Quickness

By: Pat Haley

SPEED! One of the most invaluable assets on the lacrosse field, everyone learns at one point or another the importance of having, and playing with, speed. Let’s slow down for a moment though, and consider how pure speed translates to the lacrosse field, and determine if there is a more important physical attribute that will better enhance your game.

The primary facet of the game in which “speed kills” is the transition. Whether a Goalie makes a big save, or a defender creates a takeaway; a midfielder who can recognize, react, turn on the jets and get down-field to start a fast break is deadly. Go ahead and watch a few highlights of the Washington Wizards’ John Wall, or the Washington Capitals’ Alexander Ovechkin to catch a glimpse of how devastating speed can be in transition (yes I am an admitted Washington D.C. area sports homer, but the point still stands).  Transition is an integral part of the game, but it is still only one element, and settled offense and defense still dominates today’s games. So what can we utilize when we don’t have the time and space to reach full-speed?

QUICKNESS! When it comes time to get your hands free for a shot or pass, or to get to the middle of the field when attacking the goal, it is all about creating quick separation, or making quick moves to maneuver around the defense.  Take some time to watch a player like Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets, and how he uses his quickness to not only be a threat in transition, but also how he is constantly ready to strike in a settled half-court set as well.

Here at the IMG Lacrosse Academy, we use a variation of drills designed to develop and enhance quickness, some of which you can watch in the video. Don’t assume that these are the only ways you can work on quickness though, be creative and have fun with it and you’ll be looking forward to your training that much more.

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