Working The Wall--Variations

from USLaxCamps.com

Working on the wall is one of the time honored ways to improve as a lacrosse player. But does it have to be a lonely, dull experience? Not at all. Here are some fun exercises you can do on the wall that will help you in every aspect of stick handling.

The Schuffle
How often in a game are you standing still while passing or catching? Hardly ever. Instead of standing still and whaling away on one spot on the wall, slide along the wall to your left, then to your right. Keep your feet moving constantly and concentrate on keeping your hips square to the wall and not crossing your feet. Make sure your passes lead you farther along the wall. This helps you to make accurate passes to a moving target, as well as practicing passing and catching while on the move.

B-T-B
While coaches outside of the Cuse frown upon going behind the back on a consistent basis, learning how to throw an accurate behind the back pass on the wall can improve your stick handling skills. Simply pick a spot on the wall and go for it. You will learn how the ball leaves your pocket in ways different than the standard overhand toss. Try both hands.

The Crank
Stand a little farther away from the wall than you normally would, drop your stick to about three quarters, and let it fly. Warm yourself up so that you do not throw out your shoulder or arm, and then work up to winging it as hard as you can. Try to pick a spot on the wall about six feet off the ground and try to send the ball there on a direct line. Concentrate on shifting your weight from your back foot to your front foot, like Ryan Wade. If you consistently work at this, you will develop the muscles necessary to speed up your shot. Another added benefit will be the variety of ways that the ball will come back to you, forcing you to catch the ball off of all kinds of funky bounces.

One Hand
Standing a little closer to the wall than normal, use one hand to catch and throw. It will seem awkward at first, and your wrists will probably be sore the first few times you try this. Keep at it. Learning to control your stick with one hand is invaluable. Aim a little higher than you think you should, and practice quicksticks and cradling between passes, with both your strong and weak hand.

Use Your Imagination
Some of the most memorable moves in recent memory have been new moves that were never seen before. Moves like Ryan Powell's behind the cage dipsy doo or Michael Watson's mastery of the dive and dunk. Working on the wall will improve your feel and will make you more comfortable trying new moves.