As a lacrosse player, one of the most important skills you have honed over the years is how to shoot a lacrosse ball. Shooting is a critical component of the game, requiring a combination of technique, strength, and accuracy. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, mastering the art of shooting can take your game to the next level.
There are many different techniques for shooting a lacrosse ball, and trying to learn them all at once can be overwhelming. However, you can gradually improve your shooting skills over time by breaking down the process into smaller steps and focusing on each one individually. This article will share some tips and tricks that will have you become a better shooter.
Basics of Lacrosse Shooting
Shooting a lacrosse ball is one of the most exciting parts of the game but it can also be one of the most challenging. In this section, you’ll review the basics of lacrosse shooting, including grip and stance, windup and release, and lacrosse shooting cues.
Grip and Stance
Before you can shoot a lacrosse ball, you need to have the right grip and stance. To grip the stick, you place your top hand about 12 inches from the head of the stick and your bottom hand at the bottom of the shaft. Make sure that your hands are close together, but not touching. This grip gives you the control you need to shoot accurately.
Regarding stance, you keep your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Also, keep your weight on the balls of your feet, which allows you to move quickly and pivot as needed.
Windup and Release
The windup and release are two of the essential parts of lacrosse shooting. To wind up, bring the stick back behind your ear, keeping your eyes on the target. As you wind up, you also step forward with your opposite foot to generate more power.
When it’s time to release the ball, bring the stick forward and snap your wrists to create a quick, powerful shot. Ensure to follow through with your arms, pointing the stick at the target even after the ball has been released.
Lacrosse Shooting Cues
A few key cues can help you shoot more accurately and with more power. One is to keep your elbows in and close to your body, which enables you to generate more power and control. Another is to keep your eyes on the target at all times, which helps you aim more accurately.
Finally, regularly practicing how to shoot a lacrosse ball is important to improve your form and technique. The more you practice, the more natural shooting will become, and the more accurate and powerful your shots will be.
Lacrosse Shooting Techniques
Overhand Shot
The overhand shot is the most common in lacrosse. To execute this shot:
- Start by getting into a comfortable stance with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.
- Bring the stick back behind your head with your hands about shoulder-width apart. As you bring the stick forward, you step into the shot with your lead foot and shift your weight onto your back foot.
- Snap your wrists and follow through with your arms, pointing the head of the stick at your target.
Sidearm Shot
The sidearm shot is a great option to get the ball past a defender. To execute this shot:
- Start by dropping your shoulder and bringing the stick down to your side.
- Bring the stick back behind your hip with your hands about shoulder-width apart.
- As you start to bring the stick forward, step into the shot with your lead foot and shift your weight onto your back foot.
- Snap your wrists and follow through with your arms, pointing the head of the stick at your target.
Underhand Shot
The underhand shot is a good option when you’re close to the goal. To execute this shot:
- Start by getting into a low, crouched stance with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees bent. Next, bring the stick back behind your hip with your hands about shoulder-width apart.
- As you bring the stick forward, you step into the shot with your lead foot and shift your weight onto your back foot.
- Snap your wrists and follow through with your arms, pointing the head of the stick at your target.
Advanced Shooting Tips
Dodging and Shooting
Dodging is one aspect of learning how to shoot a lacrosse ball. When dodging, it’s important to keep your stick close to your body and protect it from defenders. As you approach the goal, take a quick step to create separation and then shoot. A quick release is key to catching the goalie off guard. Try to shoot to the opposite side of the goalie’s stick to increase your chances of scoring.
Another effective technique is the split dodge. This move involves faking one way and then quickly changing direction. As you split dodge, keep your stick close to your body and protect it with your free hand. Once you’ve created separation, take a quick shot to catch the goalie off guard.
Shooting on the Run
Shooting on the run can be challenging, but with practice, it can become a deadly weapon in your offensive arsenal. When shooting on the run, it’s important to keep your feet moving and maintain your momentum. As you approach the goal, plant your outside foot and turn your body towards the goal. Use your momentum to generate power and accuracy in your shot.
Another effective technique is the jump shot. This move involves jumping toward the goal and shooting while in mid-air. This technique can be difficult to master, but it can be a great way to catch the goalie off guard and score from unexpected angles.
Faking and Deception
One of the keys to becoming a great shooter is mastering the art of faking and deception. Faking involves deceiving the goalie and defenders with your body and stick movements. One effective technique is the fake shot. This move consists of pretending to shoot and quickly pulling the stick back and shooting in a different direction.
Another effective technique is the hitch. This move involves faking a shot and then quickly pulling the stick back and shooting in the same direction. The hitch can be a great way to catch the goalie off guard and score from unexpected angles.
Remember, the key to becoming a great shooter is practice. Try out different techniques and find what works best for you. With time and dedication, you can become a deadly offensive weapon and help your team win more games.
How To Shoot A Lacrosse Ball Faster
As a lacrosse player, having a fast and accurate shot is important. Here are a few tips to help you shoot a lacrosse ball faster:
- Use your whole body: When shooting, use your legs, hips, and torso to generate power. Don’t rely solely on your arms.
- Follow through: Make sure you follow through with your shot. This means extending your arms and wrists all the way forward after releasing the ball.
- Practice: The more you practice, the better your shot will become. Set aside time every day to work on your shooting technique.
Lacrosse Shooting Drills
As a lacrosse player, shooting drills are essential to improve accuracy and power. Here are some of the exercises that help improve your shooting skills:
- One-Handed Shooting Drill: This drill helps you improve your wrist snap and accuracy. Hold your stick with one hand and shoot the ball at the goal. Repeat with your other hand.
- Quick Release Shooting Drill: This drill helps you improve your reaction time and ability to shoot quickly. Have a partner pass you the ball and shoot it as quickly as possible.
- Shooting on the Run Drill: This drill helps you improve your ability to shoot while running. Start at the top of the arc and run towards the goal while shooting the ball.
Remember to take your time with each drill and focus on your technique. It is better to shoot accurately than quickly. As you improve, you can increase the difficulty of the drills by adding defenders or shooting from farther away.
These videos may also help you much:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRPHoK4SxtM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FF59fZYR20w
Common Mistakes
It’s frustrating to miss easy shots or not score as much as you’d like. Here are some common mistakes and solutions to help you improve your accuracy and increase your chances of scoring:
- Shooting at the Goalie’s Feet
One of the most common mistakes players make is shooting at the goalie’s feet. While low shots are great, aiming directly at the goalie’s feet is an easy save for them. To avoid this mistake, aim for the corners or top of the goal. It’s also important to practice shooting from different angles and distances to improve accuracy.
- Poor Hand Placement
Good hand placement on the stick is crucial for a powerful and accurate shot. Make sure your non-dominant hand is gripping the bottom of the stick and your dominant hand is placed close to the other hand for better control. Practice cradling and switching hands to improve your hand placement and overall stick skills.
- Lack of Follow-Through
Another common mistake is not following through on your shot. A proper follow-through involves extending your arms and wrists toward the target after releasing the ball. This helps generate more power and accuracy. To improve your follow-through, practice shooting with a partner and have them give you feedback on your technique.
- Poor Shot Selection
Choosing the right shot for the situation is important for scoring goals. Don’t always rely on the same shot or angle. Instead, be aware of the defense and adjust your shot accordingly. For example, if the defender is playing tight defense, try a quick fake or change of direction before shooting.
By avoiding these common mistakes and practicing good technique, you can improve your lacrosse shooting skills and score more goals. Remember always to be aware of your technique and make adjustments as needed. Practice makes perfect!
Now you understand how to shoot a lacrosse ball, try your best to become an outstanding player. Good luck!
(Browse for more lacrosse skills here)
Besides, you may need to learn about lacrosse offense to get more success playing this sport. Good luck!
