The wall ball challenge is offered as an incentive for boys to practice on their own. This can be accomplished either at home with a lacrosse bounce back or at the lacrosse wall next to the high school.

Boys should always practice with their gloves. (helmet optional at parents discretion). They will be REQUIRED to wear their gloves in the video’s submitted for the challenge.

The Wall Ball challenge is being offered to boys in grades 2nd through 8th. The Reward offered to boys able to complete the challenge consists of a Set of free helmet stickers below.

ONLY one set of helmet stickers will be provided free of charge this year. Once you son has passed send me an email and I can provide a link to upload the video to our Mansfield Youth Lacrosse You-Tube channel.

ALL VIDEOS SUBMITTED SHOULD BE ONE LONG VIDEO, WITH THE 5 REQUIREMENTS PASSED. PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT 5 SEPARATE VIDEOS, AS THE GOAL IS FOR KIDS TO PASS ALL 5 AT THE SAME TIME.

To successfully pass these challenges, boys will have to practice outside of normal practice hours. Very few boys will be able to pass initially without practice, however should they choose to participate and put in practice time on their own, I would expect all to be able to pass.

This particular challenge will consist of 5 different drills, all of which should be done from 6-7 feet distance from the Wall(or bounce back). Each drill has a specified number of repetitions that should be completed within a 1-minute timeframe. Dropped passes are allowed, however drops must be limited to meet the repetition requirements. It is strongly recommended to have a few extra balls close by when shooting the video submission. PLEASE, do not submit the video unless all drill requirements have been met accordingly.

Drills

  1) Two-Handed Pass Right/Catch Right (Half cradle required between throws)

  2) Two-Handed Pass Left/Catch Left (Half cradle required between throws)

  3) One-Handed Pass Right/Catch Right (Half cradle required between throws) 

  4) One-Handed Pass Left/Catch Left (Half cradle required between throws)

  5) Split Dodge: a. Pass Right/Catch Right b. Switch Hands c. Pass Left/Catch Left d. Switch Hands

Technique (Pointers) For the two-handed challenge, make sure they are perpendicular to the wall when throwing/catching. NOT facing the wall directly, as this will result in passes coming back on the wrong side of their body. (The below video will offer proper technique here.) The top hand should be up next to their ear, with their bottom hand pointing to where they wish the pass to go. (Pull with the bottom, push with the top). Please ensure a half cradle is being made in between throws (no quick sticks). Only repetitions with a half-cradle will be counted as a full repetition.

WHY do we need a Half-Cradle? – The Half cradle ensures that the ball is in the proper position prior to make a pass and/or taking a shot. This ensures the ball will come out consistently and on-target, helping to eliminate “pop-flies” and errant passes in the future.

Make sure passes have enough velocity on them to come back at their head level, which will ensure the kids are catching the ball properly. Weaker passes will result in “basket” catches, resulting in additional (unnecessary) time taken between reps. Catches should be made with the stick in the vertical position for boys to attain the maximum amount of repetitions.

One handed passes will prove challenging initially, especially for younger players. Have them hold their hand closer to the top of the stick. They should be “snapping” their wrists as they throw the ball, pointing the stick at the intended target. The more wrist strength a child has will allow them to move their hand more towards the middle of the stick. Please ensure a half cradle is being made in between throws (no quick sticks).

The ability to understand these concepts will prove extremely beneficial to all the boys.

NO, we are not a club program, however this challenge should afford parents and kids the ability to practice on their own, and offer incentive to those willing to put in additional time outside of our normal practice ours. Only with practice (and practicing with the proper technique) will the boys become better players.

REMINDER: Parents should submit a video of all 5 drills, ONLY, if their son has passed.

REPETITION REQUIREMENTS

Two-Handed Strong and Weak (Half-cradle in btw throws)

Grade Level          LVL 2 # Repetitions

2nd                        28               

3rd                         31

4th                         34

5th                         37

6th                         40

7th                         42

8th                         44

One-Handed Strong & Weak (Half-cradle in btw throws)

Grade Level          LVL 2 # Repetitions

2nd                        17

3rd                         19

4th                         21

5th                         23

6th                         24

7th                         26

8th                         27

SPLIT DODGE - Throw and Catch Strong then switch "SPLIT" to weak, Throw Weak catch Weak, split

Grade                    Level LVL 2 # Repetitions

2nd                        21

3rd                         23

4th                         26

5th                         28

6th                         31

7th                         32

8th                         34