Back To The Basics?

[Spartan]

Basically, i cant catch the ball under pressure. I have been playing box lacrosse for about 7 years, and when im playing wallball or catch with a friend, i can ctach fine, but when it comes down to the actual game, and im under pressure from a defenseman, i cant catch the ball due to nerves, and than we lose the ball and my coach gets pissed (rightfully so). I was wondering what i can do to cure this.

[Canadian Lax]

Try to create space between you and the defenceman. Take a step or 2 back, that will make space and ease the pressure off of you and also let you see the floor better.

[#15Roadies]

Very simple!

'pop out' (cut in then quickly cut out a few steps like Canadian Lax says) to take the pass - keep your eye on the ball into the stick - and relax your upper body when making the catch. Of course this depends on how you catch too - don't reach for the ball and keep your top hand close to the head to get more control.

Guys think that being relaxed means being slow - not so! You can be very relaxed and be the quickest guy on the team.

This is something you won't be able to do at practice much, it is something you have to try in a game and that will require a lot of positive self talk. If you are nervous, chances are you are having negative thoughts about your skill and you will also need to practice being positive. For instance EVERY lacrosse player makes mistakes and loses the ball.

[livinglegend]

yeah it happens sometimes.. i find that the less you think about catching the ball the easier it is going to be to do cuz if youve been playing for 7 years you should know whatyour doing and if you just dont think about it muscle memory will take over or something and it just happens

[steve-okneav-o]

Very simple!

'pop out' (cut in then quickly cut out a few steps like Canadian Lax says) to take the pass - ........


like a v cut??

[bellies_lax_17]

Before you get the ball, run into the defender towards the net so he has to plant, then take a couple steps out really quickly so it gives you lots of time and space. It helps if you really push off of the defender.

[northshorelax]

I found I had the same problem for a while... what worked for me is realizing that their was no difference between the arena I play in and the outdoor box I practice in. Stupid as it may sound, just trying to imagine that your playing in your favourite local practice box might help.

[BlakFate]

the thing i do to stop from being under pressure
is to just not over think
actually i dont even think i just play, like i think about stuff that has nothing to do with lacrosse and i tend to play better just because you dont feel the pressure

[OldPtboBoy]

You're probably not going to lose the pressure for awhile. There's no quick fix for the way our minds work. What you can do is practice with obstruction and force yourself to seek out instances in a game situation where you can succeed in this. Repetition is good for the mind. Much like trying to remember anything if you can repeat it ten times you are more likely to remember it later. Reps!

Soft hands and wrists..................the most common reason the kids I coach lose the ball is that they are gripping their stick too tight and not using their wrists to cushion a catch. Make sure you're holding your stick in your fingers and not like a baseball bat. If your hands are tight and your wrists are tight you may as well be using a tennis racquet. Consciously take a deep breath and see the ball into the stick. Practice wall ball with a friend attacking you. Reps.

[bluedevil23]

yes your nerves are causing the problem, but ultimatly your mechanics are suffering in the process, you need to focus on the ball and your technique, if you are thinking other than that you are finished, focus on technique, hand near the top, catching the ball in front of your body and not haveing aligator arms(not getting your hands away from your body) and turning your stick a bit just as the ball hits the mesh(so it don't pop out) all good players do it, pay attention they don't just bring their sticks back straight they do a quick cradle as they catch.

[boxpimp66]

sorry to sound like a jerk but you got to tuffen up, lax isn't for people who are scared and don't wana get hit. i'll tell you what my dad told me when i first started playing. quit being a *edit*, take the hit make the play, brusis go away but glory never fades. so i did, you gota play with the mindset that your meanier and tuffer then your oppenent, they should fear you not the other way around. you can do it you just gota convince your self that you can.