The best practice drills for youth lacrosse teams maximize touches and keep kids moving and having fun. Use short drills in small groups instead of long lines, focus on the core skills of catching, throwing, cradling and scooping ground balls, and finish with small-sided games so players apply those skills in game-like situations. Proven drills include partner passing with both hands, ground ball relays, the star drill for passing on the move, cradle tag, shooting on the run, 3-on-2 fast breaks and 4-on-4 small-sided games. A simple 60-minute practice might include a warm-up and partner passing, ground balls and cradling, passing and shooting, fast break work and a scrimmage. When every child handles the ball constantly, skills and enthusiasm grow together.
Principles of great youth practices
Young players learn best by doing. Long lectures and long lines lead to boredom and few repetitions. Many youth development guidelines, including those from USA Lacrosse, emphasize small groups, lots of touches, age-appropriate expectations and fun. Keep explanations short, demonstrate clearly, and get players moving quickly. Rotate through drills every 8 to 15 minutes to hold attention. Praise effort and improvement, and use games and competitions to keep energy high.
Youth drills at a glance
| Drill | Skill | Group size |
|---|---|---|
| Partner passing (both hands) | Throwing and catching | Pairs |
| Ground ball relay | Scooping at speed | Small teams |
| Star drill | Passing on the move | 5 to 10 players |
| Cradle tag | Cradling under pressure | Whole team in a grid |
| Shooting on the run | Shooting accuracy | Two lines |
| 3-on-2 fast break | Decision-making | Groups of 5 plus goalie |
| 4-on-4 small-sided game | All skills in game context | Two teams of 4 |
Partner passing
Pair players up about 5 to 10 yards apart and have them pass back and forth. Start with the strong hand, then switch to the weak hand. Coach proper form: hands apart on the stick, stick head up near the ear, step toward the target and follow through. As players improve, increase the distance, add quick sticks and have them pass while moving. Count consecutive catches to turn it into a friendly competition.
Ground ball relay
Split players into small teams lined up behind a cone. Place balls on the ground several yards away. On the whistle, the first player runs, scoops the ball through with knees bent and body low, and carries it back or passes it to the next teammate. Teams race to finish first. Coach players to run through the ball rather than stopping at it, and to bring the stick up to protect it after scooping.
Star drill
Set up five cones in a star or pentagon shape with players at each cone. Players pass to the cone across from them, then follow their pass to that cone. This keeps everyone moving and teaches passing and catching on the move. Add a second ball as players get better. The drill builds rhythm, communication and hand skills.
Cradle tag
Mark a grid with cones. Every player has a ball in their stick. Players cradle around the grid while trying to gently tag others with their free hand, without dropping their own ball. Players who drop the ball do a quick skill, such as five scoops, before rejoining. The game teaches cradling, head-up awareness and protecting the stick in a fun way. Keep contact light and safe.
Shooting on the run
Set up two lines at the top of the offensive area. Players run toward the goal, receive a pass or carry the ball, and shoot on the run at targets or a goalie. Coach players to keep their hands back, use their hips and shoulders, and aim for corners rather than the goalie. Use targets such as cones in the corners of the goal to build accuracy. If a goalie is in the net, make sure shooters stay at a safe distance and shoot at controlled speeds appropriate for the age group.
3-on-2 fast break
Three attackers push the ball against two defenders and a goalie. Attackers learn to spread out, move the ball quickly and find the open player, while defenders learn to communicate and protect the middle. Keep the drill quick and rotate players so everyone plays both sides. Simple rules, such as requiring a certain number of passes before a shot, can emphasize ball movement.
Small-sided games
Small-sided games such as 3-on-3 or 4-on-4 on a smaller field give every player more touches, more decisions and more fun than full-field scrimmages. Use smaller goals or modified rules if needed. Adjust rules to target skills, such as requiring passes with the weak hand or awarding extra points for ground balls. Many coaches end every practice with a small-sided game because kids love it and it ties skills together.
Adapting drills by age
Drills should match players’ age and experience. The youngest players, often in soft-stick or introductory programs, need very simple activities, lots of games and short attention spans in mind. Focus on catching, throwing and scooping with plenty of success, using larger balls or soft sticks if your program uses them. As players reach older youth age groups, add passing on the move, basic offensive and defensive concepts, and more structured fast break work. Older youth players can handle more complex drills, position-specific work and longer small-sided games. Always progress from simple to more challenging, and step back when players struggle.
Working with goalies in youth practices
Youth goalies need attention too. Give them their own warm-up with controlled shots to called locations, and teach them to step to the ball and keep their eyes on it. Shooters should aim for specific spots at moderate speed, especially with young goalies. Rotating goalies or letting several players try the position helps teams find interested goalies and keeps the position fun. Make sure goalies wear all required protective equipment.
Using parent volunteers
Parent volunteers can make practices far more efficient. With extra adults, you can run several small stations at once, reducing lines and increasing touches. Give volunteers simple instructions for a single drill, such as feeding ground balls or counting passes, so they can help even without lacrosse experience. Make sure all volunteers follow your organization’s safeguarding policies and background check requirements.
Sample 60-minute practice
- Warm-up and partner passing (10 minutes).
- Ground balls and cradling (10 minutes).
- Passing and shooting drills (15 minutes).
- Fast break work (10 minutes).
- Small-sided game (15 minutes).
Safety note
Follow your governing body’s youth guidelines on equipment, contact and age groups. Make sure players wear required protective gear, provide water breaks, and watch for heat. Keep shooting drills controlled around goalies, especially with younger players. Health note: this article is general information, not medical advice.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Long lines that leave kids standing around.
- Too much talking before drills.
- Full-field scrimmages where few players touch the ball.
- Ignoring the weak hand.
- Drills that are too complex for the age group.
- Harsh criticism instead of encouragement.
Frequently asked questions
How long should youth lacrosse practices be?
About 60 to 90 minutes is common, depending on age.
What skills matter most for beginner lacrosse players?
Catching, throwing, cradling and ground balls, practiced with both hands.
How do I keep kids engaged at lacrosse practice?
Use short drills, small groups, lots of touches, games and plenty of encouragement.
