“Three-Man, One-Ball” Passing and Catching Drill
Use this classic stick skill drill to practice passing and catching with beginning players to maximize reps and touches on the ball, plus get in some conditioning work at the same time!
Most of us here are having our first practices of spring lacrosse season! We are getting back with our teams after the long winter break, or finishing up with other sports. This is a great time to focus exclusively on passing and catching. The best coaches and players talk about FUNdamentals all the time. Your team can't go anywhere if you can't catch and throw the ball.
This is one of the first lacrosse drills we ever learned! Coaches have been using classics like Three-Man, One-Ball, Three-Man, Two-Ball, and Four-Man, Two-Ball passing drills for decades. They are quick, easy, and they definitely get the job done.
HERE'S THE DRILL:
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Skill Level: Basic-Intermediate
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Skills Used: Passing, Catching, Scooping
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Number of Players: Groups of 3
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Time: 8-10 Minutes
Figure 1.) Start your players in lines 20-40 yards apart. Use shorter distances for younger players, longer distances for older and more advanced players. Groups of three will give all your players more touches with the ball.
Start one player from each group in the middle with a ball. Make sure you have back-up balls at each end of the line for each group to keep the drill moving.
PRACTICE TIPS:
- Keep the drill moving! Keep back-up balls at each group to give all your players maximum reps and maximum touches with the ball during the drill.
- Keep time for all your drills and games! Time all your practice drills to match your players' age and attention span.
- Keep score to inject some intensity into your practice! Create competitiveness in your players by counting which group can get the most passes and catches in each 1-2 minute cycle!
