Groundballs important for laxer success

The sound of two lacrosse sticks clanging together can create something essential to the outcome of any lacrosse game: groundballs.

A groundball is a loose ball that players compete to scoop up during live play with the hopes of achieving possession.

"In most instances, the team with the most groundballs is the team that wins," said back-up goalie Ian Kupferberg. "Possessions are a key to the game."

Although the Lions lost the majority of their groundball chances at the beginning of the season, Thiel said he thinks the team has played more aggressively lately in pursuing grounders.

By narrowing the margin, the team has created more offensive opportunities.

For example, despite the fact that Penn State lost the ground ball battle to Villanova 45-43, the team was able to defeat the Wildcats 11-4.

Also, players have different strategies for recovering groundballs.

Scooping the grounder with one hand is faster than scooping with two, Kupferberg said, because a player does not have to bend down as far and thus they can avoid pressure from the defense.

However, by scooping with one hand a player has less control over his stick, said junior attacker Kevin Haggerty. This allows the opponent to check the stick easier which may create another groundball opportunity.

"In most cases, scooping with one hand is just asking to get checked," Kupferberg said.

Scooping with one hand should only be used in rare instances, Thiel said.

"You have to understand the circumstances. The most important thing to know is the pressure that is coming on," he said. "If you are scooping out of a pack, then one hand is actually quicker."

Midfielder Mike Haswell said it is important to turn away from the defense after scooping the ball to avoid being checked.

When there is a groundball is front of the goal, Kupferberg said the defense boxes out the offense and then it is the goalie's responsibility to come up with the ball.

Boxing out is a strategy that is used by many players. By preventing the opponent to from getting to ball and having a good position, a team has a better chance to win the groundball, Haggerty said.

"You teach the kids to always get hip position and to scoop the ball," Thiel said.

By getting in good position, it frustrates the opponent, Haswell said. This causes the opponent to push from behind, which can result in possession if the team doesn't have the ball or a 30-second penalty if it does.

"Going for a groundball, you can't think about getting hit," Haggerty said. "You just think about getting the groundball."

Sometimes as many as five players will be jousting for position and trying to come up with the groundball. Haswell said it is imperative that teammates work together.

"It's all communication with your teammates and you try to get position by working together and coming up with the groundball," he said.

Haswell said it is important that a team does the little things such as winning groundballs because it is important for victories.

"It may seem as an easy thing to get ground balls," he said, "but it is a big-time key."