11 Deadly Common Mistakes to Avoid in Lacrosse

Lacrosse is a game that requires skill, strategy, and precision. As a player, you want to perform at your best and avoid common mistakes that can cost you and your team the game. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, it’s important to identify these mistakes and work on correcting them.

In this article, we’ll discuss 11 deadly common mistakes to avoid in lacrosse. By addressing these mistakes, you can significantly improve your performance and become a more valuable player to your team. From failing to do enough wall ball to committing fouls and stepping out of bounds, we’ll cover a range of mistakes that can impact your game. So, whether you’re looking to improve your shooting, passing, or overall gameplay, this article is for you.

Table of Contents

Mistake 1: Poor Stick Handling

One of the most common mistakes in lacrosse is poor stick handling. Not being able to control your stick can have serious consequences on the field. You may miss passes, drop the ball, or even lose possession of the ball.

To improve your stick handling skills, there are several tips and drills you can try:

Practice cradling: Cradling is the technique used to keep the ball in your stick while running. Practice cradling the ball while running at different speeds. This will improve your ball control and allow you to keep possession of the ball.
Improve your hand-eye coordination: A key component of stick handling is hand-eye coordination. Try using a reaction ball or a small rubber ball to improve your hand-eye coordination. This will help you catch passes and pick up ground balls more easily.
Do wall ball drills: Wall ball drills are a great way to improve your stick handling skills. Find a wall and practice passing and catching the ball with both hands. You can also practice different types of passes, such as overhand, sidearm, and underhand.
Use a weighted stick: Using a weighted stick during practice can help improve your stick handling skills. The added weight will make your stick feel lighter during games, making it easier to control.

You may need to know: How to Cradle a Lacrosse Ball (5 Tips & 4 Deadly Mistakes)

Mistake 2: Incorrect Body Positioning

Improper body positioning can significantly impact your gameplay in lacrosse. When you have incorrect body positioning, you will not be able to execute your moves effectively, and it may lead to injuries. Therefore, it is essential to maintain the correct body position to enhance your performance and avoid injuries.

One of the most common mistakes in body positioning is having a high center of gravity. When you have a high center of gravity, you will be off-balance, making it difficult to control your movements. This mistake can lead to turnovers, missed shots, and overall poor performance.

To avoid having a high center of gravity, you need to maintain a low center of gravity. This means keeping your knees bent and your weight evenly distributed between both feet. By doing so, you will be able to maintain your balance and control your movements effectively.

Another common mistake in body positioning is having an unbalanced stance. When you have an unbalanced stance, you will not be able to move quickly and efficiently. This mistake can lead to missed opportunities, turnovers, and overall poor performance.

To avoid having an unbalanced stance, you need to ensure that your feet are shoulder-width apart, and your weight is evenly distributed between both feet. By doing so, you will be able to maintain your balance and move quickly and efficiently.

Mistake 3: Overreliance on One Hand

One of the most common mistakes in lacrosse is relying too much on one hand. While it’s natural to have a dominant hand, being able to use both hands equally is crucial to becoming a well-rounded player. If you only use one hand, you become predictable and easier to defend against.

Being ambidextrous in lacrosse gives you more options on the field. You can dodge in either direction, pass and shoot with either hand, and protect the ball more effectively. It also makes you a more valuable player to your team.

To become proficient with both hands, you need to practice. Here are some exercises and techniques to help you develop your non-dominant hand:

Wall ball: Practice throwing and catching against a wall with both hands. Start with your dominant hand and then switch to your non-dominant hand. Repeat until you can catch and throw with both hands equally well.
One-handed cradling: Practice cradling the ball with one hand at a time. Start with your dominant hand and then switch to your non-dominant hand. This will help you develop better ball control with both hands.
Two-handed cradling: Practice cradling the ball with both hands at the same time. This will help you get comfortable with using both hands together.
Shooting: Practice shooting with both hands. Start close to the goal and work your way back. Focus on accuracy and technique, not power.
Dodging: Practice dodging in both directions with both hands. This will make you a more unpredictable player and harder to defend against.

Remember, it takes time and practice to become proficient with both hands. Don’t get discouraged if you struggle at first. Keep practicing and you’ll see improvement over time.

Mistake 4: Over-Shooting or Under-Shooting

When it comes to scoring goals in lacrosse, shot accuracy and power are crucial. Over-shooting or under-shooting can result in missed opportunities to score. So, it’s important to work on improving your shot consistency.

To avoid over-shooting or under-shooting, you need to focus on your technique and aim. Here are some tips to help you improve your shot accuracy:

Keep your eyes on the target. Look at the spot where you want to shoot and keep your eyes there until you release the ball.
Use your entire body to generate power. Your shot should come from your legs, hips, and core, not just your arms.
Practice shooting from different angles and distances. This will help you get a feel for how to adjust your aim based on your position on the field.

To improve your consistency in shooting, try these drills:

Wall ball: Stand about 10 feet away from a wall and practice throwing and catching the ball with your stick. This will help you develop muscle memory and improve your hand-eye coordination.
Shooting on the run: Set up cones or markers on the field and practice shooting while running towards the goal. This will help you get comfortable shooting from different angles and positions.
Partner passing: Practice passing and shooting with a partner. This will help you get used to shooting in game-like situations.

By focusing on your technique and practicing regularly, you can avoid the mistake of over-shooting or under-shooting and become a more consistent scorer on the lacrosse field.

Take out also this video for shooting mistakes.

Mistake 5: Failing to Communicate

Communication is essential in lacrosse. It helps you coordinate with your teammates, make quick decisions, and execute plays effectively. Failing to communicate on the field can lead to confusion, missed opportunities, and even costly mistakes. Here are some tips to improve your on-field communication and teamwork:

Use clear and concise language: When communicating with your teammates, use simple and direct language. Avoid using jargon or complex terms that can be confusing. Keep your messages short and to the point.
Be loud and assertive: Lacrosse is a fast-paced game, and you need to be loud and assertive when communicating with your teammates. Speak up and make sure your voice is heard. Don’t be afraid to take charge and give instructions.
Use visual cues: In addition to verbal communication, you can also use visual cues to communicate with your teammates. Pointing, gesturing, and making eye contact can all help convey your message more effectively.
Anticipate your teammates’ needs: Good communication is not just about giving instructions but also about anticipating your teammates’ needs. Try to read the game and anticipate what your teammates might need from you. This can help you make quick decisions and execute plays more effectively.
Practice, practice, practice: Effective communication is a skill that takes practice. Make sure to practice your communication skills during training sessions and games. This can help you build confidence and improve your on-field communication.

Remember, effective communication is essential for success in lacrosse. By following these tips, you can improve your on-field communication and teamwork, avoid mistakes, and help your team win.

Mistake 6: Not Reading the Game

One of the most critical skills in lacrosse is game awareness. Without it, players can easily make poor decisions that can cost their team the game. Reading the game is all about being able to anticipate what your opponents are going to do and make the right decisions based on that information.

Poor game awareness can lead to missed opportunities, turnovers, and even injuries. If you’re not reading the game correctly, you might not see an open teammate, or you might run into a defender. It’s essential to be aware of what’s happening on the field at all times.

Improving your field vision and reading your opponents’ movements is key to avoiding this mistake. Here are some strategies to help you improve your game awareness:

Keep your head up: Don’t focus on the ball all the time. Keep your head up and scan the field to see what’s happening around you.
Anticipate: Try to anticipate what your opponents are going to do. Look for patterns in their movements and try to predict their next move.
Communicate: Talk to your teammates and let them know what you see. Communication is essential in lacrosse, and it can help you make better decisions.
Practice: Improving your game awareness takes practice. Work on your field vision and anticipation skills during practice drills.

By improving your game awareness, you can make better decisions on the field, avoid turnovers, and help your team win. Don’t make the mistake of not reading the game. Start working on your field vision and anticipation skills today.

Mistake 7: Illegal Checking

When you’re playing lacrosse, it’s important to remember that there are rules in place to keep everyone safe. One of the most common mistakes that players make is illegal checking. This can lead to penalties, injuries, and even ejections from the game.

Illegal checking includes any type of hit that is deemed dangerous or unnecessary by the referee. This can include hitting an opponent in the head, neck, or spine, as well as hitting them from behind or using excessive force. These types of hits can cause serious injuries, including concussions, spinal cord injuries, and even paralysis.

If you’re caught making an illegal check, you can expect to incur penalties. These penalties can range from a simple warning to a full ejection from the game, depending on the severity of the hit. In addition to penalties, you may also face disciplinary action from your team or league.

To avoid making illegal checks, it’s important to educate yourself on proper defensive techniques and legal checks. This includes using your body to position yourself between the opponent and the goal, as well as using your stick to legally check the opponent’s stick or body. Remember, the goal of defense is to prevent the opponent from scoring, not to injure them.

(Learn: Lacrosse Checking: 7 Common Checks to Master)

In conclusion, making illegal checks in lacrosse can have serious consequences. Not only can it lead to penalties and ejections, but it can also cause serious injuries to yourself or your opponents. By focusing on proper defensive techniques and legal checks, you can help keep yourself and others safe while enjoying the game of lacrosse.

Mistake 8: Ignoring Defense

In lacrosse, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of scoring goals and forget about the importance of defense. However, ignoring defense can be a deadly mistake that can cost your team the game. It’s crucial to have well-rounded defensive skills to be a successful lacrosse player.

To become a stronger defender, you need to work on your footwork, stick skills, and communication with your teammates. Here are some defensive drills and tips to help you improve:

Footwork drills: Quick feet are essential for a good defender. Practice shuffling, backpedaling, and sprinting in different directions to improve your footwork. You can also use cones to create different footwork patterns to practice.
Stick skills drills: Good stick skills are essential for a defender. Practice catching, throwing, and cradling with both hands to become a more versatile player. You can also practice checking and ground balls to improve your defensive skills.
Communication drills: Communication is key in lacrosse, especially on defense. Practice calling out picks, switches, and slides with your teammates to improve your communication skills. You can also practice defensive rotations to improve your team’s defensive strategy.

Remember, defense wins championships in lacrosse. Ignoring defense can be a costly mistake that can cost your team the game. Work on your defensive skills to become a well-rounded player and help your team succeed.

Mistake 9: Neglecting Conditioning

Physical fitness is crucial in lacrosse, and neglecting it is a common mistake that many players make. Lacrosse requires players to be in excellent shape, with a combination of strength, speed, agility, and endurance. Neglecting conditioning can result in poor performance, injuries, and even lost opportunities.

Endurance is particularly important in lacrosse, as the game is fast-paced and requires players to run up and down the field repeatedly. If you find yourself getting tired quickly during games or practices, it’s a sign that you need to work on your endurance. Fortunately, there are several workout routines and conditioning exercises that can help you improve your endurance.

One excellent way to improve your endurance is through interval training. This involves alternating between periods of high-intensity exercise and periods of rest or low-intensity exercise. For example, you could sprint for 30 seconds and then jog or walk for 60 seconds before repeating the cycle. This type of training can help you build up your cardiovascular fitness and improve your ability to recover quickly between bursts of activity.

Another effective conditioning exercise for lacrosse is the shuttle run. This involves running back and forth between two points on the field, touching the ground at each end before turning around and running back. You can vary the distance between the points and the number of repetitions to make the exercise more challenging.

In addition to interval training and shuttle runs, there are several other exercises that can help you improve your endurance for lacrosse. These include:

Running stairs or hills
Doing plyometric exercises like jump squats and box jumps
Using a jump rope for cardio
Swimming or cycling for cross-training

Remember, neglecting conditioning is a common mistake in lacrosse that can have serious consequences. By incorporating endurance-building exercises into your training routine, you can improve your performance on the field and reduce your risk of injury. So, make sure to prioritize your physical fitness and work on improving your endurance as part of your overall training plan.

Mistake 10: Not Wearing Protective Gear Properly

Protective gear is an essential component of lacrosse equipment. However, not wearing it properly can be just as dangerous as not wearing it at all. Here are some common mistakes players make when it comes to protective gear:

Not wearing a mouthguard: A mouthguard is a crucial piece of protective gear that helps prevent dental injuries and concussions. Make sure to wear a mouthguard that fits properly and covers your teeth and gums.
Wearing a helmet incorrectly: A too loose or tight helmet can cause serious head injuries. Make sure your helmet fits snugly and is adjusted correctly.
Not wearing gloves or wearing them incorrectly: Gloves protect your hands and fingers from injuries. Make sure your gloves fit properly and cover your entire hand.
Not wearing shoulder pads or wearing them incorrectly: Shoulder pads protect your shoulders, chest, and back from injuries. Make sure your shoulder pads fit properly and cover your entire upper body.
Not wearing elbow pads or wearing them incorrectly: Elbow pads protect your elbows from injuries. Make sure your elbow pads fit properly and cover your entire elbow.

To ensure that you are wearing your protective gear properly, follow this checklist:

Protective Gear	Instructions for Proper Fitting
Helmet	Make sure your helmet fits snugly and is adjusted correctly. The chin strap should be tight enough to keep the helmet in place, but not so tight that it is uncomfortable.
Mouthguard	Wear a mouthguard that fits properly and covers your teeth and gums.
Gloves	Make sure your gloves fit properly and cover your entire hand.
Shoulder Pads	Make sure your shoulder pads fit properly and cover your entire upper body.
Elbow Pads	Make sure your elbow pads fit properly and cover your entire elbow.

Mistake 11: Lack of Game Awareness

Being unaware of game situations and timing is a common mistake that many lacrosse players make. It can have a significant impact on the outcome of the game, and it’s essential to avoid it.

When you lack game awareness, you may miss critical opportunities to score or make a play. For example, you might not notice that a defender is out of position, or you might not realize that the shot clock is running out. These kinds of mistakes can cost your team points and ultimately the game.

To avoid this mistake, it’s crucial to stay focused and attentive during matches. Pay attention to the game clock, shot clock, and your surroundings. Keep an eye on the position of your opponents and your teammates. By doing so, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions and take advantage of opportunities as they arise.

One way to improve your game awareness is to practice situational drills. These drills simulate game situations and help you develop your instincts and decision-making skills. For example, you might practice a drill where you have to make a quick decision about whether to shoot or pass the ball when you’re being double-teamed.

Another way to improve your game awareness is to study game film. By watching footage of your matches, you can analyze your performance and identify areas where you need to improve. You can also study your opponents and learn their tendencies, which can help you anticipate their moves and make better decisions on the field.

So, lack of game awareness is a common mistake that many lacrosse players make. To avoid this mistake, stay focused and attentive during matches, practice situational drills, and study game film. By doing so, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions and take advantage of opportunities on the field.

It’s important to take these lessons to heart and work towards improvement. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can become a better player and help your team succeed. Remember to communicate with your teammates, practice your skills, and stay focused on the game. With hard work and dedication, you can become a top lacrosse player and lead your team to victory.