The Lacrosse Cradle refers to the motion of the shoulder, bicep, forearm and wrist moving the lacrosse head in such a way that the centrifugal force maintains the ball position in the stick. It is a very important aspect of lacrosse because it controls the lacrosse stick and allows the player maneuverability without losing control over the ball
Two Handed Lacrosse Cradle
The two handed lacrosse cradle is a basic cradle that all beginner lacrosse players can use to initiate their dodge. It’s a great lesson in cradling mechanics that beginners can begin to learn right away.
Hand Position
The bottom hand grips the butt end of the stick with a motorcycle like grip. The thumb should be wrapped around the shaft touching the fingers. The bottom hand helps control the stick, however, it does not impede the rotation of the shaft. Test this by gripping the bottom of the shaft and spinning the stick with the top hand. The bottom hand grip should allow the spinning motion of the stick.
For the top hand grip, the shaft should be resting along the palm of the hand just below the area where the fingers join the hand. The grip should be just below the throat of the stick. The top hand controls the movement of cradle.
Motion of Lacrosse Cradling
The biggest misunderstanding of lacrosse cradling is that is consists of quick jerky movements. Many times, beginning players start by bouncing their arms and wrists up and down without ever playing attention to the movement of the ball. The cradle is an art form that utilizes the wrists, forearms and biceps to keep the ball in the pocket.
To begin, visualize working out and doing a bicep curl. Notice the contraction of muscle in the bicep and the movement of the wrist at the top of the completed rep. This movement is very similar to how the top hand arm moves when cradling.
The top hand arm should be bent 90 degrees at the elbow with the forearm perpendicular to the ground. The bicep muscle should bring the head of the stick closer to the chest as if it were a dumbbell. At the top of the movement, the wrist should bend slightly towards the chest to help keep control of the ball.
A good lacrosse cradle controls the ball in such a way that it never actual hits the rails of the lacrosse head. The cradle suspends the ball in the sweet spot of the pocket.
One Handed Lacrosse Cradle
The one handed lacrosse cradle is a little more advanced than a two handed lacrosse cradle but there is so much to gain for a player to begin practicing this type of cradle right away. This cradle allows a player to protect his stick and move much faster. Players incorporate this type of lacrosse cradle into their natural running motion and are able to use their other arm to protect their stick allowing them to move much faster without losing possession.
Hand Position
The top hand grips the stick just below the throat. The shaft should be resting along the palm of the hand just below the area where the fingers join the hand. The fingers wrap around the shaft and the thumb should wrap around the fingers.
Motion of Lacrosse Cradling
The one handed lacrosse cradle is mainly derived from the movement of the shoulder. The wrist complements the movement of the shoulder; the wrist is not the main power generator. Many times, beginning players jerk their wrists side to side with little synchronization to how their shoulder and body are moving thus causing the ball to fall out.
To help, lock the elbow at 90 degrees so the forearm is perpendicular to the ground. Contract the bicep muscle and the forearm muscles. The best way to describe the cradling motion would be to imagine doing chest flys. The arm that is cradling the ball will contract the pectoral if done correctly.
Keep practicing. This is skill that can be practiced virtually anywhere. Cradling is difficult for new players, but just realize that by practicing now, you are better a player tomorrow.
This instructional article was provided with permission from The Lacrosse Guy-ide
This instructional article was provided with permission from The Lacrosse Guy-ide
Practice, Practice, Practice!
This instructional article was provided with permission from The Lacrosse Guy-ide
