Hold the lacrosse stick by spreading the hands far apart along the shaft.
Place the dominant hand at the top of the stick under the net, which is an extension of the hand. This hand controls the stick. It should be positioned palm up.
Position the other hand loosely at the butt end of the stick. The thumb and fingers of this hand hold the bottom of the stick to keep it stabilized. The palm is facing down.
Keep the stick at an angle across the upper portion of the body with the butt end lower and the net end at shoulder height. The area surrounding the net is known as "the box." This area is the imaginary line that extends from the top tip of a player's ear on the dominant hand side to about a foot away from the body. Then, the line moves straight down to shoulder length and then back over to the shoulder. This is the prime passing and catching area and provides a good target for teammates to pass the ball.
Move the wrist of the top hand back and forth in a rotating motion to learn how the ball moves in the net. Depending on how you move this hand, the ball will roll to various sections within the net. Rotating the wrist will help a player prepare to pass or receive the ball.
When you catch the ball, give with it slightly as if you are catching an egg. Don't jab or lunge at it. This will force you to miss the ball or push it back out of the net for the opposing team to steal.
Run with the ball to learn how it moves within the net and how you can control it with your dominant hand as your body moves. Move your dominant hand about a quarter way down the shaft to cradle the ball in the net. If the ball falls out, start over and continue to practice cradling and running.
Drop the dominant hand another quarter way down the shaft to pass or shoot the ball with authority.