We have curated a collection of informational and instructional videos for beginner, intermediate and advanced youth players that we hope are helpful, whether you're a player, coach, spectator or just curious. You'll find general information, technical tips, strategy, tricks, drills, and more. We'll also be adding new content periodically.
If you are new to the sport, start here. This video is presented by US Lacrosse, the national governing body of the sport, and covers basics such as:
Learn about the equipment used by boys, including:
Learn about the equipment used by girls, including:
Learn how to catch a ball, with tips including:
Learn the mechanics of passing, such as hand position and grip, and the following tips:
Learn how to cradle the ball to maintain possession while under pressure, receiving checks, and running. Tips covered include:
It's important to know how to pick up a lacrosse ball from the ground. It's how most early youth players will gain possession of the ball. Here are some important things to remember:
Three basic shooting techniques include:
Former Syracuse Lacrosse All-American and current LXM PRO Mike Powell explains how to be a better inside shooter, with tips including:
Goalies are the main communicator for the defense, and are in charge of stopping the ball. Usually goalies are added at the 12U level. Being a goalie, it's important to remember:
Every lacrosse game starts with the "draw" or face-off. In boys lacrosse, two players bend down in front of the ball, holding their sticks to the ground at the center of the field. The draw also is taken at the beginning of the second half, and after each goal. Players taking the draw should remember:
Every lacrosse game starts with the "draw". In girls lacrosse, two players hold the ball together using the backsides of the heads of their sticks at the center of the field. The draw also is taken at the beginning of the second half, and after each goal. A referee will confirm balance and stillness, and players taking the draw should remember:
Fouls vary between boys and girls versions of lacrosse, but there two types of common fouls that result in different penalties:
Partner passing is one of the best ways to improve catching skills. Remember to vary distance.
Footwork is one of the most important techniques in defense. Here's two drills that focus on footwork. While maintaining good footwork, a defender should remember to:
Stick tricks help improve hand-eye coordination and stick control-ball control. Former Syracuse lacrosse All-American and LXM Pro, Mikey Powell, and coaches from Columbia University demonstrate and stress the importance of practicing stick tricks.
2X All American and Pro LAX player, Kevin Crowley, shares his 8 drill wall ball routine that has made him one of the best stick handlers in the game. This important exercise will:
Dodging is when you try to beat the person covering you when you have the ball. There are several common types:
Triple-threat position, like in basketball, allows you to make multiple moves from the same position when you have the ball, to be ready for anything and keep defenders guessing. Things to remember include:
LXM Pro Kyle Harrison explains and demonstrates how to be a better shooter with "time & room shooting", including:
Typically not allowed until players reach a 12U team, checking is a valuable defensive move that involves using your stick to knock the ball out of your opponent's stick. Tips include:
Keep a defense on their toes with techniques including:
On-ball defense requires a controlled approach, and these fundamentals:
The purpose of this drill is to work on footwork and body position for 1-on-1 defensive situations.
This drill helps to with drop-step footwork and body position in transition.
This drill takes place behind the goal, zig-zagging between the goal line and edge of field, creating space between the attacker and defender.
This drill focuses on dodging and shooting (or passing) on the run.
Fakes are a handy technique. Former Syracuse lacrosse All-American and LXM Pro, Mikey Powell, and coaches from Columbia University demonstrate and stress the advantage of faking shots on goal.
Fakes are difficult to defend, but here are some general tips at avoid getting caught all the time.
There are various ways to make a pass. Though some may seem fancy or difficult, they can be fun and effective in the right situation.
The purpose of this drill is to practice the slide and recovery aspect of team defense. When sliding out, approach under control. Come out big to close the distance.