"Mouse and Cat" Lacrosse Drill
Initial Setup:
Players line up in alternating positions: Mouse (O) and Cat (X), forming an XOXO pattern.
A moderate distance in front of the line, place two cone circles large enough for the players to practice changing direction with their lacrosse sticks.
Action:
At the whistle, the attacking player (Mouse, O) begins running around the cones in a figure 8 pattern. She must carry her lacrosse stick with the ball in the pocket, practicing stick control and ball possession while moving.
The defending player (Cat, X) starts chasing the Mouse but without a stick, allowing the attacker to practice evading the defender without the pressure of immediate stick checks, focusing solely on movement.
Player Objectives:
The Mouse’s goal is to complete the figure 8 with the ball in the pocket and cross the finish line without dropping the ball or being tagged.
The Cat’s goal is to catch up and tag the Mouse before she crosses the line, working on staying close to the opponent and anticipating her movements.
Role Switch:
After each round, players switch roles. The Cat becomes the Mouse, and the Mouse becomes the Cat.
Female Lacrosse-Specific Variations:
To further practice ball control, you can add a rule where the Mouse must perform at least one quick turn or split dodge around the cones while maintaining possession.
For more advanced players, allow the defending Cat to use her stick (without hard checks) so the attacker can practice dodging light checks.
Focus on Key Skill Development:
This drill improves agility and speed while strengthening skills such as evading defenders, stick and ball control, and defensive ability to closely follow an attacker.
This version offers a valuable practice for female lacrosse players, focusing on technical and tactical skills while keeping the drill fun and competitive.
