Ground Balls 101: A Ten-Minute Practice Example

A ground ball is a loose ball that a player can try to scoop into the stick. Beginners benefit from an open, unopposed setup before racing someone else for possession.

Set up the area

Choose a clear surface with room to move and stop. Use the equipment and ball approved for the activity. Watch the matching ground-ball lesson in USA Lacrosse’s beginner videos, then have a coach check the scooping motion. Do not turn the stick perpendicular to the ground and rely on a wrist twist as a substitute for a demonstrated scoop.

Ten minutes, with room to adjust

Minutes 0–2: watch or review the movement and walk through the setup without a contest.

Minutes 2–5: approach one stationary ball, scoop under control and move into clear space. Return it before the next attempt.

Minutes 5–8: repeat from a slightly different approach direction. Take breaks as needed and change only one part of the activity at a time.

Minutes 8–10: finish with a few controlled attempts and discuss one thing that improved. Shorten the example for a younger or tired player; ten minutes is a planning option, not a required workload.

What to record

Count clean pickups rather than just attempts. Ask whether the player can look up after securing the ball. See ground-ball practice progressions before introducing rolling balls, partners or competitive pressure.