6-8 Lacrosse Drills
86 drills for 6-8 lacrosse players. Browse by skill focus and add them directly to your practice plan.
Funnel
Practice defensive positioning and holds when playing a ball carrier from up top, directing them down the alley. Defensive middies and dummy offensive middies line up outside the restraining line. On the whistle, the ball carrier drives toward the goal. The defender turns his hips, points feet to the sideline, and takes away the middle. Establish contact with a top-hand hold — top hand on the ball carrier's lead shoulder, bottom hand on lead hip, gloves only (no stick contact). If the dodger rolls back, maintain contact and stay topside, driving them down the alley into the slide.
50 Yard Fight
Build 1v1 skills in a confined space with continuous reps. Two lines of players on each side of the crease extending to midfield — one offense, one defense. The lines restrict the dodging area. Top offensive player steps out and goes 1v1. The defender works on turning and forcing side to side until the attack zone, then plays it out to a shot or turnover. Drill is rapid fire — next pair goes as soon as the previous pair reaches the box. Variation: Change starting locations.
Triangle line Drills
Build stick skills through constant-motion passing and ground ball work in a triangle formation. Set up cones in a triangle, 15-20 yards between points. Players pass in one direction and follow their pass to the next cone. Receivers catch on the run and release quickly. Run 1.5 minutes each direction, then switch and rest. All players should be moving constantly. Variation: Spread players out to increase conditioning and pass distance.
Meat Loaf Drill GB and Passes
Improve passing and catching on the run using both hands, with an emphasis on over-the-shoulder catching and quick hand switches. Similar to the Star Drill. Use 2-3 balls with advanced players. Run in both directions to work both hands. Focus on cross-handed catching (over the shoulder), quick hand switches, and fast passes. Start with ground balls, then progress to passes. Variation: Add more balls for constant involvement. Adjust the distance between lines to change pass length and drill speed.
Hogan Lacrosse Box
Practice throwing and catching on the move while staying accurate to the box area. This is a 3-player drill. One player moves continuously around 2 stationary players. The moving player catches and throws from the "box" area next to his head as he circles. Stationary players work on quick, accurate feeds. Variation: Adjust spacing for longer or shorter distances to increase cardio or touches. Run figure 8s so the moving player works both hands.
4 Corner Over the Shoulder GB's and Passes
Improve catching on the run, over-the-shoulder grabs, hand switching, and throwing to the box area. Mark 4 corners with cones, at least 3 players per corner. Start with one ball rotating counterclockwise — catch over the left shoulder, pass with the right hand. Switch directions halfway to work the other hand. Add more balls as skill allows. For ground ball reps, players in line wait for a "break" call, then get a ball rolled to them while moving upfield. Variation: Alternate between passes and ground balls. Have players sprint the sides and jog the top for added conditioning. Blow a whistle to reverse direction and keep players sharp.
Inside 1v1
Develop 1v1 skills on both offense and defense around the critical scoring area. Set up 4 cones around the attack box — one at X, one at the point, and two out wide. Offensive lines at each cone above GLE, one defensive line at X. Mark the "Critical Scoring Area" with 4 cones (5 yards off crease at GLE, extending 5-10 yards upfield). Coach starts each rep by throwing or rolling a ball to an offensive player. Offense works to beat the defender into the scoring area. Defense works proper positioning to force low-percentage shots. Variation: Roll the ball to start with a ground ball pickup.
Blind Man's Bluff
The coach selects a random mix of offensive and defensive players. Anything from 3v3 to 4v2 or even 3v5 to simulate unsettled play. Players walk around with their eyes closed while the coach moves them, ensuring they’re randomly spread across the field. On the coach’s signal—“STOP!”—players freeze, keeping their eyes closed. The coach rolls out a ball and yells “Ball down!”. Players open their eyes and immediately play out the situation, attacking or defending based on their numbers. The focus is on loud, clear communication, proper spacing, and quick reads. Offense practices moving without the ball and exploiting openings, while defense adjusts formations and anticipates passes on the fly.
Cone Smashers
Setup: Coach sets up several flat cone patterns mimicking right- and left-handed face dodges. Divide players into groups of 2–3 per cone set. Each player has a stick; balls optional. Execution: - Players start at the first cone and move through the footwork pattern, “smashing” each cone with their stick or foot. - After completing the pattern, the next teammate goes immediately. Run as a relay race to see which group finishes first. - Continue until all players complete the set. Coaching Points: - Emphasize low, balanced movements; proper foot placement; stick protection; and quick transitions. Each cone should be clearly smashed to reinforce correct mechanics. Variations: - Switch top hand on the stick. - Add a ball and finish with a shot. - Change dodge types (split dodge, roll dodge, etc.) to mix footwork patterns.
Short Field
Move the nets up to create a pretty small, tight field to play up and down. This will be a live 4v4 back and forth. Focus on 2 man games and playing fast and tight. Keep score for a fun competition to boost energy at practice or finish for sprints.
2 D Breakout
2 defenders break out from the goal to the box/alleys. The goalie throws a pass to one defender and then they complete 2 over passes before passing to a third defender/midfielder near the midfield line at the opposite box.
Box Passing
- Make a rectangle with 4 lines of players - Players will pass 1-2 balls around, working on catching with their outside hand. - Focus on leading passes.