By Janine Tucker | @HopkinsLacrosse

The following post is adapted from “Building the Modern Midfielder,” a US Lacrosse coaching resource written by Johns Hopkins women’s coach Janine Tucker. Purchase a copy through the US Lacrosse Coaching Education Program online store today.

As critical as the fundamental skills of throwing and catching are, the ball spends a lot of time on the ground in lacrosse. The ability to gain (and maintain) possession makes a tremendous difference in the success of any team.

Picking up ground balls is a skill to be proud of, and one that must be practiced daily. Teach your players to “hunt the ball.” Encourage them to have a keen awareness of where the ball is and to pounce on it the second it hits the ground.

There are three key points to focus on when picking up a ground ball:

1. Watch the ball into your stick.

Be prepared to pick it up with either your left or right hand. When in traffic, slide your top hand up to the top of the stick, so it forces you to bend your knees (not your waist) and get low. Remember, low man wins! Keep your head over the ball, guide with your top hand and push through with your bottom hand.

2. Run through the ground-ball pickup.

Never stand still and wait for a ground ball—attack it! Once you have the ball, power through it and run. Bring your stick up to your ear to protect it and start your cradle. Protect the ball with your shoulders and body as you work to get to space.

3. Get your head up and look to move the ball quickly.

Know where you are on the field. Once you have the ball in your stick and you have accelerated through the pickup to get your hands free, get your eyes up to pass the ball to an open teammate. If you’re under pressure, consider flipping the ball to a teammate outside the pack.

Coaches—remember to point out game-changing ground ball moments in games! Celebrate big ground balls and how important coming up with that possession was for your team.

Over to you. Do you stress any other teaching points, buzzwords or phrases when practicing ground balls? Do your players struggle with a particular aspect of the skill, and what techniques have you used to help them progress. Share your experiences in the comments section.