Hungry Hippo GB’s

The Hungry Hippos lacrosse drill is ideal for young girls who are new to the game, as it turns learning ground ball basics into a fun and lively activity. It encourages them to practice key skills like scooping, quick movements, and fast decision-making in an exciting and dynamic way.​

Named after the popular children’s game “Hungry Hungry Hippos,” this drill has players scrambling to collect as many balls as possible, making it an exciting addition to girls’ lacrosse practice. The Hungry Hippos lacrosse drill is a fun and engaging exercise designed to help young girls improve their ground ball skills, reaction time, and quick decision-making.

Benefits of the Hungry Hippos Drill:

• This drill helps players practice scooping ground balls quickly and efficiently, which is a critical skill in girls’ lacrosse.

• When done in teams, the drill promotes communication and teamwork, as players work together to gather as many balls as possible.

How to Run the Hungry Hippos Lacrosse Drill for Girls:

1. Setup:

• Place a large number of lacrosse balls (around 20-30) in the center of the field or a designated area.

• Divide the players into four teams or groups, each starting from a different corner or side of the designated area. Alternatively, players can be placed in pairs or small groups around the perimeter of the ball pile.

2. Rules:

• Players are allowed to pick up only one ball at a time.

• Emphasize proper ground ball technique: players should get low, use two hands on their stick, and scoop through the ball effectively.

• Encourage communication and spatial awareness to prevent collisions and ensure smooth gameplay.

1. Instructions:

• On the coach’s whistle, players sprint to the center to scoop up a ground ball as quickly as they can.

• After picking up a ball, players must run back to their starting point and drop the ball into a designated spot or “basket” before heading back to the center to grab another ball.

4. Variations:

• Time Limit: Set a time limit (e.g., 1-2 minutes) to see which team or player can collect the most balls in the given time.

• Obstacles: Introduce obstacles or defenders to increase the challenge and simulate real-game scenarios where ground balls are contested.

• 1v1 Battles: After picking up a ground ball, players engage in a brief 1v1 battle to practice protecting the ball under pressure before returning to their starting point.

The Hungry Hippos drill is a versatile, high-energy exercise that adds a fun element to girls’ lacrosse practice while reinforcing key skills essential to the game.