How to Cradle in Lacrosse: A Beginner’s First Session

Cradling helps a player keep the ball in the pocket while moving. The useful starting point is a controlled motion that suits the stick and game format, not a large swing of the whole body.

See the motion before repeating it

Choose the matching boys’ or girls’ cradling lesson in USA Lacrosse’s beginner videos. Ask a coach to demonstrate hand placement with the player’s actual stick. Both hands placed together at the shaft’s end is not a universal two-handed cradling position.

Start with a short activity

In a clear practice area, begin standing still with an appropriate practice ball. Try the motion the coach demonstrated, pause and check whether the ball remains controlled. Add a few walking steps only when the stationary attempt feels manageable. Return to standing if walking makes the movement rushed.

Keep the activity brief enough to notice what changes. A dropped ball is feedback, not a reason to grip harder or swing faster. Stop to retrieve it rather than chasing through other players.

Build awareness

Ask a partner to hold up a number or point to a marker while you walk slowly. Notice the signal without staring at the pocket. This is an example awareness activity; a coach should adapt it for the player and practice space.

For more options, use our beginner cradling activities. Learn one repeatable movement before adding speed, pressure or changes of hand.