For elite players, there’s no such thing as an offseason. That’s why the PEARL team put together our top lacrosse training tips and tricks to help you stay sharp and game-ready year-round.

Develop Game Awareness

Anticipation is your best friend – whether you’re running drills at practice or in the middle of a high-stakes game. The best way to touch up your game awareness and knowledge? Pay close attention to their decision-making, communication, positioning and teamwork.

Refine Your Stick Skills

Your stick should be your constant companion. Stick skills are the bread and butter of the game, so mastering your handle is key. Cradle, pass, shoot – just keep working with your stick and it will work with you. Build your muscle memory every chance you get.

PEARL balls are built to stay in spec and last longer through any weather or field condition. Their advanced material delivers consistent grip and control for unlimited passes, shots, reps, and catches.

Master the Fundamentals

To play the game, you’ve got to know the game. Research, practice and implement proper grip techniques, stances and helpful footwork. These core elements may seem simple, but they’ll give you a serious edge when the pressure is on.

Prioritize Conditioning & Strength Training

Cardio exercises such as tempo runs, interval training and sprints will build your endurance in the long run, making sure you don’t run out of gas when it matters the most.

Focus on strengthening your core, upper body and legs so that all your shots pack a punch. Try adding weight to simple exercises like planks, push-ups and squats.

Try These: Goblet squats, trapbar deadlifts, reverse lunges, single leg RDLs, split squats, incline chest press and cable chops.

Don’t Skip Ground & Wall Ball Drills

Ground balls often decide the direction of the game. Mastering this skill can turn the tide in critical moments. Get low, bend your knees, guide with your top hand, and drive with your bottom hand for clean pickups and quick transitions.

Utilize the PEARL NX no-bounce lacrosse ball during your wall ball drills. These drills help develop wrist strength, muscle memory and ball speed. Without the rebound and stray shots, your reps are limitless.

Learn Every Position

Think like a quarterback – understanding every player’s role gives you a strategic advantage. By learning offensive, defensive and goalie responsibilities, you’ll improve your awareness, communication and overall game chemistry.

Make Recovery a Priority

Lacrosse training can take a toll on your body.

Incorporate a series of stretches and mobility work into every training session to prevent injuries and improve your range of motion.

Foam rolling, ice baths and contrast therapy can release muscle tension after intense practice sessions or high impact games.

Prioritize healthy, balanced eating habits and get enough sleep each night, which will give your body the opportunity to recover and rest.

Befriend Every Face-Off Technique

Face-offs can shape the momentum of the entire game. Improving in this area builds your reflexes, balance, and body control.

Clamping: Quickly grab the ball between the stick head and the ground often incorporating a wrist snap and dramatic shoulder rotation to secure possession of the ball.

Raking: Use the bottom edge of the stick to pull the ball back, just as if you were raking leaves. This change of pace can disrupt your opponent’s rhythm, putting the ball into your possession.

Stay Mentally Tough

Your mindset matters. It’s beyond important to stay focused, positive, consistent and resilient – even when faced with a challenge. Mindfulness practices, visualization techniques and breathing methods can help build you into a more composed and dependable player.

Play with PEARL

PEARL lacrosse balls are built to last. Made from a premium elastomer, they stay in spec far longer than traditional rubber lacrosse balls so that your investment is worthwhile and betters your lacrosse training.

PEARL X, NX and DUAL X never grease or harden, and are manufactured, packaged and shipped domestically – right here in Peachtree Corners, Georgia.

Our PEARL LT lacrosse ball is the first textured ball certified for game play, meeting SEI and NOCSAE specifications. The textured pattern prolongs the ball’s lifespan and delays the effects of greasing.

Invest in Your Game.