At the center of the field is the draw, which kickstarts every women’s lacrosse game. But at the center of the sport is its ultimate dream – Olympic inclusion.

U.S. gold medalists Ally Carey and Taylor Cummings, who combined for a team-best 52 draw controls at the FIL Women’s World Cup in England, and tied for first with 13 each at the IWGA World Games in Poland, relished being a part of the sport’s first inclusion in a multi-sport event and hope it sparks an Olympic movement.

“The Olympics are the pinnacle of success in my eyes for lacrosse,” said Carey. “This summer made me see that making it there one day is definitely possible. The more media we use the promote the sport, the more coaching and mentoring we contribute to new players, and the more outlets we have to play will ultimately get us there. This summer was a great step and it was an honor to be a part of it.”

Earning back-to-back gold medals at each event started with a dual effort from Carey and Cummings on the draw. But for each game – eight at the World Cup and four at the World Games – they came prepared. As the draw continues to grow as a specialization skill, practice makes perfect. 

“The first time we took a draw in a game wasn’t actually our first,” Cummings said. “It’s just super important to have your hands ready and have a few draws under your belt before the game. If warm-ups go well, usually the game does too.”

Thanks to a three-round warm-up drill, all 12 games went as planned. Team USA returned home undefeated.

“It’s like doing a shooting drill before the game to make sure you’re ready to stick all your shots during the game,” Carey said. “Repetition is the only way I’ve seen success. That and drawing against the best, like Taylor.”

The Draw Warm-Up

Round 1: Whistle Reaction

Every time your coach blows the whistle, react quickly and flip your wrists to mimic the draw motion. Focus on quick hands.

Round 2: One-Handed Snags

When your coach tosses two balls in the air – either above you, in front of you or behind you – practice your hand-eye coordination by finding your ball in the air, quickly grabbing it and then protecting it. Aim for clean snags.

Round 3: Real-Time Draws

Practice the full draw, alternating with your teammate who is going for the ball and who is jumping to mimic your opponent in a game-like scenario. Box out. Give each other a true feel of the draw.