Check Decision Drill
Stick Checking
Legend
- player
- ball
- movement path
How it works
Choose the correct stick check (poke, lift, or slap) based on how the ball carrier is cradling.
What you need
- lacrosse stick
- lacrosse ball
Your focus
Different cradling positions require different check types. Teaching players to read the cradle and choose the correct check builds the defensive intelligence that creates higher check success rates and fewer illegal check attempts.
Ball carrier demonstrates three different cradling positions: high, low, and tight to body.
Defender identifies the correct check for each: high = poke, low = lift, tight = slap.
Ball carrier holds each position for 5 seconds while defender makes the call and attempts the check.
Coach confirms correct decisions. Run 12 total check decision reps.
Goal
Success is choosing the correct check for the cradle type at least 4 out of 5 times, reading the situation determines the tool.
Helpful cues
- Read the stick before you check, your eyes set up your hands
- A wrong check type won't work, take the half-second to choose correctly
- Poke at the head of the stick, lift under the hand, slap the shaft, each has its target
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Ball carrier verbally announces which cradling position they're taking.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Ball carrier switches cradling position mid-check attempt; defender must abort and switch.No account needed
Build a practice plan
Add drills, keep the plan in this browser, then share a link with your staff or parents.This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.
This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.After every practice, UpLVL automatically surfaces the drills each player needs to work on most. See it for yourself.