Ground ball pick ups are as important as catching and throwing the ball. Picking up ground balls and gaining possession make a tremendous difference in the success of any team. Players must be proficient at picking up ground balls and it is a skill to be especially proud of. We must develop a mindset of “hunting the ball”. Be able to do a ground ball pick up with either the left or right hand at the top of the stick so you can effectively pick up the ball in any situation.
Three key points when focusing on picking up a ground ball:
1. Watch the ball into your stick. It seems simple, remember to do it.
2. Run through the ground ball pick up. If you stop, you will get clobbered.
3. Get your head and eyes up and look to move the ball as quickly as possible
When picking up a ground ball under pressure, you must box out your opponents. Good habits of ground ball pick ups are: catch up first, get low with your hand at the top of your stick, bend your knees, keep your head over the ball, push through the pick up with your bottom hand (let the top hand guide), cradle immediately and accelerate through the pick up, protecting the stick with shoulders, have the attitude that you are going to get every ground ball. Bad habit to avoid include: stopping and batting at the ball, not bending your knees and getting low, waiting for the ground ball, exposing your stick and not protecting after a pick up.