Lace up your cleats and step onto the field because it's time to become a lacrosse master with this 2023 guide to essential lacrosse types of shots to improve your skill.
This guide provides an overview of various lacrosse shots and advice on how best to utilize them. With this comprehensive guide at hand, you'll be ready to go pro in no time!
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Types of shots in lacrosse
Lacrosse is a high-speed and exciting contact sport that requires players to use various shots to outmaneuver their opponents. Each type of lacrosse shot has its unique advantages and requires different techniques for it to be used effectively.
These are some of the most common shots in lacrosse:
1. Overhand shot
The Overhand Shot is an essential skill for any lacrosse player. Shooting overhand requires players to throw the lacrosse ball with a powerful arc rather than a straight line. Players must focus on proper mechanics and apply quick, steady arm movement to use the overhand shot effectively.
The most important aspect of this lacrosse overhand shot is having the correct form and adjusting the power of your throw to make it effective.
2. Underhand shot
The Underhand Shot is the primary method to pass the lacrosse ball from one player to another. This technique involves a player gripping the stick with both their dominant hand and non-dominant side, keeping their elbows bent and their hands close to their body.
From there, they generate power by vigorously flicking their wrists and bringing the stick forward in an underhand motion. The underhand shots require a great deal of control and skill to execute effectively.
3. Bounce shot
The Bounce Shot is an advanced technique used to surprise opponents and score goals. This technique involves bouncing the ball off the ground as you make your shot, resulting in a unique trajectory that opponents are less likely to anticipate.
To properly execute a Bounce Shot, players must focus on their balance and have excellent control of the lacrosse stick.
4. Close-in lacrosse shot
The Close-In Shot is a powerful technique to quickly shoot the ball past defenders. This shooting motion involves positioning your body close to the goal and then taking a quick, hard shot at the net.
To successfully execute this shot, you must have excellent control of your lacrosse stick and accurately adjust your aim while keeping your body close to the goal.
5. Low shot
The Low Shot is a popular lacrosse technique requiring players to shoot the ball low and close to the goal. This shot can be very effective against an unwary defender, allowing the shooter to surprise their opponent with a quick and powerful strike.
To properly execute a Low Shot, players must have excellent control of the stick and be able to accurately adjust their aim while being aware of any obstacles in their path.
6. Perimeter shot
The Perimeter Shot is an excellent technique for players to use when they want to shoot from outside the goal area. This shot requires excellent stick control and accuracy, as the ball must be fired past several defenders while also controlling its speed and trajectory.
To make this shot successful, it is paramount to have good timing and positioning so that your body is facing toward the net at just the right moment.
7. Wraparound shot
The Wraparound Shot is a powerful attacking move used in lacrosse due to its ability to surprise defenders. The aim of this shot is to wrap the ball around one or more defenders and shoot it into the goal, making use of deception and speed.
The wraparound lacrosse shooting can be a tough shot for some players. This shooting technique occurs when the offensive player has the lacrosse ball behind the net and follows through to shoot it past the goal.
To successfully pull off this shot, you need excellent control of the stick, accuracy, and quickness of hand-eye coordination. You also must be willing to get close to the goal area as quickly as possible to give yourself the most time and space to make this shot successful. With practice, you can become an expert in performing wraparound shots that will leave your opponents in awe!
8. Time and room shot
The Time and Room Shot is a fantastic technique to beat defending players in lacrosse. This shot requires the shooter to have enough time and room to set up and make the shot with precision. It's critical to be aware of your surroundings before taking this shot so you can adjust it quickly if needed.
9. Pop shot
The Pop Shot is a great attacking move used in lacrosse to give shooters an advantage when taking shots. This technique involves the shooter rapidly popping their wrists and hands after releasing the ball, giving it added lift and spin. It can be used for long-distance or close-range lacrosse shooting techniques, allowing the shooter to pick off defenders from anywhere on the field.
10. Sidearm shot
The Sidearm Shot is an important move used in men's lacrosse to get the ball around defenders and close to the goal. It requires the shooter to quickly adjust their body position to get the right angle on the ball and shoot sidearm. Additionally, side arm shoot can be functional for many defenders to follow through as it increases accuracy in the dominant hand.
The sidearm shot technique requires accuracy, timing, and practice as it relies heavily on hand-eye coordination.
11. Corner shot
The Corner Shot is an advanced technique used in lacrosse to get the ball around defenders and close to the goal. It involves the shooter quickly positioning their body at an angle and lacrosse shooting across their body, utilizing their non-dominant hand to get maximum power. This technique requires accuracy, timing, and practice as it relies heavily on both hand-eye coordination and stick-handling skills.
12. Elevator shot
The Elevator Shot is an advanced move used in lacrosse to get the ball up and over defenders quickly. It involves the shooter positioning their body at an angle and shooting upwards, which can often surprise the defense.
To successfully execute this shot, focus on keeping your wrists stiff and firm, your arms extended above your head, and your eyes focused on the target.
13. Fake shot
The Fake Shot is an advanced technique used in lacrosse to fool and surprise defenders. It involves the shooter pretending as if they are going to shoot but then quickly changing their mind and passing or dodging past the defender. This technique requires deception, timing, and practice as it relies heavily on one's quick decision-making skills, stick-handling skills, and overall agility.
14. Behind the back shot
Behind the back shot involves the shooter positioning their body at an angle and shooting behind their back, which can often surprise the defense.
This technique requires accuracy, timing, and practice as it relies heavily on stick-handling skills and hand-eye coordination. To successfully execute this shot, focus on keeping your wrists stiff and firm. Your arms extended above your head. Your eyes focused on the target while looking over your shoulder and taking a few steps forward before releasing the shot.
15. Over the shoulder shot
The over-the-shoulder shot is an advanced move used in lacrosse to catch defenders off-guard. It involves the shooter positioning their body at an angle and shooting behind their head, which can often surprise the defense while they keep the stick head above the shoulder.
It might be difficult for some players to perform this high shot as it requires controlled shoulder rotation.
Conclusion
Lacrosse has a wide range of shot varieties, from the basic wrist shot to the advanced behind-the-back or over-the-shoulder shots.
Regardless of which lacrosse types of shots are used or attempted, it requires practice and skill to succeed.
Mastering these lacrosse shooting techniques can prove to be a stand-out weapon on the field in women's lacrosse and men's lacrosse.
With enough dedication and patience, you can use them to become a top-level lacrosse player and surprise any defender you face.
