This page offers tips and instructions on various lacrosse shooting techniques. In addition to basic shooting techniques, advanced shooting techniques are covered as well. Lacrosse shooting drills are also available in our section.
Lacrosse Shooting Techniques
1. Alley Dodge Shooting
When attacking from the topside, a middie typically uses this basic shooting technique.
2. Backhand Shooting
Originally developed by Lyle Thompson, the backhand shot is an advanced lacrosse shooting technique.
3. Behind the Back Shooting
This page provides instructions on how to score a lacrosse goal with a behind-the-back shot (or BTB shot). Lacrosse behind-the-back shots is a technique used by advanced players.
4. Bounce Shot
This is not your typical beginner’s bounce shot. Bounce shots in lacrosse are advanced shots that bounce in front of the crease line and consistently land in the top corner. The highest bounce can be achieved with a sidearm shot using “top spin” in order to reach the top corner of the net.
5. Cross-Handed Shooting
It’s time to shoot Canadian style! You can score using this technique even when you catch a bad cross-body pass.
6. Riser shot or elevator shot
The ball “rises” from a low position to score underhand or with a low sidearm in this advanced lacrosse shooting technique. A low-to-high trajectory is followed by the ball.
7. Deception Shots
A lacrosse deception shot involves looking high but shooting low (versus stick movement) to mislead a goalie. A low but high shot also counts as a deception shot.
8. In-Close Shooting
When there are many defenders around you and you’re close to the goal, how to shoot in close.
9. Hitch Shot
In addition to adding deception to your lacrosse shooting repertoire, the hitch shot is also an effective tactic.
10. Jump Shots
In lacrosse, a jump shot is performed by jumping into the air and shooting simultaneously.
11. Off-Hand Shooting
Having good shooting and passing skills with your right and left hands is essential to being a dominant lacrosse player.
12. Long Pole Shooting
Lacrosse defenders and LSMs should be familiar with shooting techniques.
13. One Hand Shooting
It was the Thompson brothers who popularized this advanced shooting technique. Rather than using two hands to shoot, this lacrosse shooting technique uses only one.
14. Overhand Shooting
There are several different lacrosse shooting techniques used in lacrosse. The overhand shot is the most basic and is usually the most accurate. Lacrosse beginners learn this technique first.
15. Quick Stick Shooting
The shot is taken rapidly near the goal with minimal cradling before it is fired.
16. Elevator or riser shot
The ball “rises” from a low position to score underhand or with a low side arm in this advanced lacrosse shooting technique. A low-to-high trajectory is followed by the ball.
17. Scoring from X
The purpose of this page is to demonstrate how to shoot and score from X (a position behind the cage).
18. Shooting on the Run
Shots are fired while moving (for example, while sweeping or dodging in an alley). On the other hand, a stationary shot is usually taken of time and room.
19. Shovel Shot
A backhand shot is also known as this lacrosse shooting technique.
20. Sidearm Shooting
Lacrosse sidearm shooting is covered on this page.
21. Sweep Shot
Middies often use sweep shots as a technique. Rather than shooting straight towards the goal (“north-to-south”), this lacrosse shooting technique involves shooting while moving down the field from side to side.
22. Three-Quarter Shot
Basically, it’s halfway between a sidearm shot and an overhand shot. Picture a clock… 12 for overhand, 3 for the sidearm, and 1:30 for three quarters. They hope to combine the power of a sidearm shot with the accuracy of an overhand shot.
23. Time & Room Shooting
As the player gets “time” to take a clear outside shot on goal, time & room shots are often very accurate.
Shots of twister
1. Underhand Shooting
A lacrosse player who shoots underhand is considered an advanced player.
2. Wrap Around Shooting
A wraparound shot is one in which the defender acts as a screen and the attacking player shoots around him.
Beginner’s Guide to Lacrosse Shooting
- The best way to improve lacrosse accuracy is to shoot overhand (versus sidearm or underhand).
- Shooting at the goal requires aiming low. Goalies who are just starting out need more time to move their stick down from the ready position (up near their heads), which results in blocking better low shots (aimed at the bottom right or left of the goal). As well, low shots can ricochet off the ground and into the goal (often from an unusual angle, which makes the job even more difficult for a beginner goalkeeper). Unlike a low shot, a high shot will sail over the goal, making ricochet goals impossible.
- It is necessary for kids to position their top hand near the head of the lacrosse stick in order to catch a lacrosse ball. The hand of a beginner should be brought down near the bottom of the stick in order to generate power while shooting. Nevertheless, many kids only bring their top hand down the stick marginally, which results in a very weak shot (since there is no leverage generated).
- Make sure you practice both sides of your body. If you know you can only shoot from your right side, a defender will learn to screen you from the goal. It’ll be easier for you to score if you can score easily from your left since the defender won’t know how to stop your shot.
Powerful shooting in Lacrosse
- It is important to use proper shooting techniques as well as to have good leg strength, arm/shoulder strength, core strength, and body torque to generate shooting power in lacrosse.
- For a stronger “snap” to your lacrosse shot, don’t forget your wrist and forearm strength when working on your strength.
- Sitting on the ground and shooting on the goal is a good lacrosse drill to improve your shooting power. Players will have to improve their “torque” and core strength as a result.
- Lacrosse’s heads have pockets. Check them. You can cradle and protect the ball in a deep low pocket, but your release will be slowed and so your shooting power will be reduced.
Shooting Lacrosse on the Move
- Beginners have a hard time learning to shoot on the run since many drills have them shooting from a stationary position (due to their poor catching and shooting skills). Beginners, however, will be able to score more goals if they practice this skill early in their lacrosse careers.
- Beginners should practice escaping defenders (split dodge or face dodge) before shooting on the run.
- Practice catching and shooting (still on the move) drills with beginners.
