In a game, the defender is hitting the stick to dislodge the ball. Good ball handlers cradle through the contact. Body between defender and stick. Cradle tight. This drill simulates that pressure.
What you need: Two lacrosse sticks, a ball, two players, full gear.
Setup: Ball carrier with the ball in the stick. Defender 5 feet away.
How to run it:
- Coach calls “go.”
- Defender approaches and stick-checks (tap the ball carrier’s stick).
- Ball carrier shields the stick with the body and continues to cradle.
- Goal: hold the ball for 10 seconds.
- Reset. Switch roles. Do 6 rounds.
What to watch: Body position. The body should be between the defender and the stick. If the stick is exposed to the defender, every check works.
If they’re struggling: Slower defender. Lighter checks.
If they’ve got it: Two defenders. Or open ground (no boards or sideline to lean on).