Soft Lacrosse 2-on-1 Ground Ball Battles
Soft lacrosse battles where two teammates compete against one opponent to scoop a ground ball with the stick and move it with a pass. Students work on scooping, protecting the stick, and communicating without contact.
How to play
- Set up five 15 x 8 m lanes with groups of 5: a feeder, two teammates, one opponent, and an outlet receiver at the far end (2 min).
- Technique (3 min): in pairs, scoop a rolling ball with the stick nearly flat to the ground, sliding the head under it without slowing down, then bring it up to the chest and cradle.
- Play 2-on-1 (8 min): the feeder rolls the ball to the middle; the teammates start from one cone and the opponent from another at the same distance. One calls “ball!” and goes for it; the other calls “man!” and steps between the opponent and the ball without contact.
- Scooping and passing to the outlet scores a point; if the opponent scoops and cradles to the far cone, the opponent scores. Rotate roles every two balls.
- Finish (5 min): 2-on-2 with the same scoring.
Rules
- No hitting or hooking an opponent's stick.
- Play the ball with the stick only, never hands or feet.
- Safety: sticks below the shoulders and no diving.
- Take space with your body, without pushing.
Variations
Easier
The ball sits still and the opponent starts one second later.
Standard
Rolling ball, 2-on-1, and a pass to the outlet.
Harder
The outlet moves along the end line, and the pass counts only if it reaches the stick without bouncing.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: scoops stationary balls nearby and plays outlet receiver.
- Shyness: pairs with a trusted classmate and signals by raising the stick instead of shouting.
- Lower skill level: starts from a cone 2 m closer to the ball.
Learning goals
- Scoop a ground ball without stopping.
- Protect the ball by cradling after the scoop.
- Decide with a teammate who scoops and who takes the space.
Equipment for a class of 25
- soft lacrosse sticks: 25
- soft balls: 15
- cones: 20
Teacher tip
The typical mistake is stopping and bending over with the stick upright: cue students to bend their knees and sweep through the ball like a shovel. Keep the lanes well apart.
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