Middle school is a crucial time for developing shooting skills in lacrosse. Players at this age are strong enough to generate real power but still developing the coordination and technique needed for consistent accuracy. This is the perfect stage to build proper shooting mechanics that will last throughout their lacrosse careers.
Many young players think shooting is all about power – the harder they throw, the better the shot. In reality, great shooting combines accuracy, proper form, and smart decision-making. A well-placed shot with good technique will beat a wild, hard shot every time. Middle schoolers who focus on fundamentals now will become dangerous shooters as they get stronger and faster.
This guide provides a list of drills that can develop both fundamental mechanics and game confidence. The drills progress from basic form work to competitive situations, giving players the complete shooting toolkit they need to score goals at higher levels.
Form & Mechanics Shooting
Building proper shooting form is the foundation of everything else. Without good mechanics, players will struggle with accuracy and consistency no matter how much they practice.
Wall Ball Shooting Motion lets players focus purely on form without worrying about where the ball goes. Stand 8-10 feet from a wall and practice the shooting motion, letting the ball bounce back. This drill isolates the mechanics and helps players feel the correct motion pattern.
Towel Drill teaches players to keep their elbows close to their body during the shot. Place a towel under the shooting arm and have players practice their motion while keeping the towel in place. If the elbow flares out, the towel will fall. This simple feedback tool helps players develop the compact motion that generates both power and accuracy.
The key coaching cues for proper form are:
- Keep hands apart on the stick with proper grip spacing
- Step into the shot with the opposite foot for power transfer
- Follow through by snapping the wrists and pointing the stick head at the target
- Keep the motion smooth and controlled, not rushed or jerky
Focus entirely on technique before adding any power. Players should practice these motions slowly and deliberately, building muscle memory for the correct form. Speed and power will come naturally once the mechanics are solid..
On-the-Run Shooting
Game situations rarely allow players to set up for stationary shots. This section teaches players to shoot accurately while moving, which is essential for offensive success.
Catch-and-Shoot Drill simulates receiving a pass and shooting immediately. Have players run toward the goal while a coach or partner throws them a pass. The goal is to catch and shoot in one fluid motion without slowing down. This drill teaches players to shoot with balance and proper form even when moving at speed.
Dodging into Shot combines a simple dodge with an immediate shot. Players start with the ball, execute a basic split-dodge to get past an imaginary defender, then shoot while still in stride. This drill teaches the timing needed to shoot off a dodge, which is one of the most common scoring situations in games.
The key is teaching players to maintain proper shooting form while moving. Many players change their mechanics when running, leading to wild shots. Emphasize keeping the same form and follow-through regardless of movement. Players should practice shooting with both feet and from different angles to simulate various game situations.
Quick Release & Reaction Drills
Game situations often require players to shoot quickly without time to set up perfectly. These drills build the quick release and reaction skills needed to score under pressure.
Rapid Fire Drill involves a coach feeding multiple balls quickly while the player shoots without hesitation. Set up several balls near the coach and feed them one after another with just enough time for the player to catch and shoot. This drill builds confidence in quick decisions and prevents overthinking.
Ball Machine or Coach Toss requires players to react and shoot within one step of receiving the ball. The coach tosses balls from different angles and heights, forcing players to adjust quickly and still get off accurate shots. This drill simulates the unpredictable passes and situations that happen in games.
These drills build confidence under pressure and help players develop game tempo. Many players can shoot well in practice but struggle when they have less time to think. Quick release drills bridge this gap and prepare players for the pace of real games.
Fun Competitive Drill
Ending practice with competition keeps players engaged and adds game-like pressure to shooting practice.
Knockout Shooting Game creates excitement while reinforcing shooting skills. Players line up and take turns shooting at the goal. If a player scores, they stay in the game. If they miss, they’re eliminated. The twist is that the player behind them can “knock them out” by scoring before they do. This creates pressure and forces quick, accurate shooting.
Vary the game by changing shooting distances, requiring specific targets, or adding time limits. The competition aspect makes players focus intensely on every shot while having fun. This type of drill often produces players’ best shooting because they’re focused but relaxed.
Conclusion
The progression from form to accuracy to movement to speed to competition gives middle school players a complete shooting development program. Starting with proper mechanics ensures that players build correct habits from the beginning. Adding movement and pressure prepares them for game situations. Ending with competition keeps practice fun and engaging.
Middle schoolers benefit most from structured, consistent shooting practice that emphasizes fundamentals while maintaining variety. Regular repetition of these drills will develop the accuracy and confidence young players need to become dangerous scorers as they advance to higher levels of lacrosse.
Looking to give your middle schooler personalized shooting instruction? Athletes Untapped connects families with experienced lacrosse coaches who specialize in developing proper shooting mechanics and building confidence in young players.
