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Stick SkillsFundamentals

Basic Cradling Introduction Drill

The very first stick skill every young lacrosse player learns — rocking the stick gently to keep the ball secure in the pocket — taught slowly before any running or pressure is added.

Age RangeAges 6+
Duration8 minutes
Group SizeIndividual
SportLacrosse

Equipment Needed

  • Stick
  • Ball

A true-pocket stick helps early reps

A beginner-friendly practice stick with a properly strung pocket makes first cradling reps far less frustrating.

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Setup

  • Each player has a stick and ball, standing in their own space.
  • Coach demonstrates the cradling motion before players attempt it.
Basic Cradling Introduction DrillPTwo hands on the stick, rocking gently at the wristsHold cradling in place, then add a few slow steps

Instructions

  1. Hold the stick with both hands, top hand near the head and bottom hand near the butt end.
  2. Rock the stick gently back and forth using the wrists and forearms, not the whole arm.
  3. Practice cradling while standing still for 20–30 seconds at a time.
  4. Once comfortable, add a few slow steps while continuing to cradle.
Coaching Points
  • The motion comes from the wrists, not big arm swings — exaggerated cradling actually makes the ball less secure.
  • Keep the stick close to the body, not held far out to the side.
  • It's completely normal for the ball to fall out often at first — that's part of learning the feel.
  • Celebrate any improvement in how long a player can cradle without losing the ball.

Variation

Add gentle walking, then jogging, once stationary cradling is comfortable, or turn it into a follow-the-leader activity.

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