There are no shortcuts to lacrosse stick skill proficiency.  Every lacrosse player has spent time on the wall.  The best have spent the most time.  Wall Ball is a practice technique used by many of today's tops players to develop their weak hand as well as their strong hand.  It is also a great way to break in and get used to a new stick pocket.

"Your Lacrosse Stick Should Become Part of Your Body!"

To become proficient in passing and shooting, the player must be able to propel the ball from the stick with the wrist "snap."  Many beginning players pass and shoot with an arm motion, or "push" the ball, which causes the ball to leave the stick on a low trajectory resulting in a low pass or shot.  An excellent way to develop the wrist snap is to utilize the wall.  Go down the wall at the high school or a brick wall and stand approximately 5 to 7 yards away.  Any wall will work (no windows), but a smooth concrete surface at least 10 feet tall is the best.

You can and will observe daily improvement if proper technique is maintained.  Increase the reps as wrists become stronger.  Aim for as many reps as possible with desired form, however. This is a lefty-righty work out.  Attempt to do as many reps as possible.  Remember, your goal is to strengthen the wrists, to become proficient in releasing the ball with the snap of the wrists, to gain hand speed, and to develop a quick release.

Do as much of this routine 4-5 times a week for 15-20 minutes (no more). Beginning players should start at 30 reps with each hand before moving to a different part of the drill. Your goal should be to get through the entire drill (50 reps with each hand) with each hand in under 20 minutes. If you only get through part of the drill, it is easy to set a goal for next time.

Proper one-hand technique:
Wearing gloves, hold the stick in one hand at its balance point (where your top hand goes when throwing) and then place the head of the stick in the "box" area next to the ear.  Then with one hand, "snap" the wrist which will cause the ball to come out of the stick in a straight line and bounce off the wall straight back into the stick kept in the box area. This will be difficult at first.  Do not take shortcuts.  Keep the head of the stick in the box and not down off the shoulder. 

Proper two-hand technique:
Wearing gloves, hold the stick with your top hand approximately halfway down the shaft of the stick. Your opposite hand should cover the butt end.  Snap the top wrist while bringing the bottom hand towards your dominant arm pit.  This will help to keep your stick in a vertical position.  Try to always keep the head of the stick in the “box” are next to your ear.  Passing is like casting a fishing line.  Be ready for the ball to return in a hurry. Change your foot stance as you change your hands, that is lead with your left foot if passing from the right, and so forth. 

Proper Cross hand technique:
This is similar to the two-hand technique.  Hold the stick such that the dominant hand is across your body.  The head of the stick should be kept in the "box" area near the opposite ear.  This will be awkward at first but only the advanced players will get to this stage.

DRILLS: (Beginners 30 reps with each hand)

1. One-Handed - Catch and Cradle
2. Two-Handed - Catch and Cradle
3. Two-Handed - Quick Stick
4. Two-Handed - Catch and Switch
5. Two-Handed - Catch, Pump Fake, Throw

You must be at 50 reps with each hand before passing this point.

1. Two-Handed - Cross Handed
2. Two-Handed - Behind the Back
3. Two-Handed - Running along the wall and throwing and catching.
4. Be Creative - if you get to this stage, you have earned the right to!

ADVANCED DRILLS: Stand about 5 - 7 yards away from the wall.

• 50 repetitions - Right Hand (Throw and catch)
• 50 repetitions - Left Hand (Throw and catch)
• 25 repetitions - Throw Left Catch Right
• 25 repetitions - Throw Right Catch Left 
• 50 repetitions - One-Handed Right
• 50 repetitions - One-Handed Left
• 50 repetitions - 2 hand quick sticks right hand
• 50 repetitions - 2 hand quick sticks left hand
• 50 repetitions - Behind the back right handed
• 50 repetitions - Behind the back left handed
• 50 repetitions - Left hand sidearm
• 50 repetitions - Right hand sidearm

Keep doing wall drills, and it won't take long before you notice a big difference.