The Draw in Women’s Lacrosse: Technique and Strategy to Win Possession

In women's lacrosse, the draw is more than just a method to start play—it's a crucial skill that can significantly influence the game's momentum and outcome. Mastery of the draw can mean the difference between giving your team the advantage and chasing the ball. This comprehensive guide will delve into the techniques, strategies, and tips necessary for mastering the draw in women's lacrosse, helping players at all levels improve their draw control and contribute more effectively to their teams.

Understanding the Importance of the Draw

The draw occurs at the beginning of each half and after every goal in lacrosse, making it frequent and fundamental. Success in the draw circle translates to more possessions, which can lead to more scoring opportunities and better control of the game's pace.

Key Techniques for Effective Draw Control

1. Stance and Positioning:

   • Athletic Stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and weight balanced. This stance provides stability and readiness to move in any direction.

   • Stick Positioning: Ensure that your stick's back pocket is aligned with your opponent’s, as required by the rules. Your stick should be parallel to the ground and the ball placed in the top of the sticks by the referee.

2. Hand Placement and Grip:

   • Hand Alignment: Place your dominant hand near the top of the stick and the other hand lower down towards the middle. This placement offers better control during the draw.

   • Firm Grip: A strong grip helps in exerting more force when pulling the stick to maneuver the ball.

3. The Pulling Technique:

   • Quick Hands: Rapid wrist and hand movements are crucial. The speed at which you can flick your wrists to pull the stick upwards will often determine who gains possession.

   • Directional Pulls: Decide in advance if you want to pull the ball towards your offensive area or defensively towards your goalie. Each direction requires a slightly different technique and timing.

4. The Pushing Technique:

   • Body Leverage: Use your body to push the ball towards your desired area. This involves not just your arms but also engaging your torso and legs to generate more power.

   • High Follow-Through: Ensure that your follow-through movement brings your hands up above your shoulders to keep the draw legal and effective.

Advanced Strategies for Winning the Draw

1. Anticipate the Whistle:

   • Stay focused and react swiftly as soon as the whistle blows. Quick reaction time can give you the edge needed to control the draw.

2. Positional Awareness:

   • Know where your teammates and opponents are positioned. Directing the ball to a space where your teammates have an advantage can secure possession.

3. Boxing Out:

   • After the initial contact with the ball, use your body to shield or 'box out' your opponent. This prevents them from getting to the ball and gives your teammates a better chance to recover it.

4. Communication:

   • Work with your teammates in the circle to call out plays or adjustments based on how the opposition is lining up or reacting.

5. Practice Different Scenarios:

   • Regularly practice various draw techniques, including different force levels and directional pulls, to adapt quickly during games.

Drills to Improve Draw Skills

1. Repetition Drills:

   • Continuously practice the draw against a teammate or coach to improve your timing and technique.

2. Strength Training:

   • Engage in exercises that strengthen the wrists, arms, and upper body to enhance your power in the draw circle.

3. Speed and Agility Drills:

   • Work on your overall quickness and ability to move swiftly from the draw circle to play, which is crucial after gaining possession.

4. Visualization Techniques:

   • Use mental imagery to visualize successful draws and your response to different scenarios, enhancing your cognitive and physical response during actual gameplay.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcommitting: Avoid putting too much force into your movements, which can lead to losing balance or committing fouls.

• Poor Timing: Timing your movements with the referee's whistle is critical; jumping the gun can lead to false starts and turnovers.

• Neglecting Practice: The draw is a skill that improves significantly with practice. Regular and focused training is essential.

Conclusion

Mastering the draw in women's lacrosse requires a blend of physical skill, strategic understanding, and mental readiness. By focusing on the techniques and strategies outlined in this guide, players can significantly improve their draw control, giving their team greater control over the game and increasing their chances of success. Regular practice, combined with a keen sense of in-game dynamics, will turn any player into a draw specialist, ready to make impactful plays right from the whistle.