Point Blank Shots
The key to point blank shots is to be in a
great stance, watch the ball and stay calm until you see the ball
coming. So what is a great stance. Try these pointers:
-
On the balls of your feet (so you are
ready to move)
-
Knees bent (you can move easily
either up for high or down for low shots)
-
Hands out from your chest with your
elbows in front of your chest (so you aren't hindered in your move
to the ball, especially to the upper corners)
-
Hands on the stick so that the wrists
are to the back of the stick (for best rotation of the stick to all
areas)
-
Thumb and forefinger grip (so that
both hands allow the stick to rotate freely to all corners)
-
Stick high (to take away the top of
the goal) and so that the side of the hand is between the top hand
eye and the ball (hands are faster from that position)
-
Chest forward of the hips (in
preparation for stepping and for an effective shoulder turn to low
shots)
-
Position yourself so that the shooter
cannot shoot between you and the pipe on low angle shots (takes away
his first choice)
When the shot comes drive the top hand to
the ball and the bottom hand forward in support as you step to the shot
(knees bent throughout). If all your parts move to the ball
(that's right to the ball not the player), you will make a lot of saves
in close.
Once you have got this mastered and have
the top and pipe covered, you will question whether or not you can get
to low shots. If you hold your bottom hand almost still and drive your
top hand to the ball, the stick moves so fast (rotating) that you can
easily play the low shots too.
Weston Lacrosse
10-29-08
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