A hard catch bounces the ball out. A soft catch absorbs it. The stick has to give a little when the ball arrives, like catching an egg. This drill teaches the give.

What you need: Two sticks, ball, two players.

Setup: Two players 12 feet apart.

How to run it:

  1. Coach (or partner) tosses the ball to the player’s stick.
  2. As the ball arrives, the stick gives back 6 inches (the give).
  3. Ball stays in the head.
  4. Player cradles once and tosses back.
  5. Do 15 catches. Mix high and low passes.

What to watch: The give. If the stick stays still on contact, the ball bounces off. The stick has to move with the ball for a moment.

If they’re struggling: Slow tosses. Larger softer ball.

If they’ve got it: Move further apart. Or vary the height (high, low, side passes).

Gear for this drill (affiliate)

Lacrosse balls (6-pack) → — NOCSAE-stamped practice balls.

STX Stallion complete stick → — beginner stick for first-season players.

Full lacrosse (girls) gear guide → — all picks by age, sport, and level.

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