How to Win Ground Balls in Lacrosse
To win a ground ball, get low, run through the ball instead of stopping over it, scoop with two hands and the bottom hand low, and protect the stick as you come up. The team that scoops the most loose balls almost always controls possession, and possession is what wins lacrosse games.
Ground balls are the one skill every player on the field can master through effort and reps, no matter their speed or stick talent. This guide breaks down the technique, the 50/50 battle, and the drills that turn loose balls into your team's biggest advantage.
Why do ground balls win lacrosse games?
Every ground ball is a possession, and every possession is a chance to score or a chance to keep the other team from scoring. A missed shot, a dropped pass, a blocked clear, a face-off that squirts loose: all of these turn into ground balls, and whoever comes up with them decides who gets the next shot on goal.
Coaches track ground balls for a reason. A team that wins the ground ball count usually wins the possession battle by a wide margin, and over a full game that gap is often the difference on the scoreboard. The best part is that ground balls reward hustle over talent, so even a young or developing team can dominate this stat with the right habits.
What is the correct way to scoop a ground ball?
Scooping looks simple, but the details separate players who win ground balls from players who kick them around. The goal is to run through the ball with a low, flat stick and come up already protecting possession. Here is the step by step technique to drill into every player.
How do you win a contested ground ball?
A contested ground ball, the classic 50/50, is where games are decided. When two players arrive at the same loose ball, the winner is almost always the one who gets lower, uses their body, and commits fully. Here is how to coach the contested scoop.
First, box out just like a rebound in basketball. Use your hips and shoulders to seal the opponent away from the ball, creating a half second of space. Second, if you cannot get to the ball cleanly, protect your teammate by boxing out so a teammate can scoop. Third, if you do win it, expect contact and brace for it, then pop the ball out to an open teammate right away rather than trying to do too much in traffic.
Custom Lacrosse Clipboard (2 Sided)
Draw up ground ball box outs and scoop angles on a full field diagram, then flip to a blank side for quick adjustments on the sideline.
What are the best ground ball drills?
Ground balls improve fast with focused reps. Build five to ten minutes of ground ball work into every practice and the habit sticks. These three drills cover the main situations your players will face in a game.
Players roll a ball ahead, run through it, scoop, cradle twice, and roll it to the next line. Simple reps that groove low body position and running through the ball.
Coach rolls a ball between two players. They box out and compete for the scoop, then the winner clears to a target. This teaches the contested 50/50 and physical play.
Scatter several balls. Players scoop one, sprint to a cone, pass to a partner, and repeat. This links the ground ball to the next decision, which is what happens in a real game.
How do you protect the ball after scooping?
Winning the scoop is only half the job. A loose ball you pick up and then lose to a check is still a turnover. The moment the ball is in your head, bring the stick in tight to your body, turn your back or shoulder to the nearest defender, and protect with your off arm within the rules.
Then make the easy play. The best ground ball teams scoop and immediately move the ball to open space with a short pass. Teach your players that a clean outlet beats a flashy dodge every time they come up with a loose ball in traffic. Possession secured is the goal, not a highlight.
Lacrosse Ground Ball FAQ
Every ground ball is a possession. Teams that win the ground ball battle control how often they get to shoot, so the stat closely tracks with winning games.
If you have a clear path, scoop through the ball. If an opponent is right there, box out to create space first, then scoop or let a teammate take it.
The two biggest causes are standing too tall and keeping the bottom hand too high. Both lift the stick head off the ground and cause rakes and misses.
Avoid raking when you can. Running through the ball is more reliable. Raking is a last resort in a crowd when you cannot get your stick flat to the turf.
Get lower than your opponent, use your body to box them out, commit fully, and expect contact. The more decisive player wins almost every contested scoop.
Five to ten minutes every practice is plenty. The skill rewards repetition, so short daily reps beat one long session once a week.
Draw It Up on Your Own Lacrosse Board
Ground ball box outs, scoop angles, and clear routes all click faster when players can see them. A custom two sided lacrosse board gives you a full field diagram on one side and a blank dry erase surface on the other for quick sideline adjustments.
