Every possession matters in lacrosse. Whether you’re an attackman, midfielder, defender, or goalie, turnovers can quickly shift momentum, create transition opportunities for your opponent, and ultimately decide the outcome of a game.
While spectacular goals make the highlight reels, championship teams are built by players who consistently take care of the ball. Eliminating unnecessary turnovers is one of the fastest ways to improve both individual performance and team success.
1. Poor Decision-Making
Many turnovers happen because players force a pass or dodge when a better option is available. Great players understand that every possession doesn’t require a highlight play.
Improve by:
- Keeping your head up.
- Moving the ball quickly.
- Taking what the defense gives you.
- Being patient until the best opportunity develops.
2. Not Seeing the Entire Field
Tunnel vision limits your options and makes you easier to defend. Elite players constantly scan the field before catching, dodging, and passing.
Improve by:
- Looking away from the ball before receiving a pass.
- Reading slides early.
- Identifying open teammates before initiating your dodge.
- Keeping your eyes moving throughout the possession.
3. Poor Ball Security
Defenders are trained to attack exposed sticks. Carrying your stick away from your body or with one hand makes it much easier to create turnovers.
Improve by:
- Keep two hands on your stick whenever possible.
- Carry your stick away from defenders.
- Use your body as protection.
- Maintain a strong cradle through contact.
4. Careless Passing
A poor pass often leads directly to transition opportunities for the other team. Accuracy and timing matter more than throwing the hardest pass possible.
Improve by:
- Step toward your target.
- Pass to teammates’ hands.
- Communicate before passing.
- Avoid forcing passes through traffic.
5. Poor Spacing and Positioning
Crowded offensive sets create easy interceptions and double teams. Proper spacing opens passing lanes and gives teammates room to operate.
Improve by:
- Maintain proper offensive spacing.
- Move after every pass.
- Stay available as an outlet.
- Understand your offensive system.
6. Mental Lapses
Many turnovers occur because players lose concentration for just a split second. Great teams stay mentally engaged from the opening whistle until the final horn.
Improve by:
- Focus on every possession.
- Reset mentally after mistakes.
- Communicate constantly.
- Play with confidence and composure.
The Bottom Line
Turnovers are often preventable. By improving your decision-making, field awareness, stick protection, passing accuracy, spacing, and mental focus, you’ll become a more reliable player and help your team maintain possession throughout the game.
Remember, the teams that consistently win aren’t always the flashiest—they’re the teams that value every possession.
At Wormburner Lacrosse, we believe that protecting the ball is one of the foundations of winning lacrosse.
Protect the Ball. Protect the Game.
© 2026 Wormburner Lacrosse
