Figure-Eight Relay: Girls’ Lacrosse Drill for Ground Balls, Cradling, and Ball Control

This girls’ lacrosse drill emphasizes essential skills such as ground ball pickups, cradling in motion, and ball control in tight spaces. The figure-eight pattern simulates real-game scenarios, pushing players to master precision and coordination.

It’s a fun and effective way to enhance ball handling, teamwork, and decision-making, all within a competitive and engaging format.

The competitive nature of the relay keeps players engaged and sharpens decision-making skills. To further enhance the drill, you can introduce the following variations:

1. Adjust Distances: Change the cone spacing to alternate between short sprints and longer runs, challenging players’ speed, agility, and stamina.

2. Add Time Pressure: Time each team’s relay to increase intensity and encourage quick decision-making.

3. Incorporate Defenders: Place a defender near the cones to simulate game-like pressure, helping players practice dodging and ball protection.

4. Shooting Practice: Instead of passing at the end, have players shoot at a goal to work on shot accuracy and finishing under pressure.

5. Switch Hands: Encourage players to switch hands after completing the first loop, promoting ambidexterity and improving overall stick skills.

In this figure-eight relay drill, players work in groups with two or three cones, one designated as the starting point. At the whistle, the first player navigates a figure-eight pattern around the cones, focusing on picking up ground balls and maintaining control of the ball while cradling. After completing the loop, they pass the ball to the next teammate, who repeats the process. Teams race against each other, practicing ball handling under pressure while improving cradling technique through tight turns.