Fast Pass Drill: 'I Have One, I Need One!'

Objective: This exercise aims to improve passing skills, agility, and communication among lacrosse players. It promotes teamwork and quick decision-making, all while maintaining a dynamic and fluid pace.

Required Materials:

• Lacrosse balls

• Lacrosse sticks

• Cones to mark the playing area

• Whistle to signal the start and end of the exercise

Space:

• A lacrosse field (could also be a soccer field or any space with adequate dimensions to allow free movement).

• Mark the area with cones to keep the players within the designated space. If you have multiple players, you can divide the field in half or into smaller sections to intensify the activity.

Exercise Instructions:

Preparation:

• Divide the players into two groups: one with the ball and one without the ball. The number of players can vary, but both groups should have the same number of participants.

• The players with the ball should hold their lacrosse sticks with the ball in the head (the "cage").

• The players without the ball should be ready to receive the pass.

Starting the Exercise (at the first whistle):

• When the whistle blows, the players without the ball should shout, "I need one!" while moving around the area, trying to find a player from the group with the ball.

• The players with the ball should shout, "I have one!" and pass the ball to a player from the other group. Remember, you cannot pass to the same player consecutively. Each time the ball is passed, it must go to a different player.

Passing and Movement (during the activity):

• Players should move around the area while continuing to make quick passes. The players without the ball should position themselves to receive passes by using quick movements, cuts, and turns to shake off defenders.

• The passes can be of any type (forehand, sidearm, or longer lacrosse throws), but the key is to keep players constantly moving and ensure passes are accurate.

Additional Rules:

• No passing to the same player: As a basic rule, players cannot pass the ball to the same person more than once in a row. This forces them to distribute the game and think quickly.

• Teamwork and communication: Players must communicate constantly. Those with the ball should clearly announce when they are going to make a pass, and those without the ball should shout, "I need one!" to be heard.

Time and Completion:

• The exercise is performed in intervals of 1-2 minutes. When the whistle blows, the exercise stops briefly, and players switch positions between groups (those with the ball become without the ball and vice versa).

Alternatives or Variations to Add Challenge:

• One-handed pass: Players with the ball must pass using only one hand. This develops skill on one side of the stick.

• Pass while running: To add an extra challenge, require players to make the pass while running. This helps improve ball control while in motion.

• Cross-handed pass: To make the exercise more challenging, players can practice passing using cross-handed grips, which forces them to improve coordination and flexibility.

• Game in another language: If the group includes players who speak different languages, you can ask them to change the phrase "I need one!" to "I need one!" in English, or even in another language like French or Spanish. This can add a fun layer of challenge and also improve teamwork among players from different backgrounds.

Benefits of the Exercise:

• Improved passing accuracy: Players work on making more accurate passes despite the pressure of movement and the need to quickly change direction.

• Teamwork: Players need to be aware of teammates' signals and pass the ball to those in the best positions, reinforcing collaboration on the field.

• Agility and conditioning: As the activity involves continuous movement and quick direction changes, it's an excellent way to improve the players' agility and physical conditioning.

• Communication: The exercise emphasizes the need to communicate during the game, which is crucial in a team sport like lacrosse.

• Adaptability: The exercise is flexible enough to incorporate variations that challenge players' skills, making it suitable for different skill levels.

This exercise is an excellent way to keep players active, communicating constantly, and improving their passing and agility skills, all in a fun and challenging environment. I hope this adaptation is helpful for your women's lacrosse team!