Quick answer
New lacrosse players should start with cradling and stationary catch-and-throw before adding movement or game speed. A soft mesh or well-broken-in stick head, a partner or wall, and 10 to 15 minutes of daily practice build the basics within a few weeks.
01
Getting the right gear for a beginner
A properly sized stick matters a lot for a new player, one that is too long or has a stiff, unbroken pocket makes catching and cradling much harder than it needs to be. Many youth leagues sell or rent starter sticks sized for young kids, ask your league or a local sporting goods store for guidance if unsure.
A soft, slightly worn-in pocket catches more forgivingly than a brand new, tight one. If a stick is new, some gentle use, having a parent or coach show a proper pocket depth, helps a beginner succeed faster and stay motivated.
02
Step one: cradling
Cradling, the wrist motion that keeps the ball secure in the stick while moving, is the very first skill to learn, before catching or throwing. Practice cradling while standing still first: 30 seconds of steady cradling, checking that the ball stays settled in the pocket without falling out.
Once standing cradling feels natural, add walking while cradling, then light jogging. This sequence, still, walking, jogging, keeps a beginner from getting frustrated by trying to run and cradle before the wrist motion is comfortable.
03
Step two: catching and throwing
Start close, five to eight feet apart with a partner or against a wall, and focus purely on catching cleanly in the pocket, not the palm of the stick head. Ten catches in a row without a drop is a good early goal before adding distance.
For throwing, teach the basic motion: top hand slides up the shaft, bottom hand pulls down, stick moves from behind the ear forward toward the target, following through. Start with short, soft throws, five feet, and gradually increase distance as accuracy improves.
- Stationary cradling: 30 seconds, 3 sets
- Walking cradling: 1 minute
- Close catch and throw (5 to 8 feet): 20 reps
- Gradually increase throwing distance as accuracy improves
04
Building confidence before adding pressure
New players often get discouraged if they are rushed into game-speed drills or scrimmages before the basics feel comfortable. Keep early practice low pressure: celebrate clean catches and controlled cradles rather than focusing on mistakes.
A simple counting game, how many catches in a row, how many cradle steps without dropping, gives a beginner a clear, encouraging way to measure their own progress without comparing to more experienced teammates.
05
What to expect in the first few weeks
Most beginners need several weeks of regular short practice before cradling and catching feel natural rather than effortful. Frequent drops and awkward stick handling are completely normal at this stage and not a sign the sport is a bad fit.
Patience from parents matters enormously here, comparing a beginner to a teammate who has played for years, even unintentionally, can discourage a new player before they have had a fair chance to build basic comfort with the stick.
06
Making early practice a habit, not a chore
Ten minutes a day of stick work, even simple cradling around the yard, builds comfort far faster than one long weekly session. Keeping it light and short prevents the frustration that can turn a new player off the sport early.
In the Work Creates the Reward app, parents can set beginner stick work as a simple daily task, and kids earn points just for practicing, regardless of how many drops happen. This keeps a beginner motivated through the early, wobbly weeks that every lacrosse player goes through.
Try this week
- 1Get a properly sized starter stick and check the pocket with your league or a coach.
- 2Practice stationary cradling for 5 minutes daily this week.
- 3Add close-range catch and throw with a partner or against a wall.
- 4Play a simple counting game to track catches in a row.
Sample weekly point plan
Points for the work your child controls. Wins, stats and roster spots are what that work creates.
Up to 15 pts a week
| Work | When | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Practice cradling for 5 to 10 minutesDaily | Daily | 5 pts |
| Close-range catch and throw practice4x per week | 4x per week | 5 pts |
| Try walking or jogging while cradling3x per week | 3x per week | 3 pts |
| Keep stick and ball ready for practiceWeekly | Weekly | 2 pts |
Parent questions
What size stick does a beginner need?
Ask your league or a local sporting goods store for age and height-appropriate sizing. A stick that is too long or has a very stiff pocket makes early learning harder than it needs to be.
How long does it take a beginner to learn basic stick skills?
Most kids need several weeks of short, regular practice before cradling and catching feel comfortable. Frequent drops early on are completely normal.
Should a beginner practice with a wall or a partner?
Either works well. A partner allows for more varied throws, while a wall offers unlimited reps without needing anyone else available.
My child gets frustrated dropping the ball, what should I do?
Shorten sessions, celebrate small progress like catches in a row, and avoid comparing them to more experienced players. Frustration usually fades as comfort builds over a few weeks.
Work Creates the Reward
Turn this plan into a habit your child owns.
Your child logs the reps, prep and recovery they finish. You approve it in seconds. Points build toward rewards your family chooses. See how it works or compare membership plans.
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