Cradling is the rhythm that keeps the ball in the stick. Wrist rolls one way, then back. Ball stays cupped in the head. This is the first lacrosse skill. Without it, the ball falls out before the kid takes a step.
What you need: A youth lacrosse stick, a soft lacrosse ball, open space.
Setup: Kid stands still with the stick held vertically beside the body, ball already in the head.
How to run it:
- Cue: Grip, Roll, Cup, Run.
- Grip: dominant hand on the throat of the stick (top), other hand on the bottom. Stick held upright.
- Roll: dominant wrist rolls back and forth in a small motion.
- Cup: the head of the stick stays cupped toward the body so the ball doesn’t fall out.
- Hold the cradle for 30 seconds. Reset. 4 rounds.
What to watch: Is the ball staying in the stick? If it falls out, the cradle is too aggressive or the cup angle is wrong.
If they’re struggling: Smaller cradle motion. Or use a heavier ball (the ball stays in better).
If they’ve got it: Add a head turn (look left, look right) while cradling. Eyes have to leave the stick.