Ten Beginner Lacrosse Practice Ideas

Beginner practice works best with a clear demonstration, suitable equipment and space to stop. These ten examples can be adapted with a qualified coach; they are not a fixed session every child must complete.

Control and movement

1. Stationary cradle: repeat the demonstrated motion briefly and check control.

2. Walking cradle: add a few manageable steps in a clear area.

3. Stop at a marker: finish under control rather than racing through the endpoint.

4. Notice a cue: identify a partner’s signal without continuously watching the pocket.

Catching and throwing

5. Partner target: use a comfortable coach-selected distance and a clear receiving target.

6. Reset and repeat: pause between short sets to apply one cue.

7. Wall-ball target: only with permission and a suitable wall/rebound area, work toward a large target.

Ground balls and decisions

8. Stationary pickup: scoop one ball and move into clear space.

9. Pickup and pass: clear the first ball with a controlled pass before resetting.

10. Unopposed route choice: respond to a coach’s simple direction cue after securing possession.

Adapt the activity

Use the matching USA Lacrosse beginner videos for demonstrations. The coach should choose balls, equipment, duration and progressions. Keep retrieval separate from active throwing. Add contact only when the coach has established the age/format rules and readiness; it is not needed to make these examples count.

Use catching fundamentals, ground-ball practice and cradling activities for more focused sessions. Finish with one observation and one question rather than a promise of immediate mastery.