More Tips From Mark Millon
from
Mark Millon's Camps
GROUND BALLS win games period.
Here's a few tips to make you into the human vacuum.
Use the proper technique. Keep your body low to the
ground and in between
the ball and your opponent, keep your hand nearest
the butt end of your
stick down, explode through the ball, and immediately
cradle and tuck your
stick. Look to pass right away or run away from pressure
Go for loose balls passionately and with attitude,
alot of times they
player who wants a ball more gets it. Ground balls
win games and will keep
you on the field if you're good at it.
STICK PROTECTION
Proper technique is essential!
1. Keep your elbow locked in on your stick carrying
arm while cradling mostly with your wrist. Your elbow
should stay within 4 inches of your ribs. Don't swing
your arm!
2. Your free arm should be kept in a comfortable protective
position.
3. Try not to run on the same line or plane. Run in
and out.
4. Keep your head up!!!!!!
SHOOTING
There are several different types. Here's a few tips
for each one!
Time and Room.
Set a good base with your legs.
Keep your hands near the bottom of your handle about
12 inches apart. Make sure your hands and elbows are
high, and away from your body.
Turn your shoulders and hips and push off with your
legs. (technique is very important)
On the Run.
Hardest skill to learn in lacrosse!
Work on all of the above skills and practice doing them
full speed.
Turn your hips and uncork your body like a golfer!Inside/Crease
Shooting
For extra control, keep your hands 12 inches
apart, but slide them up about 10 inches from your butt
end. Shoot high to low and off the goalies hip.
* Accuracy of shot is more important than speed in close.
* Use more wrist action in close.
* Make fakes with your shoulders rather than stick!
Want to be a great dodger? Here's a few tips....
1. Don't dodge with the intention of blowing by your
defender. Your thought should be to make a move to get
your hands free for a pass or shot, if only for a second
or two.2. Execute all of your moves at FULL SPEED. If
you go 100%, it's unbelievable how much harder you are
to cover.3. Learn to play lefty and righty equally as
well. Regardless of how good you are at a certain dodge,
if you go the same way every time your defenseman will
recognize this and you'll never get a step.
Want to take the WHIP out of your pocket?
1. Tighten the pocket a little. It may be just too deep
to release normally.
(Tighten the sidewalls first, if that doesn't work tighten
the leathers.)2. Loosen the shooting strings. If they
are too tight your stick will hook every time.3. Try
adding a third or fourth throw string.4. If these tips
don't work, contact your lacrosse specialty shop.
Don't feel your job is done as an attackman when the
goalie makes a save.
Ride hard until the ball is cleared through the midfield
line.
Riding Tips:
1. Be in shape
2. Know how to break down and play "defense"
2. Use the sideline to your advantage (force the clearing
player in that direction)
3. Don't go for the clearing players stick head (check
his hands)
4. Be relentless!!!
If you focus on these tips you will probably increase
your PT and you'll be surprised how many easy goals
your team will score.
Stringing: Mesh vs. Traditional
I've always used a hard or durable mesh pocket
because I feel it give me the hardest, quickest, and
most accurate passes and shots. Many other players think
traditional pockets are the way to go. The "best"
for you is the one that you feel the most confident
with. I recommend giving both styles a chance before
you make a final decision.
Here's a few of the benefits of each.....
Mesh: Quick hard release; very consistent; easy to maintain;
performs well in bad weather.
Traditional: Great "hold" of the ball; hard
shots, tougher maintinence (broken strings etc.)
Good body position is essential for one on one play
and team defense.
* When playing one on one, break down in an athletic
stance keeping your
hips between your man and the goal. Shuffle your feet
when moving, do not
cross your feet!
* Know your opponents strengths and take them away.
Force the weak hand.
* When you slide, do it under control. Slide body on
body.
* Communication is the key to good defense. Who has
the ball, who has the
slide, etc. Function as one unit!
* Take pride in the little things. Get after the ground
balls! Start the offense!
* Attitude, you will not get beat!
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