Best Lacrosse Training Aids to Take Your Game to the Next Level
16 lacrosse training aids for stick skills, shooting, goalie work, speed and strength, how to use each one, and what you can order today at BattleLax.
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Why lacrosse training aids?
If recent years have taught the lacrosse community anything, it's that development has to happen beyond practices and games. Getting a group of laxers together isn't always a guarantee.
There's no better way to take your game to the next level than investing in some of the many training aids out there. You can use them on your own, and they mirror the actions you'll make at full speed in a game.
They improve your hand-eye coordination and help you knock out those essential reps of passing, catching, shooting and much more.
This guide covers our favorite training aids available right now and how to use each one to improve your game.
Coach's note: The best players I've coached, from upstate New York to Virginia Beach, all had one thing in common: a beat-up spot in the backyard where they took a thousand reps a week. Ontario box kids grow up on a garage door and a ball. You don't need every gadget on this list. Start with a wall or a rebounder, a goal and a bucket of balls, and add the rest as you go.
All 16 training aids
| # | Training aid | Works on | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lacrosse Rebounder | Stick skills | $270.00 | Buy |
| 02 | Lacrosse Goals & Portable Goals | Shooting | $282.99 | Buy |
| 03 | Lacrosse Goal Backstop | Shooting | $224.99 | Buy |
| 04 | Your Own Lacrosse Balls | Shooting | From $5.00 | Buy |
| 05 | Lacrosse Targets | Shooting | $46.99 | Buy |
| 06 | BlazePod Flash Reflex & Reaction Training System | Speed & strength | From $64.95 | Alt |
| 07 | TRX Suspension Training System | Speed & strength | From $64.95 | Alt |
| 08 | Agility Ladder | Speed & strength | From $64.95 | Alt |
| 09 | Running Parachute | Speed & strength | From $64.95 | Alt |
| 10 | Weighted Vest | Speed & strength | From $64.95 | Alt |
| 11 | Lacrosse Shot Speed Gun | Shooting | $46.99 | Alt |
| 12 | Reaction Ball | Stick skills | $11.99 | Alt |
| 13 | Lacrosse Ball Return | Stick skills | $270.00 | Alt |
| 14 | Elevate Sports 11th Man Inflatables | Shooting | $46.99 | Alt |
| 15 | SWAX Lax Numbered Training Balls | Goalie | $11.99 | Alt |
| 16 | Medicine Ball | Speed & strength | From $64.95 | Alt |
Prices are for the item at BattleLax or its closest alternative. "Alt" goes to the closest item BattleLax has in stock.
The best lacrosse training aids
1. Lacrosse Rebounder
As many walls as there are in the world, most aren't built for the endless drumming of a lacrosse ball. Finding a solid (no pun intended) wall-ball surface is like striking gold, especially one without windows nearby just asking to be shattered.
With good walls in short supply, a rebounder is an awesome alternative and investment in your development. It does a lot that a wall can't and better mimics another player: you can adjust the height and angle of the rebound, and the surface keeps much more of the power you put into your shot or pass than a solid wall.
For more info and the specific rebounders we have our eye on, check out our full lacrosse rebounders guide.
At BattleLax: In stock now. Grab the Champion Sports Deluxe Lacrosse Rebounder ($270.00), or the Maverik Lacrosse Rebounder ($204.99).
2. Lacrosse Goals & Portable Goals
Can you imagine lacrosse without goals? Yeah, we can't either. So why do so many players overlook them for individual training?
If you have the space, we definitely recommend an official full-size goal for your training arsenal. See our rundown of the best lacrosse goals.
If you're on the go and need a goal at whatever park or field you can get to, a portable goal is a worthy investment. They're light and collapsible, which makes them great for mimicking the height and width of a real net. See our top picks for the best portable lacrosse goals.
At BattleLax: In stock now. Grab the Champion Pro Competition Lacrosse Goal ($282.99) for a full-size cage, or the Rhino Flex Lacrosse Goal ($213.99) or Maverik Practice Goal ($134.99) for something you can take on the go.
3. Lacrosse Goal Backstop
So you have your goal. But before you start target practice with underhand rips at the top corner, invest in a backstop to keep from breaking your (or your neighbor's) windows.
Beyond the protection, it also keeps you from spending more time chasing balls than shooting them. See our best lacrosse backstops to pair with your new goal.
At BattleLax: In stock now. Grab the Warrior 10x30 Lacrosse Backstop ($224.99).
4. Your Own Lacrosse Balls
This one's a given: you need balls, as many as you can afford.
When you're practicing shooting, the last thing you want is to spend most of your time chasing down the one or two balls you have.
Some drills are so much more efficient with a pile of balls ready, like shooting from a specific spot or working alley dodges.
And of course, we have a guide to the best lacrosse balls you can buy in bulk.
At BattleLax: In stock now. Grab Union Lacrosse Balls (From $5.00), and keep them together with the Maverik Speed Ball Bag ($34.99).
5. Lacrosse Targets
You have the balls and the net. Why not take your shooting to the next level with some targets?
There are several soft targets that string between the pipes to raise the difficulty of your shooting practice and get you ripping corners like it's second nature. They can mimic a keeper or direct your shot to a specific spot.
Most targets are adjustable, adaptable and removable, so they fit any size cage you have.
At BattleLax: In stock now. Grab the Champion Rhino Corner Targets ($46.99).
6. BlazePod Flash Reflex & Reaction Training System
These ain't your pops' cones. BlazePods take ordinary orange markers to the next level with smart technology that programs workouts and tracks progress.
Set them out in a shuttle drill to work on the reaction time, agility and speed that are essential on the field.
You can also mix in your stick, with ground balls and cradling, while you work on cutting and acceleration.
BlazePods are also a great way to make workouts like pushups and planks harder.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the BlazePod Flash Reflex & Reaction Training System. For a lacrosse-specific trainer that builds wrist and forearm strength, try the Power Shaft Lacrosse Trainer (From $64.95).
7. TRX Suspension Training System
Recent years have put a premium on getting a gym-quality workout at home, which can be tough without the space or money for equipment.
The TRX Suspension System is one of the best solutions. Its adjustable, removable straps attach to anything load-bearing and unlock a ton of full-body workouts.
They use your own body weight and positioning to create some of the hardest workouts you can do without free weights. The focus on core strength and functional conditioning improves your balance, control and power on the field.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the TRX Suspension Training System. To add lacrosse-specific strength work to your routine, try the Power Shaft Lacrosse Trainer (From $64.95).
8. Agility Ladder
You can never go wrong with the classics, including an agility ladder.
It's one of the most portable, affordable training tools out there, and it helps improve your speed and quickness.
Tap into the huge range of ladder movements that work the quick-twitch muscles that give you that split-second edge on your opponent. We recommend the GHB Pro Agility Ladder.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Agility Ladder. BattleLax doesn't carry agility ladders. For a lacrosse-specific training tool, try the Power Shaft Lacrosse Trainer (From $64.95).
9. Running Parachute
Another classic, the running parachute needs nothing but open space. It uses the wind resistance from your own movement to make you faster and build leg strength.
Our pick comes from Kuyou.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Running Parachute. BattleLax doesn't carry running parachutes. For a lacrosse-specific training tool, try the Power Shaft Lacrosse Trainer (From $64.95).
10. Weighted Vest
Like the running parachute, a weighted vest is a classic, easy addition to any workout.
It makes your everyday strength training harder, and you can wear it during lacrosse drills so they feel easier once you take it off.
It's a great option if you feel like you've hit a wall in training. If your daily work feels too easy, a weighted vest adds another layer to what may have been a walk in the park. Our pick is from RUNmax.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Weighted Vest. BattleLax doesn't carry weighted vests. For a weighted lacrosse trainer you can use with your stick, try the Power Shaft Lacrosse Trainer (From $64.95).
11. Lacrosse Shot Speed Gun
This one is less about training itself and more about progress: a shot speed gun is a great way to track how your shot speed improves.
Part of training is setting goals and knowing where you're starting from, based on real numbers. The Bushnell Velocity Speed Gun is a great one to consider.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Lacrosse Shot Speed Gun. BattleLax doesn't carry radar guns, but to work on accuracy along with speed, try the Champion Rhino Corner Targets ($46.99).
12. Reaction Ball
A reaction ball isn't made specifically for lacrosse, but it's a great way to build the hand-eye coordination that's so valuable on the field.
It bounces randomly, so you have to recognize and react to its path quickly and move fast enough to grab it on the bounce. If that sounds familiar, it's because quick processing and movement are the foundation of lacrosse. Champro makes a good one.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Reaction Ball. For softer balls to mix into your hand-eye work, try the Union Sports Rubber Training Lacrosse Balls (6-pack) ($11.99).
13. Lacrosse Ball Return
Say you can't afford an endless supply of balls, or you just want a repetitive, quick-release drill that works your throwing motion and your cardio. Look no further than a ball return that attaches to your stick.
A ball return has the feel of a real lacrosse ball (weight and size), but an elastic band keeps it tethered to your stick. That makes for an efficient throwing session, perfect for a player who doesn't always have room for a rebounder or wall.
Note that intermediate and advanced players may throw too hard for this kind of trainer, and it may not hold up over time. For younger and beginner players, our pick is the B-Lax Blast Lacrosse Trainer.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Lacrosse Ball Return. For the same quick-release reps that won't wear out, go with the Champion Sports Deluxe Lacrosse Rebounder ($270.00).
14. Elevate Sports 11th Man Inflatables
Targets and cones only go so far in recreating a real goalie and defense, so Elevate Sports stepped in with the 11th Man Inflatable.
It mirrors the size, shape and positioning of a real player, like a goalie between the pipes or a long pole between you and the cage.
They're great when you don't have a goalie or want to practice dodging on something other than an imaginary player. They give you the feel of competition when you train alone and help you work the angles that give you trouble in games. Elevate sells goalie and defender versions.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Elevate Sports 11th Man Inflatables. For a way to practice picking corners around a keeper, try the Champion Rhino Corner Targets ($46.99).
15. SWAX Lax Numbered Training Balls
Now something specific for the warriors between the pipes, and maybe the craziest tool on this list: the SWAX Numbered Training Balls.
They're soft balls with the same size and weight as a regular ball, but each one has a number on it. Goalies train by saving them as they're shot and calling out the number before the save.
It's a terrific tool for a keeper's hand-eye coordination and reaction time, and for the quick thinking needed to read (no pun intended) an incoming shot.
Awareness drills like this are an untapped resource in the sport and a worthy investment for any developing goalie.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the SWAX Lax Numbered Training Balls. For softer training balls to start a goalie's reaction work, try the Union Sports Rubber Training Lacrosse Balls (6-pack) ($11.99).
16. Medicine Ball
And we're back to good ol' fashioned training tools: the medicine ball.
Don't underestimate what may have been stashed in a closet for years. A medicine ball is a terrific addition to any core workout, making your usual ab work harder and opening the door to a slew of new movements.
Core training is the key to getting that little bit stronger and more confident in how you move on the field. A basic medicine ball does the job.
BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry the Medicine Ball. BattleLax doesn't carry medicine balls. For lacrosse-specific strength work, try the Power Shaft Lacrosse Trainer (From $64.95).
Shop lacrosse training gear at BattleLax
Here's every BattleLax item on this page:
- Champion Sports Deluxe Lacrosse Rebounder
- Maverik Lacrosse Rebounder
- Champion Pro Competition Lacrosse Goal
- Maverik Practice Lacrosse Goal
- Rhino Flex Lacrosse Goal
- Warrior 10x30 Lacrosse Backstop
- Union Lacrosse Balls
- Union Sports Rubber Training Lacrosse Balls (6-pack)
- Champion Rhino Corner Targets
- Power Shaft Lacrosse Trainer
- Maverik Speed Ball Bag
Frequently asked questions
What is the best lacrosse training aid?
A rebounder. It lets you get endless wall-ball reps, and you can adjust the height and angle to mimic real passes.
What lacrosse training equipment do I need at home?
Start with a rebounder or wall, a goal, a backstop and plenty of balls. Add targets, an agility ladder and a medicine ball as you go.
How can I improve my lacrosse shot at home?
Shoot on a goal with targets in the corners, use a backstop so you spend less time chasing balls, and track your speed with a radar gun.
What training aids help lacrosse goalies?
Numbered training balls, reaction balls and a rebounder all sharpen a goalie's hand-eye coordination and reaction time.