Shooting is one of the most exhilarating—and critical—aspects of lacrosse. It’s where precision meets power, and where players can make a real impact by putting points on the board. However, being an effective shooter goes far beyond raw power; it requires finesse, technique, and a solid understanding of various shooting methods.
Why Shooting Techniques Matter in Lacrosse
When it comes to scoring in lacrosse, shooting with accuracy and variety can be the deciding factor between victory and defeat. Different situations call for different shots, and mastering a range of shooting techniques ensures that players are versatile enough to handle whatever comes their way on the field. Not only does technique impact a player’s success rate, but it also increases confidence and helps avoid predictable plays that defenders can easily anticipate.
Key Lacrosse Shooting Techniques to Master
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, these essential shooting techniques can take your game to the next level:
- Overhand Shot The overhand shot is one of the most fundamental shooting techniques in lacrosse. This technique involves shooting with a downward motion, which helps keep the ball on target and adds a bit of disguise, making it harder for the goalie to read. Athletes Untapped coaches work with players to perfect their overhand shot, focusing on body alignment, follow-through, and consistency to make it as effective as possible.
- Sidearm Shot The sidearm shot is great for throwing off defenders and goalies because of its lower release point and increased speed potential. However, it requires precise control to keep it accurate. Athletes Untapped teaches players how to harness the power of the sidearm shot without sacrificing aim, focusing on wrist control and hip rotation for maximum effectiveness.
- Underhand Shot The underhand shot is a more advanced technique that’s useful for shooting low and getting around defenders. This shot is effective in tight spaces and adds variety to a player’s shooting repertoire. Our coaches at Athletes Untapped break down the underhand shot to help players understand the ideal body positioning, timing, and release angles needed to make this shot a valuable tool.
- Behind-the-Back Shot The behind-the-back shot may look flashy, but it can be highly practical in situations where a player is tightly covered. This shot requires strong hand-eye coordination and control, as it relies heavily on accuracy rather than power. Athletes Untapped private coaching sessions allow players to work on this shot in a low-pressure environment, helping them build the confidence and skill to use it effectively in games.
- Quick Release Shot Sometimes, the opportunity to shoot is fleeting, and players need to capitalize quickly. The quick release shot focuses on minimizing the time from catch to release, making it a crucial technique in fast-paced game situations. Athletes Untapped helps players improve their quick-release shot through drills that emphasize hand positioning, reaction time, and body alignment to ensure they’re always ready to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
- Bounce Shot The bounce shot is an effective way to catch goalies off guard, especially on turf fields where the ball can rebound quickly. This technique involves bouncing the ball off the ground to create an unpredictable trajectory that’s tough for goalies to track. Our coaches at Athletes Untapped emphasize the right balance between power and angle for a bounce shot that’s as deceptive as it is effective.
How Athletes Untapped Can Help with Shooting Technique Mastery
At Athletes Untapped, we know that mastering shooting techniques takes more than practice—it takes detailed instruction, feedback, and an individualized approach. Here’s how our coaching can take players’ shooting skills to new heights:
- Individualized Attention and Feedback: In our one-on-one coaching sessions, players receive instant feedback on each shot, allowing them to refine their technique in real-time. With a focus on specific shooting mechanics, Athletes Untapped helps athletes correct mistakes quickly and build good habits.
- Drills Tailored to Each Player’s Needs: Not all players need the same focus. Our coaches work with each athlete to identify which shooting techniques will most benefit their style of play and design drills that cater to those specific needs. This personalized approach ensures that players are improving in areas that make a noticeable difference in their game.
- Experienced Coaches Who Understand Lacrosse Shooting: Our coaches aren’t just knowledgeable about lacrosse—they’ve been there, and they know what it takes to become an effective shooter. Athletes Untapped coaches are dedicated to helping players break down complex techniques into manageable steps, making even the trickiest shots easier to master.
- Building Confidence Through Repetition: Shooting effectively in games requires a high level of comfort and confidence. Through consistent repetition and skill-focused practice, our players gain the confidence they need to execute these techniques successfully, even under pressure.
Get Started on Your Lacrosse Shooting Journey with Athletes Untapped
Mastering lacrosse shooting techniques can open doors to new scoring opportunities and make players more valuable to their teams. Whether you’re aiming to improve your accuracy, add variety to your shot selection, or develop greater power, Athletes Untapped has the coaching expertise to help you succeed. Our private coaching sessions are designed to help lacrosse players at every level take control of their shooting skills and feel prepared to make an impact in every game. Ready to start developing the shooting techniques that will elevate your game? Contact Athletes Untapped today to learn more about how we can help you become a more confident, skilled shooter and bring your lacrosse skills to the next level!
