Here
are Coach Randy's thoughts on groundballs.
Winning ground ball battles is key in any
lacrosse game, at any level. Winning a ground balls is one way to reap
the benefits of your hard work on defense and it can create an instant
imbalance on offense. Winning ground balls requires a combination of
desire and technique. Here are some principles to remember: - Use two hands on your stick- duh God gave you two, use em.
- Two butts Low
– both the players butt and the butt end of the stick need to be low.
Bend low at the knees, get both hands low to the ground, keep your
center of gravity low to win the leverage battle
- Run through the ball.
The ideal condition is to scoop the ball on the run and head for open
space. Stopping after you have picked up ground ball is a sure way to
create another ground ball battle that you will have to win.
- After you scoop, bring the ball close to your head
– this forces defender to check your stick close to your head which may
result in a man up situation after he hits you in the head.
- Use your feet, or your stick to kick or bat the ball to open space or toward a teammate.
This is especially effective for long poles since creating space allows
the pole to have an advantage. Creative and regular use of your feet
will earn you the nickname Pele’.
- Push the opponents bottom hand
not his back. Aim for the opponent's bottom hand with your top hand to
push him off the ball, this will help establish inside position on his
body.
- Don’t rake – the motion of stopping to rake the ball combined with a rapidly approaching opponent can cause "grassyarse".
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