Bull In The Ring Groundballs
Thanks to Episcopal High School Varsity Head Coach and Houston Lacrosse Club 2030's Coach Ryan Decker for this one.
A little background on Coach Decker:
Coach Decker grew up in Chatham, NJ, where he was a standout Varsity lacrosse player. He went on to play at Colgate University, where he was named Captain his Senior year and excelled on and off the field. Following his time at Colgate, he played defensive midfield during his grad year at Rutgers.
The Drill
Bull in the Ring Ground Balls is a high-energy take on the classic 3v2 arc drill. However, this progressive drill is designed to build up from a 1v1 ground ball battle into a 2v2 and finally a 3v3 scenario. It emphasizes physicality, quick decisions This drill is perfect for ramping up tempo and instilling grit in your players. Make sure to play for something—whether it's bragging rights or extra sprints.
🎥: The Film
🎯: The Set Up
- Split your players into two teams (Team A and Team B). *** Can run drill with 6+ on either side.
- Have each team form an arc that extends about 10–15 yards up and around the goal area. If you have access to girls' lacrosse lines, use the 12-meter arc for spacing. (Also depends how tight you want players to be from a coaching point of view)
- The coach stands at top center with a bucket of balls.
🥍 The Rep:
- 1️⃣ First 1v1 (Top Center)
- The coach rolls out a 1v1 ground ball at the top center. A1 vs B1
- The two players battle for possession.
- The rep ends with a shot, save, or goal.
- After the rep, both players head to the crease area (one from each team).
2️⃣ Second 1v1 (Top Center)
- The coach rolls out another 1v1 ground ball up top. A2 vs B2
- This time, when either player gains possession, the two players in the crease (A1 & B1) are released.
- This creates a 2v2 scenario towards the goal.
- The rep ends with a shot, save, or goal.
- Both players from that rep head to the crease area (now there are 4 players total, 2 from each team).
3️⃣ Third 1v1 (Top Center)
- A final 1v1 ground ball is initiated at the top. A3 vs B3
- Once possession is gained, the four players in the crease release. (A1, B1, A2, B2)
- This creates a 3v3 live rep to the goal.
- The rep ends with a shot, save, or goal, and the drill r
Cycle Restart:
- After the 3v3 finishes, the drill resets back to the 1v1 at the top.
- Keep the cycle moving quickly to maintain intensity and competitiveness.
🥅 Drill Goals:
- Physicality and Toughness:
- Encourage players to battle for ground balls with intensity and grit - just as if they were playing in a game.
- Stick Protection:
- Players will need to protect their sticks with limited space to get away.
- Quick Decision-Making:
- Force players to read the defense and move the ball quickly to open teammates.
- Compete Mentality:
- Build a competitive atmosphere where every ground ball is a fight for possession.
- Spatial Awareness:
- Help players understand how to find space, protect the ball, and move effectively under pressure.
- Energy and Tempo:
- Elevate the practice intensity and bring a game-like feel to ground ball situations.
↔️ Fit to your teams needs:
- Instead of releasing only on ground ball possession, all players are live the moment the ball is rolled out. This creates immediate chaos and forces players to react quickly.
