John Rosa of the Albany Attack, shares his expertise with the fans.

Loose Balls

My name is John Rosa. I am a member of the Albany Attack Lacrosse Team. I have been asked to talk about loose or ground balls. (I will refer to them as loose balls).

Loose balls are a very important part of lacrosse. Many times they can determine the outcome of the game. Being an effective loose ball guy takes effort, skill and focus. Out working your opponent is essential.

There are 3 keys to picking up a loose ball:

The first is to anticipate where the ball is going to be. This involves understanding the bounce mechanism of the ball. For example, knowing the angle the ball is hitting the boards at is essential in determining where the ball is going to be. Every arena is different! To get a step ahead of your opponent you need to leave before him. Reading the play is crucial. Knowing when a shot is being taken and from where is vital in determining ball outcome.

The next key element is player positioning. It's important to get low when picking the ball up. This allows you to scoop the ball with ease and creates a smaller target for your opponent to hit! It is important to use two hands when picking up a ball. A common error is scooping a ball up with one hand. In doing so the player tends to stand up straighter making it easier for the opponent to hit him and dislodge the ball from his stick.

The final key is to scoop through the ball. This creates momentum and speed making you a harder target to defend against.

Note, when battling for a loose ball in a corner getting low is key. Using your legs and the boards as tools to keep your opponent from the ball are important. Protecting the ball in front of you (close to the middle of your feet) while maintaining a wider stance provides you leverage,thus giving you the advantage over your opponent. Remember to use your legs to protect the ball from the opposition as you scoop it up. Use the boards in the same manner, keeping the ball between you and the boards until you scoop it up.

These techniques are easy to learn when practiced consistently. Dedication and hard work need to come from within! Play hard and have fun!