A stationary scoop is just the start. Real games have rolling ground balls and the scooper is sprinting. This drill puts the kid in motion. Body has to drop low without losing speed.
What you need: Stick, balls, open grass, 20-yard area.
Setup: Player at one end of the area. Coach at the other end with a pile of balls.
How to run it:
- Coach rolls a ball toward the player.
- Player sprints forward toward the ball.
- As they approach, drop the body low. Stick head goes under the ball.
- Scoop and continue running. Cradle the ball.
- Do 6 reps. Mix the angles of the rolled balls.
What to watch: Does the kid slow down to scoop? Slowing means a defender catches up in a game. The scoop has to come out of the run.
If they’re struggling: Slower rolls. Or pre-stop the player and let them scoop without running.
If they’ve got it: Add a defender chasing. Or two players competing for the same ground ball.