Top Lacrosse Drills to Improve Your Game: Unlock Your Potential

By Fortis Sports

Reading Time: 3 minutes 

Success on the lacrosse field doesn’t happen by accident. Instead, it is the result of focused, repetitive practice and a dedication to the fundamentals. Therefore, we have compiled this ultimate guide to the top lacrosse drills to improve your game. In addition to building your physical skills, these drills are designed to sharpen your mental approach to the sport. Consequently, by following this routine, you will be better prepared for high-pressure game situations.

The Foundation: Mastery Through Wall Ball

First and foremost, every elite player knows that wall ball is the foundation of the game. In fact, there is no better way to build hand-eye coordination and stick control. To begin, you should spend at least 15 to 20 minutes a day hitting the wall. Additionally, you must focus on using both your dominant and non-dominant hands.

As a result of consistent wall ball practice, your passing will become more accurate and your catches more fluid. Furthermore, practicing your “quick sticks” against the wall will significantly reduce the time it takes for you to release a shot during a game. Because consistency is key, try to make 100 successful passes with each hand before moving on to the next drill.

Developing Offensive Power: Shooting on the Run

Once you have mastered your stick work, you must focus on your scoring ability. In particular, shooting on the run is a skill that separates average players from elite goal-scorers. For example, look at how professional athletes maintain their balance while moving at full speed. Therefore, you should practice driving toward the cage and releasing your shot without breaking your stride.

Refining Your Shooting Technique

To improve this skill, set up a series of cones at the top of the “restraining line.” Next, sprint toward the goal while maintaining a strong athletic stance. Moreover, remember to keep your hands away from your body to generate maximum torque. Consequently, your shots will be harder to track and much more difficult for the goalie to save.

Defensive Footwork and Elite Conditioning

While offense gets the glory, defense wins championships. Accordingly, you must dedicate time to your footwork and overall conditioning. For instance, “Ladder Drills” are excellent for improving your lateral quickness and agility. In addition, “Sled Pushes” or “Hill Sprints” will build the explosive power needed to win ground ball battles.

Furthermore, defensive players should practice the “M-Drill” to improve their change-of-direction speed. By focusing on these movements, you will be able to stay in front of your attacker and dictate the flow of the game. Ultimately, a well-conditioned player is much more effective in the fourth quarter when everyone else is tired.

Learning from the Pros: Role Model Insights

Finally, it is helpful to look at the habits of the best players in the world. Take, for example, the professional stringers and athletes who trust Fortis Sports gear. They understand that the right equipment, combined with relentless practice, is the secret to success. Similarly, you should seek out “Role Model Insights” from coaches who have played at the collegiate or professional level.

In conclusion, if you commit to these top lacrosse drills to improve your game, you will see a massive difference in your performance. So, grab your gear, find a wall, and start working toward your goals today.

The Ultimate Lacrosse Gear Checklist: Don’t Forget These Essentials

By Fortis Sports | Read Time: 4 Minutes

Stepping onto the field for the first time is an exhilarating experience for any athlete. However, nothing ruins a great practice faster than realizing you left a piece of vital safety equipment at home. Therefore, we have created this comprehensive lacrosse gear checklist to ensure you are fully prepared for the season ahead. By following this guide, you can focus entirely on your game rather than your bag.

Mandatory Protective Equipment for Every Player

First and foremost, player safety is the top priority in any contact sport. Consequently, you must ensure that all your protective gear meets current safety standards. To begin, your helmet is the most critical investment you will make. In addition, you must wear a multi-layer mouthguard that fits comfortably over your teeth. Furthermore, your shoulder pads must now be NOCSAE ND200 compliant to properly protect against high-velocity impacts.

Arm Protection and Gloves

Additionally, you should choose arm pads that offer a balance between protection and mobility. For instance, attackers often prefer longer guards, while defenders might opt for smaller, more flexible pads. Similarly, your gloves should provide excellent thumb protection while allowing for a full range of motion. As a result, you will be able to handle your stick with precision without sacrificing safety.

Choosing Your Performance Gear: Sticks and Footwear

Once your safety gear is secured, it is time to focus on your performance tools. In particular, your stick is the most personalized piece of equipment you own. Because the head and mesh dictate your accuracy, we recommend a custom-strung pocket rather than a generic factory version. Moreover, choosing the right shaft material—whether alloy or carbon fiber—will significantly impact your shot speed and stick feel.

Selecting the Right Footwear for Ohio Fields

Next, you must consider your footwear based on the playing surface. Since many Ohio games take place on grass or turf, having a reliable pair of cleats is essential for traction. Nevertheless, if you are playing in a box league, you may need specialized turf shoes instead. By matching your footwear to the environment, you will prevent unnecessary slips and injuries during fast-paced transitions.

The Often-Forgotten Essentials: Don’t Leave Home Without These

Finally, there are several small items that frequently get left behind in the locker room. For example, always carry a backup roll of athletic tape and a screwdriver for quick on-field head adjustments. In the same way, keeping an extra ball and a bottle of water in your bag is always a smart move. Ultimately, being prepared with these “minor” essentials is what separates a prepared athlete from the rest of the pack.

We can all agree that lacrosse is an intense sport, whether played on an open field or within the confines of a fast-paced indoor arena. While both versions share the fundamentals, they do differ in speed, physicality, and strategy. Adapting your gear is key to excelling in each setting. Here’s what you need to know when transitioning between indoor (box) and outdoor (field) lacrosse.

Gear Adjustments: What You Need to Play Your Best

Sticks

When it comes to sticks, there are definitely variations to weight when considering outdoor lacrosse versus indoor lacrosse. When it comes to outdoor lacrosse, players typically use longer sticks, especially for defensive players, allowing for more reach and control in a larger playing area. Attackers and midfielders often use a standard 40-inch shaft for quick passes and shooting.

Indoor lacrosse sticks tend to be shorter, more compact sticks – usually between 40-46 inches. These sticks are preferred to enhance ball control in tight spaces and withstand more physical play.

Protective Equipment

Outdoor lacrosse is always going to require a helmet, gloves, shoulder pads, elbow pads, and mouthguard. And of course, goalies wear additional chest protection and throat guards.

The needs change a bit when you move indoors. Due to the increased physicality, players wear additional padding, including rib pads and reinforced bicep guards. Indoor lacrosse goalies also wear larger, hockey-style protective gear for added protection against close-range shots.

Ensuring you’re protected in each environment is key to the ultimate success of your game!

Footwear

When playing on an outdoor field, cleats are essential for grip no matter if you’re playing on natural or artificial turf. 

But indoor lacrosse requires players to wear indoor court shoes with a flat sole. This provides better traction on hard surfaces, allowing for quick releases and accuracy in tight spaces, especially when using fakes and deceptive shooting to beat goalies.

Looking to step up your game? Visit Fortis Sports for all your lacrosse gear needs!