Welcome to Lacrosse
You've got the stick. Let's play.
Congratulations! You just picked up your first lacrosse stick. Whether your kid is brand new to the game or you both are, you're in exactly the right place. Lacrosse is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and it's easier to start than you'd think. No experience needed, no lacrosse background required. We'll walk you through the basics one skill at a time, so you can head to the backyard and start playing today.
About USA LacrosseWhere to Play
How it Works
Five skills. A few minutes each. Taught by the experts.
The videos included on this page are led by a USA Lacrosse National Team Development Program athlete or a USA Lacrosse-certified trainer: the same people who help develop or represent the next generation of players. Watch them in order or jump straight to the skill you want to work on. Then grab your stick, head outside, and give it a try. That's how everyone starts.
Choose Your Game
The boys' and girls' games share the same fundamentals but have a few different rules and skills. Choose the set of videos that matches how your child plays.
Boys Game
Here are the five skills that make up the boys' game. Start with scooping and work your way down, or pick whatever your athlete wants to try first. Each one builds on the last — and every one of them is more fun with a stick in hand.
Scooping (Ground Balls)
The ball spends a lot of time on the ground, and scooping is how you get it back. Your athlete will learn the low, athletic body position and the "scoop through" motion that comes up with the ball clean, every time.
Catching
Catching is the foundation of every pass and every play. Learn how to give your teammate a target, watch the ball all the way into the stick, and "give" with the catch so the ball settles softly into the pocket.
Cradling
Cradling keeps the ball in the stick while your athlete moves. Learn the smooth wrist-and-arm motion that protects the ball, builds confidence, and keeps a young player moving up the field.
Shooting
This is the fun part. Learn the basic overhand shooting motion — how to step toward the goal, rotate, and follow through to put the ball on net. Simple mechanics your athlete can build on for years.
Wall Ball
Wall ball is the number-one way to improve, and it can be done alone against any wall. Your athlete will learn a simple routine that stacks up hundreds of catching and throwing reps in just a few minutes.
Girls Game
These are the five core skills of the girls' game. Work through them in order or start with the one that looks the most fun. A quick note for parents new to the sport: the women's game uses different equipment and a few different rules, so these videos are tailored to how your daughter will actually play.
Scooping (Ground Balls)
Loose balls decide games, and scooping is how you win them. Your athlete will learn the low, balanced body position and the "scoop through" motion that picks the ball up clean while staying on the move.
Catching
Catching is where every play begins. Learn how to present a target, watch the ball into the stick, and "give" softly on the catch so the ball settles into the pocket and stays there.
Cradling
Cradling protects the ball while your athlete runs. Learn the controlled cradle that keeps the ball secure and a young player confident.
Shooting
Time to score. Learn the fundamental shooting motion — how to plant, rotate, and follow through to place the ball on net with control. Clean form now sets your athlete up for everything ahead.
Wall Ball
Wall ball is the fastest way to improve, and all it takes is a ball and a wall. Your athlete will learn a simple, repeatable routine that builds catching and throwing reps in just a few minutes a day.
Welcome to the Community
You're part of the game now. USA Lacrosse is the home of lacrosse in the United States — here to help players, parents, and families enjoy the sport, stay safe, and keep growing. Welcome to the community. We can't wait to see where the game takes your family.