Dodging and Shooting Mastery
Mastering dodging and shooting is crucial for lacrosse players, especially those in offensive positions. The following drills focus on improving dodging techniques, shooting accuracy, and deceptive shooting skills around the crease.
1. Dodging and Shooting Around the Crease
Objective: Enhance dodging and finishing skills near the goal.
Drill Setup:
Players will take two consecutive shots from each side of the goal.
The first shot follows a dodge, while the second is a quick finish off a pass.
Execution:
Start at X (behind the goal) and sprint forward at full speed.
Choose a direction and execute a dodge (e.g., roll dodge or split dodge).
Curl around the crease, fake early, and take a shot on goal.
Immediately receive a second ball.
Continue moving around the crease, catch the pass, fake the goalie, and take another shot.
Key Focus:
Quick decision-making after the dodge.
Precise shooting with minimal space and time.
Effective fakes to deceive the goalie.
2. Midfielder Alley Dodge and Shot
Objective: Improve shooting on the run and finishing from different angles.
Drill Setup:
Players perform two shooting reps per turn.
The first shot comes from an alley dodge; the second comes from a feed while cutting across the 8-meter arc.
Execution:
Start at the top of the alley and sprint down the wing.
Perform an alley dodge and take a quick shot on goal.
After the first shot, reposition yourself inside the 8-meter arc.
Receive a pass from a teammate while cutting across the middle.
Shoot immediately upon catching the ball.
Key Focus:
Maintaining speed while dodging and shooting.
Quick ball release after receiving the pass.
Proper foot placement for balanced and accurate shots.
3. Stationary Shooting Rotation Drill
Objective: Develop core strength and maximize shooting power.
Drill Setup:
Players remain stationary with lacrosse balls positioned to their side.
Execution:
Position balls to your left side if you're a right-handed shooter (or vice versa).
Keep your feet planted in a proper shooting stance.
Scoop up a ball, rotate your upper body, and shoot using core strength.
Focus on generating power by fully extending your arms and following through with the shot.
Repeat multiple times to build muscle memory and shot velocity.
Key Focus:
Proper weight transfer from back foot to front foot.
Generating power through core rotation.
Keeping hands away from the body for a fluid shooting motion.
4. Deceptive Shooting Drill
Objective: Train players to disguise their shot placement and mislead goalies.
Drill Setup:
Players practice shooting while looking in a different direction from their actual shot target.
Execution:
Identify the goalie’s dominant side (e.g., right-handed or left-handed).
Choose a target area opposite to where you are looking.
If the goalie is right-handed and you want to shoot near-side, look away toward the far side before shooting near-side.
Repeat the drill to enhance deceptive shooting instincts.
Key Focus:
Using head and eye movements to fake out the goalie.
Executing precise shots despite looking away.
Maintaining accuracy while misleading defenders and goalkeepers.
Conclusion
These drills will significantly improve a player’s ability to dodge effectively, shoot under pressure, and deceive goalies with well-placed shots. Regular practice will help players develop confidence and skill in real-game situations.
