Lacrosse is a ground ball game. Most teams that win possession the most win the game. The scoop is the basic skill. Get low, head of the stick on the ground, scoop the ball into the cradle. Done right, easy. Done wrong, a constant turnover.
What you need: Stick, ball, open grass.
Setup: Ball on the ground. Player 5 feet away.
How to run it:
- Player walks to the ball.
- Drops to a deep knee bend, low body position.
- Bottom hand drops to the ground level. Top hand pushes the stick head under the ball.
- Scoop the ball into the head. Stand up, cradle.
- Do 10 scoops. Mix sides (forehand and backhand scoops).
What to watch: The body position. Standing tall and reaching down is wrong. The body has to be low. Knee bend is the move.
If they’re struggling: Use a larger ball (whiffleball or street hockey ball). Or scoop a stationary ball with the stick already on the ground.
If they’ve got it: Add a moving ball (rolled by coach). Or do scoops on the run.