Stick handling is the heartbeat of lacrosse. Every pass, catch, shot, and dodge depends on a player’s comfort and control with their stick. For youth players, developing strong stick skills early creates a foundation that supports everything else they’ll learn in the game.
When young players feel confident with their stick, they play with more freedom and creativity. They’re willing to try new moves, make difficult passes, and take on defenders one-on-one. Players who struggle with basic stick skills often play tentatively, limiting their impact on the field and missing opportunities to help their team.
This guide covers fundamental stick handling drills designed specifically for youth players. These drills are fun, easy to learn, and build the control and confidence young lacrosse players need to excel. Whether you’re a coach working with a team or a parent helping your child improve at home, these exercises will accelerate stick skill development.
Wall Ball: The Classic Foundation Drill
Wall ball is the cornerstone of lacrosse stick skill development. This simple drill allows players to get hundreds of repetitions in a short time while working on passing, catching, and hand-eye coordination.
Start with basic passing and catching off the wall. Players should stand about 5-6 feet from a wall and pass the ball so it bounces back to them. Focus on using proper form: step toward the wall when passing, catch with soft hands, and keep the stick head up throughout the motion.
One-handed variations help develop individual hand strength and coordination. Practice throwing and catching with just the bottom hand, then switch to the top hand only. This builds the hand independence that advanced players need for quick sticks and difficult catches.
Two-handed power passing develops arm strength and accuracy. Have players take bigger steps into their throws and focus on snapping their wrists on release. This translates directly to harder, more accurate passes in games.
Make wall ball more engaging with challenges and competitions. Time how many catches players can make in 30 seconds, or see who can complete the most consecutive catches without dropping. These small competitions keep players motivated during solo practice sessions.
Advanced Catching and Coordination Drills
As players get comfortable with basic stick handling, they can progress to more challenging exercises that improve coordination and build flashy skills that boost confidence.
Around the World – Players cradle the ball, then swing their stick in a full circular motion around their body before releasing a pass or shot. To practice, start stationary without a ball to get the motion smooth, then add a ball, and finally progress to passing or shooting against a wall. This drill helps athletes improve wrist strength, timing, and confidence with advanced stick handling.
Likewise, Behind the Back Catch is an advanced skill that improves hand-eye coordination and stick feel. Players throw the ball slightly above their head, then reach behind their back to make the catch. Start with gentle tosses and gradually increase the height and speed. This drill teaches players to feel where their stick head is without looking, which translates to better overall stick control.
These advanced drills should only be introduced once players have mastered basic catching and cradling. While they may seem like tricks, they actually develop important coordination skills that help with difficult catches in game situations.
Cradle and Movement Drills
Cradling keeps the ball secure in the stick’s pocket while moving. This fundamental skill allows players to run with the ball, dodge defenders, and transition between offense and defense.
Start with stationary cradle practice. Players should hold the stick with both hands and rock it back and forth in a smooth rhythm. The motion should come from the wrists and forearms, not the shoulders or entire arms. Keep the stick head near the ear and maintain a consistent tempo.
Progress to walking while cradling, then advance to jogging and eventually running. As speed increases, the cradle motion should remain smooth and controlled. Many youth players rush their cradle when running, causing the ball to fall out. Emphasize maintaining the same rhythm regardless of running speed.
Switching hands while moving simulates game situations where players need to protect their stick from defenders. Have players cradle with their right hand while moving in one direction, then switch to their left hand when changing direction. This skill is essential for effective dodging.
The key coaching cue is “keep wrists soft, not stiff.” Rigid wrists create a choppy, ineffective cradle that can’t adapt to movement or contact. Soft, flexible wrists allow for smooth motion that keeps the ball secure even when running at full speed.
Cone and Obstacle Stick Handling Drills
Cone drills add direction changes and decision-making to stick handling practice. Set up cones in various patterns and have players navigate through them while maintaining possession.
Face dodge practice teaches players to fake one direction then go the other. Set up cones about 5 yards apart and have players approach each cone, fake to one side, then dodge to the other side while switching hands and protecting their stick.
Split dodges involve running straight at a cone (representing a defender), then planting hard and cutting sharply to either side. This move is especially effective in traffic and teaches players to change direction quickly while maintaining ball control.
Spin dodges require players to turn their back to the cone while keeping the ball on their outside hip. This advanced move protects the stick from checks while creating space to continue upfield.
An alternate drill involves having players scoop ground balls while moving through cones. Roll balls out in different areas and have players navigate the cone course while collecting ground balls. This combines stick handling with ground ball skills in a game-like scenario.
Fun Partner Drills for Youth Players
Partner drills add competition and unpredictability to stick handling practice. These exercises are more engaging than solo work and help players develop skills under pressure.
Quick-stick passing eliminates cradling between catches and passes. Partners stand about 10 yards apart and pass the ball back and forth as quickly as possible without cradling.
Keep-away games simulate game pressure while working on stick protection. One player tries to maintain possession while a partner applies light pressure with their stick (no body contact).
Partner ground ball battles improve scooping technique and physical play. Roll a ball between two players and have them compete to gain possession. The winner must then protect the ball for three seconds.
Conclusion
Stick handling is the skill that unlocks all other areas of lacrosse. Players who master passing, catching, and cradling can focus on strategy and teamwork instead of worrying about basic ball control. For youth players, consistent practice with simple, engaging drills builds the confidence needed to play aggressively and creatively. Remember that fun, challenging practice sessions lead to rapid improvement and a lifelong love of the game.
Want to give your youth player extra help mastering stick skills? Athletes Untapped connects families with private lacrosse coaches who specialize in fundamentals like passing, cradling, and ground balls to help young players build confidence with their stick.
