Picking up groundballs is one of the most basic skills in lacrosse. Most people take this ability for granted. Yet there are certain individuals who for some reason always seem to be gobbling up the looseballs and gaining crucial possessions. When one looks closer it becomes apparent that there is something tangible that separates the groundball Hoovers from the rest of the pack. Groundball wizards take pride in their art, and view each looseball as an opportunity to battle their opponent and prove their worth.

Fundamentals

• Two hands on the stick
• Back hand low
• Scoop through the ball

These are the basics of picking up the ball. Focus on these mantras if you are just starting out. When you have mastered them, you can step up your game with the following suggestions.

Groundball Skills and Strategy
Since being the first to the ball often translates into possession, both hustle and reaction time are huge.

• Hustle — Typically groundball men are grinders who take pride in their work ethic. Grab your lunch box and hard-hat because, all things being equal, the athlete who works harder and is aggressive will get the ball. It is important to push yourself and look at each looseball as a test of your will and determination.
• Anticipation — The first one to the ball has the advantage so anticipating where the ball is going to be will give you an edge. This is especially true on face-offs. Draw men have tendencies and if you are playing on the wing it is important to know them. Communicate with your face-off man so that you know what he is trying to do and where he wants you to be. Also pay attention to what his opponent is doing and where the ball is going. If you are setting up on the face-off wing, predict where the ball will be and line up to maximize the area you can “box out” when the whistle is blown.
• Boxing out — It is crucial to keep your body between the ball and your opponent. This is called boxing out. A player who extends for a groundball without shielding the ball with his body exposes his stick and hands to dislodging checks. Maximize your protected area by getting as wide as possible. Extend your elbows. You can even swing your hip or kick out your leg in one direction if you feel extra pressure coming from that side. In a scrum situation you can shield off sticks from all directions by getting low to the ball. There are a couple things you can do if you’re getting boxed out. Poking your opponent’s bottom hand often interferes with scooping. Since it is necessary to lower your back hand in order to scoop a ball, an effective technique involves placing your stick head under your opponent’s bottom hand and lifting. This forces his stick vertical and prevents him from gaining possession.

Stick Protection
It does not do you any good to pick up a ball if you are unable to keep possession of it. Thus stick protection is an important factor in getting groundballs. Once you have scooped through a groundball, it is always a good idea to pull your stick in toward your chest. It is illegal to press the stick head against your body, but keeping your stick as close to your chest in a crowd is always a good technique. Keeping your feet moving and running away from the crowd also helps you protect your stick from others.

Concentration
It is important to lock your focus on the ball when you are attempting a scoop. You may only get one shot at it so you need to get it in your stick when you can. Much like looking at the goal for a shot before catching a pass, you do not want to take the scoop for granted. An opponent may attempt to distract you with a well-timed whack, so focus on the ball like nothing else in the world matters.

Nothing will drive a coach insane more than going for a groundball with only one hand on your stick. This is especially true when a nonchalant scoop is thwarted by an opponent. Professional players will utilize the one-handed scoop, and, if you have the ability, there are some instances where this is okay. If the ball is sitting in the open field, the one-handed scoop-and-go may shave a second off the time it will take you to get down the field and create a fastbreak. Using only your bottom hand can also give you extended reach and allow you to get some balls that may otherwise have been unattainable. Practice this to develop hand-eye coordination and strength to control such a maneuver. The only caveat is to make sure you get the ball, or else you will no doubt earn the wrath of your coach.

Sometimes teammates attempt to “goose” (or swat) looseballs to one another to gain possession. Whenever possible you should attempt to scoop the ball yourself. The goosing process and ensuing looseball situation creates room for error. Goosing should be used as a last resort or in a situation where gaining possession yourself is unlikely and you have an open teammate in your vicinity. But it can be a useful option. You can use your feet to kick the ball to a more scoop-friendly space. In the case of a heavily pursuing opponent, redirecting the ball with your stick to an open space can also give you an advantage. Since you know where the ball is going you can make an adjustment as you are goosing it to an open area.

Words to Live By

• Pick it up and Move it. Whether in transition out of your defensive end or on a looseball in the offensive end, get the ball up and out of your stick. Especially when a ball is free on the offensive end of the field, upon gaining possession you should pass the ball to a teammate. The opposing team’s defense is often compromised during a looseball situation. Do not try to be a hero and make a home run pass, especially when you are being pursued. Simply make the easy pass to an adjacent teammate and let him scan the field for an open player.
• Do whatever it takes. The player who wants the ball more will get it. A real groundball man will dive, clutch, check or do whatever it takes in battle for the ball. You must be willing to use every ounce of effort to win possession. Never give up!

Tom Ryan’s All-Star Lacrosse Academy will be held this summer at Ursinus College in Collegeville, Penn. from July 13 – 17. Check out www.tomryanlacrosse.com for more details or call 215-421-9170.

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