Equipment Needed
- Sticks
- One ball per pair
One ball per pair, no sharing
A bulk bag of lacrosse balls means every pair gets their own ball for cradle-protection reps.
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- Partners stand a few feet apart; one has the ball and cradles, the other applies light stick pressure.
- Start at a slow, controlled pace.
Instructions
- The ball carrier cradles with two hands, keeping the stick on the side away from the defender.
- The defender applies light, controlled checks with their own stick, not full-force swings.
- The ball carrier pivots and repositions their body to keep it between the stick and the defender at all times.
- Continue for 20–30 seconds, then switch roles.
Coaching Points
- The body, not just the stick, is the primary shield — teach players to think of positioning first.
- Keep both hands on the stick during pressure; a one-handed cradle is much easier to knock loose.
- Staying low and balanced makes it easier to pivot away from pressure quickly.
- Defenders should apply just enough pressure to test the ball carrier, not to overwhelm them — this is a technique-building rep, not a full battle.
Variation
Increase defensive pressure gradually as protection technique improves, or add a second defender for an advanced challenge.