Ground Balls Lacrosse Drills
35 drills tagged with "Ground Balls". Use these in your practice plans to build focused, effective sessions.
4v4 GB to a 5v4 or 5v5
- A line of attack/defense at the 30 - Start with a 4v4 ground ball from the GLE - If attack gets it, they clear to the 30 and one attacker adds to the drill from the attacking line creating at 5v4. - If defense gets it, they clear to the 30 and drop the ball, then one attack and one defense adds to drill creating a 5v5
2v2 Circle Ground Ball to Outlet
Setup: -Split players into two teams -Each team forms 2 lines (alternating) outside the center circle -One coach stands outside the circle The coach rolls a ground ball into the center circle Two players from each team (one from each line) are released and enter the circle to play a 2v2. The team that picks up the gb is offense; the other team is defense. Offense must: Complete one pass to their teammate, then complete a pass to the coach to score a point. The ball becomes dead if it goes out of bounds. Rotate new players in after each rep Play to a set number of points or for a set time
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.
Musical GBs
Ground ball drill inspired by musical chairs. Set up a number of ground balls in a circle or scattered across the field, with one fewer ball than players. Players move or jog around the balls while the coach blows the whistle or plays music. When the whistle sounds, each player races to secure a ground ball. The player who does not secure a ball is either rotated out for the next round or performs a small conditioning task. Variations can include limiting players to certain stick hands, adding a pass once possession is gained, or forcing players to scoop and exit a marked area.
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.
Three Wide Offensive Drill
3-line setup along restraining line. Player 1 throws ball toward endline, sprints to scoop ground ball, makes big turn. Player 2 vacates crease as outlet, receives pass. Player 3 makes jab step then jump cut to vacated crease space. Player 2 feeds cutting player for shot. Sequence: ground ball → outlet pass → jump cut → feed → finish. Emphasizes ball movement, spacing, anticipation, finishing without goalie.
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.
Ground Ball to Shoot
Player A1 starts with the ball and rolls it out to A4 for a ground ball scoop. A4 scoops the ball and immediately passes it back to A1. After passing, A4 cuts back-door toward the goal to receive a return pass from A1 and finishes with a catch-and-shoot. Focus on clean scoops, accurate passes, and timing the back-door cut to create a good shooting angle. Encourage awareness of defenders, proper stick placement, and quick decision-making. For a challenge, add a defender randomly from either line. With the defender, players can cross in front of the goal and flip or fake-flip the ball instead of making the second pass to simulate in-game adjustments.
2v1 Corner GBs
Set up two offensive players and one defender in the corner, then roll a ground ball out to start the rep. The two offensive players work together to scoop cleanly and move the ball with light pressure, focusing on communication and off ball player moving to space (not in line with defender). Emphasize effort and quick ball movement rather than physical contact & competition.
Hockey/Footie
Set players up in a defined area and have them hockey or kick the ball around in a controlled manner, keeping it on the ground and moving continuously. Emphasize soft touches, awareness, and quick decision-making while staying active and communicating to maintain tempo and control.
Single Line Ground Balls
Develop ground ball skills and outlet passing in a continuous flow. X1 rolls a ball to himself and scoops. X2 chases. X1 curls right or left and passes back to X3, who mirrors X1. X3 then rolls a ball for X2 to pick up. X2 passes to X3. Drill recycles with the next players — X3 starts his own ground ball. Variation: Have the outlet step opposite the defender. Increase defensive pressure as technique improves.
Ground Balls w/Outlet Pass
Develop offensive ground ball recognition and outlet passing. X1 rolls a ball to X4 for a ground ball scoop, then steps out as a shadow defender. As X4 scoops, X2 steps out and mirrors the side X4 turns to. X4 passes back to X2. Variation: Have the outlet player step to the opposite side of the defender.