whatever word that will be fun for the kids.

4. Ball Collection and Transport:

   • Ball Collection: Only one player from each team can retrieve the ball in each round. This player must try to take the ball from the center of the field before the opposing player. When multiple numbers are called, one player may go for the ball while another waits for a pass from their teammate.

   • Ball Transport: The player who retrieves the ball must return to their starting zone with the ball without being touched by an opponent.

5. Interactions and Obstacles:

   • Touch and Elimination: If an opposing player touches the player with the ball before they return to their starting zone, the player with the ball must drop it where they were touched. The game continues, and the ball can be retrieved again by any player.

   • Safety Zones: Areas around the starting zones can be marked where players cannot be touched to provide a respite and avoid excessive physical contact.

6. Points and Winner:

   • Points: A team earns a point each time a player who collected the ball successfully returns it to their starting zone without being touched.

   • Winner: You can set a number of rounds to determine the winning team or a time limit. The team with the most points at the end of the time or rounds is the winner.