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Step 1
Break in a lacrosse stick before trying to use it. This consists of "pounding" a pocket for the ball at the base of its net. Otherwise, cradling a ball, or catching one is like trying to catch a baseball with a brand new glove.
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Step 2
Place your dominant hand toward the top of the stick with your hand underneath the stick. This is your control hand. Loosely grip the bottom of the stick, fingers and thumb in a circle--it is only for stabilization.
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Step 3
Drop a lacrosse ball into the stick's net. Raise the stick until it is face high. Rotate your upper hand at the wrist. Feel how the ball slides within the net, but remains in its pocket.
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Step 4
Move the stick to a waist-high position with the basket facing upward--the ball will be resting in its pocket. Curl your upper hand inward and back. The ball will move within the pocket but will not leave it.
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Step 5
Think of cradling as dribble in basketball. It is a motion that should be practiced so often that it becomes second nature. After mastering this basic hold in lacrosse, you will be ready to take on more advanced moves.
