5-Yard Scoop Drill to Improve Ground Ball Pickups

Introduction:
Ground ball pickups are an essential skill in women’s lacrosse, allowing players to maintain possession throughout the game. The 5-Yard Scoop Drill focuses on helping girls master this technique through repetitive movements on the field, enhancing their accuracy and speed in picking up the ball.

Step-by-Step Drill Breakdown:

1. Team Setup:
   Position the players in four or five lines, each with three or four girls lined up behind. Make sure everyone is aligned and ready to begin the drill.

2. Coach’s Call Instructions:
   On the first signal from the coach, players should prepare for the drill, positioning themselves in their lines and awaiting further instructions.

3. Ball Roll-Out:
   At the second call, the coach or a teammate rolls a ball out about five yards in front of the first girl in each line.

4. Setup for the Pickup:
   On the third call, each player runs towards the ball and sets up beside it, preparing for the scoop. This setup helps them focus on the correct pickup technique.

5. Scoop and Drive Finish:
   Finally, players scoop the ball and drive through, running to the end of the line while maintaining speed and control. This drill can be extended across the entire field or set up with cones 10 to 15 yards apart, repeating the scoop every five yards.

Benefits of the Drill:

• Enhanced Pickup Technique:
  Repeating this drill helps players refine their ground ball pickup skills, maintaining game speed without pausing.

• Improved Speed and Control:
  Practicing scoops while running at full speed teaches players to maintain control without slowing down, which is crucial for game dynamics.

• Builds Coordination and Controlled Aggression:
  This drill instills confidence on the field and prepares players to attack ground balls decisively in real game situations.