The difference between winning and losing often comes down to ground ball possessions. Successful teams win the ground ball battle control the tempo, dominate possession time, and create more scoring opportunities. Want to give your team an edge this season? Mastering ground ball recovery isn’t just about hustle—it’s about technique, positioning, and reaction time.
Check out these lacrosse ground ball recovery drills that will transform your players into possession-winning machines.
Lacrosse Ground Ball Recovery Drills
The Box-Out Battle Drill
This drill teaches players how to use their body positioning to gain an advantage when pursuing ground balls.
How to execute:
- Create 10×10 yard squares with one ground ball placed in the center
- Position two players on opposite corners of the square
- On the whistle, players sprint to the ball while maintaining proper body position
- Focus on getting low, boxing out the opponent, and scooping through the ball
- The winner stays on for the next rep while the loser rotates out
- Track consecutive wins to build competitive spirit
This instills important ground ball fundamentals: approaching at an angle, getting your body between the opponent and the ball, and maintaining a strong, low center of gravity throughout the scoop.
The Reaction Race Drill
Improving reaction time can give you that split-second advantage needed to win crucial possessions.
How to execute:
- Line up players in two equal lines facing each other, 10 yards apart
- Your coach stands in the middle with multiple balls
- When coach rolls a ball between players, they race to gain possession
- Vary the ball placement (closer to one player, equidistant, bouncing)
- Add defensive pressure after possession is gained
- Complete 10 repetitions per player, tracking success rate
This simulates game situations where reaction time and quick acceleration determine who wins possession. Players learn to read and react instantaneously while maintaining proper technique under pressure.
The Gauntlet Ground Ball Drill
Building mental toughness while securing possession is essential for late-game situations when fatigue sets in.
How to execute:
- Create a 20-yard alley with four defenders spaced evenly
- Position a ground ball at the start of the alley
- The ball carrier must scoop the ground ball cleanly, then navigate through defenders
- Defenders apply increasing pressure without checking
- Focus on clamping the ball, protecting it through traffic, and maintaining momentum
- Rotate positions after each player completes the gauntlet
This drill helps develop the initial ground ball pickup, as well as the crucial moments afterward when maintaining possession is equally challenging. Players build confidence handling the ball under pressure after the initial recovery.
Ready to dominate the possession game this season? Our expert coaches are ready to help you improve your lax game at one of our 2025 GameBreaker Lacrosse Camps this summer. Find a location near you and sign up today!
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