Younger Player's One-Hand-Cradle

[cololax]

I've been coaching the same team (4th graders now) for a couple of years in field, Chumash and indoor (1 year).

I'm interested in techniques or methods that other coaches have used to help their younger players properly utilize cradling with one hand.

I know proper technique and can correct them if their mechanics are off. I'm really looking for an efficient way to integrate one-hand-cradling into a practice without using a lot of time solely practicing this skill. I've had them cradle one-handed while their doing their warm-lap and some weaving between cones but I don't think this has given enough emphasis to help them improve much.

The players have good skills and I'm hoping that they can begin using one hand during dodging.

If any of you have ways of mixing one-hand-cradling into other drills or any other ideas, please let me know.

Thanks in advance!

[CHSlax]

Well personally, I think that one handed cradling is not something that should be taught during practice especially at that age. At that age you are trying to teach good fundamentals especially when it comes to passing and shooting and getting those passes and shots of quickly. One handed cradling at the youth level makes it much harder for a kid to get of a pass or a shot on time. In my personal opinion do not discourage one handed cradling, just do not teach it. What it comes down to at all levels is having your kids play within themselves. If they can cradle one handed efficiently fine, but teach them the fundamentals with two hand on the stick. It will help them when they get older and the pace of the game becomes much faster.

[OldPtboBoy]

A one handed cradle is best used when there is no other alternative. Generally this occurs when you know that there is going to be some contact and you don't want your stick colliding with your body in a tight cradle. Either have them run to you and bounce off or acquire a tackling dummy that they can practice off of. The one handed cradle shouldn't be the most effective tool in their arsenal, but if they use it correctly and can hang onto the ball after contact they will gain another weapon they can use against a defence.

[cololax]

Thanks for your responses.

I'm really just trying to get the players a little feel for cradling one-handed so they can work on it during their own time. I'm definitely not trying to make it the main focus.

There are 5 to 6 players with advanced skills for their age that may be able to implement cradling one handed into their game.

I'd be perfectly happy it 2 or 3 could simply integrate it into some of their dodging, like their initial drive into a role-dodge.

I always stress the team aspect during practice and games. The players on our team pass and use space especially well for their age. I don't feel like a little fine tuning of individual skills is going to adversely affect that.