The Lacrosse Pass is a fundamental lacrosse skill. Most successful teams have the ability to move the ball quickly, and effectively transition from defense to offense. Fast break and quick attacks can result when you have the ability to effectively pass the ball around.
Control type possession offenses also depend heavily on their ability to pass the ball without losing possession. By patiently passing the ball around the offense they create shooting opportunities. It is important to be able to deliver a precise pass to the desired shoulder of the player you are passing the ball to in order to set up that players next movement. A pass to the wrong side can twist and move the receiving player completely out of position and stall the attack, rotation, or clear, and allow your opponent to deliver a check or to intercept the pass from the receiving player.
The most important element to learning how to do an effective lacrosse pass, is just to do it. Repetition, repetition, repetition. Learning the correct technique is important, but there is no replacement for just doing it, OFTEN!! Work the wall, and work with teammates and throw and catch the ball over and over. You will develop
the ability to direct and change the velocity angle and release, and you will do so subconsciously. Your brain is a diagnostic computer that stores information and controls every aspect of the throw. With a strong fundamental understanding of the throw and the magic of your developing ™Stickbrain you will develop the ability to throw and pass accurately, simply with practice, practice, practice.
You should be throwing the ball a minimum of 20-30 minutes a day at least three days a week, but in my opinion every day is not too often
Te lacrosse pass is very similar to launching a rock with a catapult. In effect that is exactly what it is. The lacrosse stick is a long lever that allows the user to add leverage to the force of the player which increases the velocity of the ball sitting in the head or net allowing the player to fire the ball just like a catapult.
When throwing right handed the left hand should be secured around the base (bottom) of the stick and held firm. Speaking in terms of a catapult this is the fulcrum.
The Right hand is the force that moves the stick first back as you wind up, and then quickly snap your wrists forward as you slide your right hand down the shaft to guide the angle and direction of the shot.
As you motion from back stroke forward to fire your fulcrum hand (left) will move in toward your body while your Right hand will extend in the direction of the target. You should finish with the stick pointing at the target.
The lacrosse pass should be sharp and crisp so that ball travels with a good amount of velocity. A soft throw will tend to float and allow a defender to move into disrupt or intercept the pass. Quick, strong passes are much preferred to soft lobs.
When passing the ball to another player you should look to throw the ball to the shoulder away from the defender. This allows the receiving player to shield the ball away from the defender.
When making a lacrosse pass to a moving player you should throw the ball in front of the player as they run when possible. You want to lead the receiving player by passing to where they are going to be, so that they can maintain their speed without having to stop and come back to the ball allowing defenders time to close, and recover. Obviously this is not a hard rule. If there is a threatening defender in front of the player that you are throwing to, you should make your lacrosse pass to the side away from the defender, allowing the receiver to adjust to the ball and protect it from the defender.
It is very important to learn how to throw with both hands. Initially it will be tough to do with just your strong hand, but as soon as you start getting the hang of it with one hand try the other side and work both hands equally. In the end you will want to work your weak hand more than your strong hand. The ability to catch and throw with both hands is very valuable. You will be limited as a player if you only throw with your strong hand.
Wall Ball is a very valuable practice tool for players of all ability levels. Because you can do it alone is one of the great aspects of the wall. Get on the wall as often as possible. Throw and catch with someone, and finally set up drills to teach specific aspects of the game.
with a catapult. In effect that is exactly what it is. The lacrosse stick is a long lever that allows the user to add leverage to the force of the player which increases the velocity of the ball sitting in the head or net allowing the player to fire the ball just like a catapult.
