The Two Most Important Parts Of Throwing And Catching A Lacrosse Ball

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Fundamentally the most essential skill you must master as a lacrosse player is throwing and catching the lacrosse ball. Foot position and proper grip are two important aspects of skillfully passing and retrieving the lacrosse ball. Here are the fundamentals of foot positioning, plus how to properly hold your lacrosse stick. 

Foot Foundation is Fundamental

Like a well-built house, throwing and catching a lacrosse ball starts with the foundation. The foundation for a lacrosse player to throw and catch the ball is the positioning of the feet.

First determine which foot is your lead foot. Most often the lead foot will be the opposite of which hand is your predominate hand. If you are right-handed for instance, this will normally be your top hand when gripping your lacrosse stick, so your lead foot will be your left.

Your other foot is called the anchor or drive foot. Your lead foot should be just ahead of your anchor foot with your feet positioned just about shoulder length apart. Get used to being on the balls of your feet, not resting back on your heels.

This will establish a solid base for catching and throwing the lacrosse ball, plus allow you to shift and move quickly. The agility gained from a proper base will allow you to move to a new position after throwing, avoid contact after a catch, plus adjust to poorly thrown passes.

Gripping the Lacrosse Stick Correctly

If you do not learn a how to hold your lacrosse stick properly, you will develop bad habits that are difficult to correct. Hold the bottom end of the stick in your bottom hand. Again, your predominate hand will usually be more comfortable as your top hand.

Rest the stick shaft at the base of your fingers, about one third, but no further than halfway up the stick handle. Close your fingers gently with your thumb pad on the flat edge of your stick closest to you.

The grip for your top hand will be just like the motion you use to shake someone's hand. Do not jam the stick deep into your palm. Burying your stick handle into the palm of your hand will restrict your range of wrist motion and limit your throwing and catching skills.

Remember one vital concept when gripping your lacrosse stick. Embrace the stick; do not squeeze the life out of it. You will need to practice your grip and make adjustments until it feels comfortable. Cradling the stick in your hand will give you flexibility in your wrists, important to skillful passing and catching.

Practice is the key to perfecting your lacrosse game, but without a solid foundation with your feet, plus the knowledge of how to correctly grip your stick you will develop poor habits. Develop your footwork and get used to the feel of gripping your stick. Your throwing and catching skills will rapidly improve. If you have more questions about lacrosse, try contacting a company like Breakaway Lacrosse for a better feeling of what works best and how to get started.


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