9-12 Lacrosse Drills
197 drills for 9-12 lacrosse players. Browse by skill focus and add them directly to your practice plan.
Split field 2 v 2
Work together in a pair mirroring each other. Field is cut in half down the middle. 2v2 until someone scores. Mirror ball carrier. Set picks and roll. Play together.
Hockey GBs
Each player has a ball on the ground and works to keep it moving within a small space, roughly two feet, while keeping their head up, maintaining control, and avoiding collisions with other players. The focus is on tight stick skills, spatial awareness, and ball protection under pressure. When the coach blows the whistle, all players explode out of the box, transitioning into a sprint.
King of the Hill
Two players start butt-to-butt with a ball placed between them. On the whistle, both players compete to gain possession of the ball. The player who secures it can either maintain possession or try to exit a marked area, while the other resets for the next round. Variations include setting a time limit to secure the ball and making it a tournament competition.
Numbers
Players line up with the offense at the top of the field and the defense on the sides. The coach calls out a set of numbers, such as “43,” where the first number is offensive players and the second number is defensive players. That many players sprint in to compete for the ball and play a live possession, e.g., 43 - 4v3, 55 - 5v5, 32 - 3v2. Variations can adjust the number combinations to create even or uneven matchups.
Clearing Relay
Players line up in all four corners of the box with goalies at both sides in between the lines . At the same time, players to the left of each goalie sprint upfield and receive an outlet pass from the goalie over the shoulder and sprint through the other side and get in line. Drill moves continuously with goalies throwing back and forth. Emphasize catching on the run, crisp outlet passes, quick ball movement, and catching over the shoulder..
One-Handed Shooting
Set players in a line with a feeder near the goal. Player A cuts along a designated lane, receiving a timed pass from the feeder while practicing quick footwork and cradle. They catch, absorb momentum, and execute a one-handed shot with proper rotation. After shooting, they rotate to the end or a recovery spot. Player B begins their cut as Player A finishes, creating continuous flow.
Zig Zag Approach Drill
Set up three large triangles and two small triangles with cones on the field. Players line up at the start of each triangle. Drill moves in a zigzag pattern: approach an offensive player in athletic stance with stick extended, take away one side, then backpedal short as if the attacker dodges, and break to the next cone at full speed. Long approaches use extended steps, short approaches use quick, choppy steps. Focus on balance, positioning, and reacting to the offensive player.
4 Corner Over-The-Shoulder
Set four cones in a square with 3+ players at each corner. Start with one ball: Player 1 catches over the left shoulder, switches hands, and passes to the next corner in a counterclockwise rotation. Midway, reverse direction. Add balls as skill allows. On a “break” call, roll a ground ball upfield for players to scoop and pass. Emphasize leading teammates, catching on the run, and strong/weak hand throws.
3v2 Out and Back
Set three offensive players (Player 1, 3, 5) and two defensive players (Player 2, 4) on half field. Offense passes upfield, moving quickly through midline. Defense sprints to midline, forms a tight stack in the “hole,” communicates, and contests passes. Offense stays spread, draws defenders, and looks for high-percentage shots. Rotate players through all lines for full engagement.
2v2 Drill
Set up two offensive players and two defenders in the attack zone. Coach starts with a pass to offense. Offense works quick passes and dodging to create shooting lanes. Defenders communicate, slide as needed, and force low-percentage shots. Play continues until a goal, save, clear, or whistle. Emphasize positioning, timing, and reading the defense.
2v1 Drill
Play 2v1 in the attack zone. Coach starts with a ground ball or pass. Offense works quick ball movement and stick handling to create scoring opportunities, while the defender practices positioning and slides. Play continues until a goal, save, clear, or whistle. Focus on decision-making under pressure.
10 Yard Sprints
Build short-sprint speed and change-of-direction quickness. Players line up on the sideline. Cones 10 yards from the boundary. Sprint line to line, 4 times in 12-15 seconds. Repeat 5 times. Variation: Hold a stick and shuffle instead of sprinting. Increase time to 15-18 seconds. Stay low throughout.