12 Yale Bulldog Lacrosse Drills To Improve Skills

The Yale Bulldog lacrosse team has a rich history of producing talented players and competing at the highest level. To help lacrosse players improve their skills, we've compiled a list of 12 drills that can be used to enhance technique, speed, and agility. These drills are designed to simulate game-like situations and can be used by players of all skill levels.

Warm-Up and Conditioning Drills

Before starting any lacrosse practice or game, it’s essential to warm up and get the muscles ready for action. The following drills can be used to get players moving and prepared for the demands of lacrosse.

Drill 1: Lacrosse Stick Handling Warm-Up

This drill involves players performing a series of stick handling exercises, such as cradling, catching, and throwing, to get their hands and arms ready for play. Players can start with simple exercises and progress to more complex moves as they warm up.

Drill 2: Agility Ladder Drills

Agility ladder drills are an excellent way to improve speed, agility, and quickness. Players can perform a variety of exercises, such as ladder runs, lateral shuffles, and carioca drills, to improve their footwork and reaction time.

Shooting and Scoring Drills

Shooting and scoring are critical components of lacrosse, and players need to practice these skills regularly to improve their technique and accuracy. The following drills can be used to enhance shooting and scoring abilities.

Drill 3: Stationary Shooting

This drill involves players shooting from a stationary position, focusing on proper technique and follow-through. Players can start with simple shots and progress to more complex ones, such as shooting on the run or with a defender in their face.

Drill 4: Moving Shooting

Moving shooting drills simulate game-like situations, where players need to shoot while moving at full speed. This drill can help players develop their ability to shoot accurately while on the run.

Drill 5: Shooting with a Defender

This drill involves players shooting with a defender in their face, simulating game-like pressure and intensity. Players need to focus on quick releases and accurate shooting to succeed in this drill.

Passing and Catching Drills

Passing and catching are essential skills in lacrosse, and players need to practice these skills regularly to improve their technique and accuracy. The following drills can be used to enhance passing and catching abilities.

Drill 6: Partner Passing

This drill involves players passing to a partner, focusing on proper technique and accuracy. Players can start with simple passes and progress to more complex ones, such as behind-the-back or between-the-legs passes.

Drill 7: Catching with a Defender

This drill involves players catching with a defender in their face, simulating game-like pressure and intensity. Players need to focus on quick reactions and secure catches to succeed in this drill.

Drill 8: Long-Pass Catching

This drill involves players catching long passes, simulating game-like situations where players need to track and catch passes from a distance. Players need to focus on proper technique and footwork to succeed in this drill.

Defensive Drills

Defensive skills are critical in lacrosse, and players need to practice these skills regularly to improve their technique and ability to shut down opponents. The following drills can be used to enhance defensive abilities.

Drill 9: Defensive Footwork

This drill involves players practicing defensive footwork, such as shuffling, sliding, and pivoting, to improve their ability to stay in front of opponents and make plays on the ball.

Drill 10: Defensive Positioning

This drill involves players practicing defensive positioning, such as playing help defense and protecting the crease, to improve their ability to read the game and make smart decisions.

Drill 11: Ball-Handling Defense

This drill involves players practicing ball-handling defense, such as pressuring the ball and making interceptions, to improve their ability to shut down opponents and create turnovers.

Game-Like Scenario Drills

Game-like scenario drills simulate real-game situations, allowing players to practice and improve their skills in a more realistic and dynamic environment. The following drills can be used to enhance game-like scenario skills.

Drill 12: Clearing and Riding

This drill involves players practicing clearing and riding, simulating game-like situations where players need to move the ball quickly and efficiently from the defensive zone to the offensive zone. Players need to focus on quick decision-making and accurate passing to succeed in this drill.