Both Players Have Their Sticks in the “Box”—The Area Above the Stick-Side Shoulder, Next to the Ear

The prime receiving area for catching a pass is called the “box.” This is the area above the shoulders and next to the stick-side ear. Passes received in this area can be instantly cradled, shot or passed.

However, when attempting to catch a pass outside the box, beginners often make the error of simply extending their arms and stick. This leaves them open to a check from an opponent. And if the catch is made, it forces your players to first bring the stick back to the box before the ball can be cradled, passed or shot.

A Better Technique
A better technique when receiving an errant pass is to “move the box.” That is, instead of simply extending the stick, move the feet so the player is in position to receive the ball near the ear. This places the ball in a position where it can be immediately cradled, shot or passed.

Only passes that are too far away to be handled by foot movement should be caught using extension of the arms.

References:
1. David Urick, Sports Illustrated Lacrosse, Winner's Circle Books, 1988.
2. Kelly Amonte Hiller, Ashley Gersuk, Ann Elliott, Winning Women's Lacrosse, 2010. www.humankinetics.com

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