10 Best Lacrosse Drills for Beginners (Youth & New Players)

Teaching lacrosse to beginners is one of the most rewarding — and challenging — things a coach can do. The right drills make all the difference between players who love the game and players who get frustrated and quit.

Here are 10 proven drills for beginners that build fundamental skills while keeping practice fun and engaging.

Catching & Throwing

1. Partner Pass (Wall Ball Alternative)

Two players face each other 10-15 yards apart. Pass back and forth, focusing on proper hand positioning and soft hands on the catch. Start stationary, then add movement. This is the single most important drill for beginners.

2. Triangle Passing

Three players form a triangle. Pass around the triangle, alternating directions. Forces players to catch and throw from different angles. Add a "call for the ball" requirement to build communication habits early.

3. Star Drill

Five players form a star pattern. Pass across the star (skip one person). Great for larger groups because it keeps everyone active. Teaches players to lead their pass and be ready to receive.

Ground Balls

4. Scoop and Go

Roll a ball out in front of a player. They run through the ball, scoop it cleanly, and accelerate upfield. Emphasize "run through the ball" — never stop your feet to pick it up. The most common beginner mistake is bending over stationary.

5. 50/50 Ground Balls

Two players start side by side. Coach rolls a ball out. Both compete for the ground ball. Teaches competitive instinct and body positioning. Keep it fun — celebrate effort, not just wins.

Shooting

6. Line Shooting

Players line up 10-12 yards from the goal. One at a time, catch a feed from the side and shoot. Focus on proper mechanics: hands away from body, step with the lead foot, follow through. Don't worry about placement yet — just build the motion.

7. Shooting on the Run

Player runs across the front of the goal, receives a pass, and shoots while moving. Start slow and increase speed as players get comfortable. This drill bridges the gap between standing shots and game situations.

Dodging & Defense

8. Cone Dodging

Set up cones as defenders. Players cradle through the cones, practicing split dodges, face dodges, and roll dodges. Remove the pressure of a real defender so beginners can focus on footwork and stick protection.

9. Mirror Drill (Defense)

Two players face each other. One is offense, one is defense. The offensive player moves laterally, and the defender mirrors their movement. No sticks needed. Builds defensive footwork and teaches proper body positioning.

Game Situations

10. 3v2 Rush

Three attackers vs. two defenders, full speed. The numbers advantage forces decision-making: pass or dodge? This is the first "game-like" drill beginners should experience. It teaches that lacrosse is about creating and exploiting advantages.

Tips for Running Beginner Drills

• •Keep drill stations short (5-7 minutes for youth)
• •Demonstrate every drill before players try it
• •Use positive reinforcement — catch them doing something right
• •Minimize lines — if players are waiting more than 30 seconds, add more stations
• •End on a high note — last drill should be the most fun

Find More Drills

LaxAi's drill library has hundreds of curated lacrosse drills organized by skill, with video demonstrations you can show your players at practice. Save the ones you like and build them into practice plans.