Box lacrosse produces some of the best stick handlers in the world. In the confined space of an arena, players must catch, fake, and release passes in fractions of a second while dealing with constant pressure and limited room to operate. The fast-paced nature of box lacrosse demands exceptional stick skills that go far beyond basic control.
In box lacrosse, stick skills aren’t just about maintaining possession—they’re about deception, creativity, and making split-second decisions in tight windows. Players need to fake defenders out of position, thread passes through traffic, and finish shots with pinpoint accuracy on smaller nets. The physical nature of the game also requires superior stick protection against crosschecks and body contact.
This guide covers specialized drills designed specifically for box players. These exercises focus on the unique demands of arena play: lightning-quick releases, deceptive fakes, board work, and finishing skills that translate directly to box gameplay success.
Box-Style Wall Ball Routine
Wall ball in box lacrosse emphasizes speed and deception over simple repetition. The goal is to develop the lightning-quick hands needed for arena play.
Quick-stick wall ball with no cradling forces players to catch and release immediately. Stand close to the wall (3-4 feet) and pass without any cradling motion between catches. This develops the instant release needed when defenders are closing quickly in box.
One-handed wall ball mirrors the box-style cradle that’s essential for stick protection. Practice catching and throwing with just your top hand, then switch to bottom hand only. Box players often cradle and pass with one hand while using their body to shield from defenders.
Catch, fake, and re-throw sequences build the deception that separates box players. Catch the ball from the wall, make a fake in one direction (head fake, shoulder dip, or stick fake), then throw to the opposite side. This pattern develops the automatic faking that box players use to create space.
Behind-the-back and off-hand repetitions should be core skills, not optional tricks. Box players regularly use these techniques in games due to the confined space and defensive pressure. Practice BTB catches and throws until they become as natural as regular passing.
Passing and Catching with Box Applications
Box lacrosse passing requires precision and creativity to move the ball through defensive traffic. These drills simulate the unique passing situations that arise in arena play.
Board Pass Drill uses the dasher boards as a passing partner to simulate in-game ricochets. Pass the ball off the boards at different angles and catch the return pass. This drill teaches players to use the boards strategically, just like in actual box games where board passes are common tactics.
Tight triangle passing involves three players in a small area (about 6×6 feet) making quick passes while focusing on fakes before each release. The confined space forces players to be deceptive and accurate. Each player should fake one direction before passing to keep defenders guessing.
High-tempo give-and-go drills simulate crease play where players must make quick passes and cuts in tight spaces. Set up a small marked area and have players continuously move and pass while defenders apply pressure. This develops the quick decision-making needed around the box crease.
Box-Specific Shooting Drills
Shooting in box lacrosse requires accuracy and deception more than raw power. The smaller nets and athletic goalies demand precise placement and the ability to fake.
Quick-stick finishing on smaller nets develops the rapid release needed when shooting opportunities appear suddenly. Set up a smaller target (or use hockey nets if available) and practice shooting immediately upon catching passes. No cradling or setup time allowed.
Corner accuracy shooting emphasizes placement over velocity. Place targets in the corners of the net and focus on hitting specific spots consistently. Box goalies are typically very good, so shooters must be able to pick corners to score regularly.
Fake-and-finish drills teach the deception that creates scoring opportunities. Practice high-to-low fakes (fake high, shoot low), low-to-high fakes, and double fakes before shooting. The goal is to move the goalie out of position before releasing.
Rebound drills simulate the scramble situations common in box. Shoot at the boards behind the net, retrieve the rebound, and finish in one motion. This drill develops the quick hands needed to capitalize on loose balls around the crease.
Stick Protection and Dodging in the Box
The physical nature of box lacrosse requires superior stick protection and the ability to dodge in tight spaces while under pressure.
One-handed cradle under crosscheck pressure prepares players for the legal body contact in box. Have a partner apply light crosscheck pressure while the ball carrier maintains possession using one-handed cradling and body positioning.
Partner stick check drill reinforces ball security against aggressive defense. One player tries to maintain possession while a partner applies controlled stick checks. This builds the strong cradling and stick protection needed in physical box games.
Roll-dodges and inside cuts within confined spaces teach players to beat defenders in tight areas. Practice these moves in a small box (10×10 feet) to simulate the cramped conditions around the box crease. Focus on using quick feet and body position to create separation.
The emphasis should be on using body positioning to shield the stick, not just cradle strength. Box players learn to use their entire body as a shield while keeping the stick in protected positions.
Conclusion
Box lacrosse stick skills revolve around deception, efficiency, and ball security under constant pressure. The drills outlined here are specifically tailored to meet the unique demands of arena play, where split-second decisions and creative stick work separate good players from great ones. Players who master these box-specific skills will find themselves with enhanced creativity, confidence, and the ability to make plays in the tightest spaces the game can offer.
Looking for box-specific lacrosse training? Athletes Untapped connects players with private lacrosse coaches who specialize in box stick skills like quick releases, deception, and finishing under pressure to help you dominate the arena.
