Tic-Tac-Toe Speed Challenge for Men's Lacrosse

This drill combines decision-making, speed, and stick control by integrating the classic tic-tac-toe game with relays and ball carrying. It is ideal for improving cradle skills under pressure while promoting quick execution of strategic movements.

Drill Objective

• Improve ball control while in motion.

• Encourage fast decision-making under game-like conditions.

• Develop speed, agility, and precision in movement.

• Enhance communication and teamwork.

Required Equipment

• 1 lacrosse ball per team.

• Lacrosse sticks for all players.

• Cones or pinnies to mark the tic-tac-toe grid.

• Additional cones to define the starting and finishing zones.

Drill Development

Field Setup:

• A tic-tac-toe grid is created on the ground using cones or lacrosse sticks.

• Two starting zones, one for each team, are positioned about 10-15 yards from the grid.

Drill Execution:

• Each team receives a set number of markers (pinnies, cones, or another identifiable object).

• Players must cradle the ball from the starting zone to the tic-tac-toe grid.

Game Rules:

• Players must maintain control of the ball at all times without dropping or passing it before reaching the grid.

• Upon reaching the grid, the player places his marker in an empty square and quickly sprints back to tag the next teammate.

• The next player in line continues the relay, repeating the process.

Fair Play Rules:

• Players cannot move or interfere with the opponent’s markers.

• Players must avoid physical contact with the opposing team’s ball carrier.

• The drill continues until one team successfully completes a line of three in a row.

Drill Variations

• Extended Distance: Increase the running distance between the starting zone and the grid to improve endurance.

• Pressure Play: Add a defender who tries to disrupt the ball carrier’s path without checking.

• Time Limit: Introduce a countdown timer to force quicker decision-making.

Drill Benefits

• Enhances cradle control under movement and pressure.

• Reinforces real-time strategic decision-making.

• Develops speed, agility, and coordination in competitive situations.

• Strengthens communication and teamwork in high-paced scenarios.

This drill not only improves essential lacrosse technical skills but also adds an engaging, competitive element to training. Try it out in your next practice and challenge your players to sharpen their speed and decision-making under pressure!