How To Cradle A Lacrosse Stick
Cradling a lacrosse stick is an important skill to have in order to control the ball and move it up and down the field. Here are some steps to help you learn how to properly cradle a lacrosse stick:
1. First, hold the stick with your dominant hand at the top of the handle, with your fingers wrapped around the shaft. Your index finger should be on the top side of the shaft, and your other fingers should be on the bottom side.
2. Next, place your non-dominant hand on the side of the shaft, about halfway down from the top. Your fingers should be spread out, with your thumb on the bottom side of the shaft and your other fingers on the top side.
3. Now, gently rotate your wrists so that the head of the stick is pointing down towards the ground. This will help to create a “pocket” in the head of the stick where the ball can rest.
4. As you rotate your wrists, you should also be moving your hands up and down the shaft of the stick. This will help to create tension in the head of the stick, which will allow you to control the ball more easily.
5. Once you have the stick properly positioned, try to keep your arms relaxed and your wrists loose. This will help to maintain the proper tension in the head of the stick and will make it easier to control the ball.
6. It’s important to practice cradling the stick frequently in order to develop muscle memory and improve your control. Try to do it for a few minutes each day, and focus on keeping your arms relaxed and your wrists loose.
As you become more comfortable cradling the stick, you can start to add more advanced techniques, such as using your non-dominant hand to scoop up the ball and throw it.
In conclusion, cradling a lacrosse stick is a critical skill to have in order to control the ball and move it up and down the field. By following these steps and practicing frequently, you can develop the muscle memory and control necessary to become a skilled lacrosse player.