Signature Secrets: STX Athletes Rudolph, Russell Give Tricks of the Trade

These articles appear in the November/December edition of USA Lacrosse Magazine. Join our momentum.

STEP UP YOUR STEP DOWN

A two-time WCAC Player of the Year at Good Counsel (Md.) and the 2023 Washington Post All-Met Player of the Year, Hannah Rudolph’s star kept rising when she qualified for the U.S. Women’s U20 Training Team.

The Northwestern-bound midfielder and STX athlete shared the secrets of the signature step-down move that allowed her to score 86 goals (to go with 44 assists) this year.

In lacrosse, many goals are scored from the doorstep. The close-range shots look easy but pose challenges — the defense is closing in on you and the goalie knows a shot is likely coming.

Light up the net like Hannah Rudolph

Using the STX Aria Pro, @STXwlax & @NULax athlete Hannah Rudolph demonstrates how to generate power with a step-down shot. pic.twitter.com/wvSAIjmQsp

— U.S. Women's National Team (@USAWLax) November 17, 2023

Diversifying my game and shooting for power from the outside has helped me become a more potent offensive threat.

One of my signature moves is the step-down move. While you can use the step down to shoot from inside, the power and speed it generates make it perfect for letting an outside shot rip before the defense gets to you.

It’s a full-body maneuver that requires quick thinking and fluidity. Master it, and you’ll have another tool — one that the defense is less likely to see coming, even from a proverbial mile away.

CHOOSE YOUR WAND

A lightweight stick makes it easier to get off a powerful shot quickly. For me, that’s the STX Aria Pro. It is light and has a Lock Pocket, making it easy to maneuver on defenders and take a well-placed shot.

LOAD UP

You can’t shoot without the ball. It sounds obvious, but you’re more likely to miss this fundamental piece if your mind is three steps ahead and set on scoring. You’re also not merely catching the ball. To put yourself in the best position to use a step-down, ensure you’re loading up on your front foot. This foot should be the opposite of your dominant side. As a lefty, this means I load up on my right foot.

SQUARE UP

Square your hips and shoulders to the goal once you catch the ball and are loaded up on the correct foot. This step aids in precision.

LET IT GO

Finally, put power behind your shot as you drive off your back foot and shoot. Follow through with your stick and hips.

PIVOT IF NEEDED

Having a plan B in your back pocket is essential. Eventually, defenders catch on to your skills and are more prepared for you. If I am doing a step-down and see a defender sliding to my stick, I fake the step-down, pull to open space and go to the net for a better finish.

JUST LIKE WE DREW IT UP

Boston College-bound Devon Russell is a midfielder for the 2024 U.S. Women’s U20 Training Team. A senior at New Canaan (Conn.), Russell is the No. 6-ranked recruit in the class of 2024, according to Inside Lacrosse.

Here’s what makes her so reliable on draw controls, in her own words.

Want to dominate in the draw circle like Devon Russell?

Using the STX Exult Pro, @STXwlax and @BCwlax athlete Devon Russell breaks down the art of the draw control. pic.twitter.com/Mu3cHKQfAO

— U.S. Women's National Team (@USAWLax) November 13, 2023

As a true two-way midfielder, I’ve embraced being a factor all over the field, especially in the circle. Being a threat on the draw has helped me lead New Canaan High School to a state title in 2022, get noticed by Boston College and make the USA U20 training team. Taking the draw and successfully directing the ball can be a differentiating skill for young players. But there's an art to it. Allow me to explain.

FIND THE RIGHT STICK

You want something to direct the ball and scoop it up off the ground should it fall. For me, that's the STX Exult Pro. Its tough shoulders give me extra leverage on the draw, and the speed scoop on the top gives me quick and easy access to the ball when it's on the ground.

STARTING POSITION

Position yourself in a split stance, with your front knee bent slightly and about hip width in front of your back knee. Make sure to get into a low athletic stance, as you can generate a lot of power on the draw by using your legs. Place your hands at the top and the bottom of your stick shaft.

BE READY

When the ref blows the whistle, be ready to go. Your goal: Make sure you get immediate movement in your top hand so the ball falls back into your stick. To do that, quickly rev your top hand back until your stick is practically lying flat (or close to 90 degrees).

USE YOUR BACK HAND AS A LEVER

Once the ball is in your stick, twist backward with your back hand and push forward with your front hand in one fluid motion. Boost your legs as you do this to get more power under the ball. This approach will give you control of where you want the ball to go.

SEAL OFF YOUR OPPONENT

In basketball, players box out after free throws. As a draw taker in lacrosse, we talk about sealing off our opponent. Once you have the ball going in the direction you want it to go, use your back leg to seal off the girl taking the draw with you. Think to yourself, “Push forward and seal off.”

NOW ON YOUTUBE

STX athletes Hannah Rudolph and Devon Russell demonstrate their skills and show off their sticks of choice. Check out the USA Lacrosse YouTube page here.