Ground ball play matters in lacrosse because every loose ball is a possession, and possessions win games. To win ground balls consistently, attack the ball at speed, bend your knees and hips so your head is over the ball, slide your top hand toward the head of the stick so the shaft is nearly parallel to the ground, scoop through the ball rather than stopping at it, then bring the stick up to your chest or ear with your body between the stick and your opponent, and explode away from pressure while looking for an outlet pass. Effort and body position often decide ground ball battles more than size or skill. Teams that win the ground ball count usually control more of the game.
Why ground balls are so important
Lacrosse has many loose-ball situations: after shots, checks, dropped passes, face-offs and draws, and missed catches. Each one is a chance to gain or keep possession. Winning a ground ball in your defensive end can start a fast break, while winning one in the offensive end can create a second scoring chance. Many coaches track ground balls as a key statistic because they reflect effort, hustle and toughness. A team that consistently wins ground balls gives itself more chances to score and fewer chances for opponents.
Ground ball technique
| Step | Key point |
|---|---|
| Approach | Attack the ball at speed |
| Body | Bend knees and hips, head over the ball |
| Hands | Top hand near the head, stick almost parallel to the ground |
| Feet | Place your foot next to the ball as you scoop |
| Scoop | Scoop through the ball; do not stop at it |
| Protect | Bring the stick to your chest or ear, body between stick and opponent |
| Move | Explode away and look for an outlet pass |
How to scoop a ground ball step by step
- Attack the ball. Run hard toward it rather than waiting for it to come to you.
- Get low. Bend at the knees and hips so your head is over the ball, not just your stick.
- Adjust your hands. Slide your top hand toward the head so the stick is low and nearly flat.
- Plant your foot. Step so your foot is next to the ball, which helps keep your body over it.
- Scoop through. Push the stick through the ball in one motion, like a shovel, keeping your feet moving.
- Bring it up. Lift the stick quickly toward your chest or ear to secure the ball.
- Protect and move. Keep your body between the stick and defenders and run away from pressure.
- Find an outlet. Look up for a teammate to pass to.
Body position and boxing out
Ground balls are often contested by two or more players. Body position can decide who comes away with the ball. Use your body to get between your opponent and the ball, similar to boxing out in basketball. In men’s lacrosse, legal body contact near a loose ball is allowed within the rules. Keep a wide base for balance, and stay low so you are harder to move. Sometimes the best play is to box out your opponent so a teammate can pick up the ball.
Scooping versus raking
Scooping through the ball is usually the fastest and most secure way to gain possession. Raking, where you pull the ball back toward you with your stick head before picking it up, can be useful when the ball is in a crowd or when you need to move it away from pressure. However, raking is slower and gives opponents time to check you. Most coaches teach players to scoop through first and rake only when necessary.
Ground balls in traffic
Many ground balls happen in crowded areas, such as after face-offs or shots. In traffic, it can be smart to kick or push the ball to open space or to a teammate rather than trying to scoop it in a crowd. Communication helps, with calls such as ball to tell teammates you have it, man to ask a teammate to box out an opponent, and release when possession is secured. Teams that communicate on ground balls avoid collisions and win more of them.
The mindset of a ground ball player
Winning ground balls is as much about attitude as technique. Coaches often describe the best ground ball players as relentless: they chase every loose ball, fight through contact and never assume a teammate or opponent will get there first. This mindset is contagious, and a team full of players who compete for every ground ball is difficult to beat. Treat every loose ball in practice as if it were in a close game. Players who build this habit often earn more playing time, since coaches value effort and toughness highly. Ground balls are also a way for players of any skill level to contribute, since hustle does not require elite stick skills.
Ground balls by position
Every position wins ground balls, but in different situations. Defenders often scoop loose balls after checks or saves and must quickly start the clear. Midfielders battle for ground balls after face-offs and in transition, often in open field. Attackers chase loose balls after shots and on rides, where a scoop can lead to an immediate scoring chance. Goalies may pick up loose balls in and around the crease before making an outlet pass. Face-off specialists and wings focus heavily on ground balls, since many face-offs end with the ball on the ground. Understanding your position’s typical ground ball situations helps you practice the right skills.
Transition after the scoop
Winning the ground ball is only the first step. What you do next matters just as much. After scooping, protect the stick and move away from pressure. Look up quickly for an open teammate, especially ahead of you in transition. A quick outlet pass after a ground ball can create a fast break before the opponent recovers. If no pass is available, carry the ball to open space and let your team settle.
Ground balls in women’s lacrosse
In women’s lacrosse, ground ball technique is similar, but body contact rules are more restrictive and covering a ground ball with the stick is typically a foul. Players must scoop cleanly and avoid illegal contact. Quick hands, good footwork and positioning are especially important. Check the current rulebook for your level.
Rulebook note
Rules about contact near loose balls, covering the ball with the stick and checking vary between men’s and women’s lacrosse and between governing bodies such as World Lacrosse, the NCAA, USA Lacrosse and the NFHS. Check the current rulebook for your level.
Practice drills
- Rolling ground balls: Scoop balls rolled from different angles with both hands.
- One-on-one battles: Two players compete for a loose ball.
- Two-on-two battles: Teams work together to box out and scoop.
- Ground ball to outlet: Scoop under pressure and make a pass.
- Wall ball ground balls: Throw low against a wall and scoop the rebound.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Bending at the waist instead of the knees.
- Stopping at the ball instead of scooping through.
- One-handed scooping in traffic.
- Standing still after scooping, inviting checks.
- Not protecting the stick with your body.
- Poor communication with teammates.
- Only practicing with the strong hand.
Frequently asked questions
Why are ground balls important in lacrosse?
They create extra possessions and scoring chances, and teams that win more ground balls often control the game.
Should I rake the ball or scoop it?
Scoop through the ball in most situations, since it is faster and more secure. Rake only when necessary, such as in a crowd.
How can I win more ground balls?
Attack the ball, get low, scoop through, box out opponents and communicate with teammates.
