Players often ask, “How can I get better?” Usually, they are referring to their stick skills and game IQ. What they often do not realize is that one of the main keys to being a better lacrosse player is the same key that makes them a better athlete overall: physical literacy. Physical literacy looks at the key components of movement—motivation, knowledge, competence, confidence, and understanding—for us to engage in physical activities throughout our lives.
Often, the key to being a better lacrosse player or athlete overall is to be able to move better. When players take time to revisit their Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS), they can improve the more complex skills needed for lacrosse. FMS are skills involving different body parts and are the building blocks for us to do more complex movements. More specifically, they stem from our gross motor skills which involve large muscles in our arms, legs, and torso. With that here are 6 FMS that can coaches can incorporate into practice to help players improve their individual lacrosse skills based on 60 Ways to Play:
- Alternating Lunge: An alternating lunge is a great way for players to have some body awareness and is a great building block for scooping a ground ball. Before players master scooping a ground ball on the move, they should hopefully be able to successfully lunge first.
- Lateral Shuffle: Having players lateral shuffle is helpful building block for defense in the critical scoring area. This can also be helpful to goalies as they move from side to side in the crease.
- Rotation: Rotations are a great building block for players to successfully pass and shoot the ball—especially since the complex motion of passing or shooting the ball involves rotating the torso.
- Run: Running is a FMS that is a building block for players of all positions on the field. Whether they are on defense, attack, midfield, or in goal, running is a key movement for lacrosse players.
- Single Leg Balance: A single leg balance is a helpful building block for players to dodge successfully—especially since a dodge involves balancing briefly on one side (weight shift) to change direction and get around the opposing player.
- Squat: Being able to squat is helpful for all players to be in defensive position—but is an especially helpful building block for goalies to be in position to save the ball at different level.
With intentional focus on these six movements alone, players can have a stronger sense of the building blocks they need to successfully execute more complex movements tied to lacrosse skills. For more information on FMS and how to use them, be sure to check out 60 Ways to Play to learn more, get sample plans, and more to incorporate physical literacy into your lacrosse practices this season.
Lauren Davenport is the manager of training and performance science for USA Lacrosse.
