A Better Way to Wall Ball

Roy Colsey says you’re doing wall ball all wrong. 

“Wall ball is overrated and misused,” said Colsey, the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame player and assistant coach for the 2024 U.S. Men’s Box National Team.

Colsey said this at the 2023 USA Lacrosse Convention. The remark drew a collective and audible gasp from those attending his session in a ballroom at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.

With such an emphasis on getting reps — “50 right, 50 left” — throwing mechanics suffer. Especially when you switch to your weak hand. Younger players might stand closer to the wall and hesitate with their follow through for fear of the ball bouncing back in their face.

Colsey’s variation? Wall ball with no catch. Just throwing reps.

Start with your strong hand and then try to copy the motion with your weak hand, stationary at first and then on the run.

Don’t aim. Don’t catch. Just throw the ball at the wall as hard as possible to dial in your release.

“You will be shocked at how quickly the form improves for every kid doing this drill,” Colsey said. “They’re not scared of it. They just throw.”