The Draw: A Critical Factor in the New Era of Women’s Professional Lacrosse
With the launch of the Women’s Professional Lacrosse League (WLL) and its adoption of a 10-vs-10 format, the Draw is set to become the defining moment of every game. In a league where every player is elite and every possession matters, the battle at the center circle will often decide who controls momentum, tempo, and ultimately, the scoreboard.
"if you have a really good draw taker and circle players and you're winning most of the possessions, it could make a game super lopsided." Abby Bosco
Why the Draw Is More Critical Than Ever
The WLL’s 10-vs-10 format mirrors the international standard and brings a new level of tactical complexity to the pro game. As explained in the Premier Lacrosse League’s All-Star Game explainer:
“The standard format of World Lacrosse, and now the WLL, is 10 vs. 10, with three midfielders, attackers and defenders alongside one goalie.”
This structure puts a premium on every Draw—each one is a direct opportunity to seize the initiative, control the ball, and dictate the pace.
"the draw circle is all about the scrappy play, getting the loose balls and taking that mentality and implementing it into the live play." Abby Bosco
Possession = Opportunity
In professional lacrosse, the team that wins the Draw doesn’t just gain possession—they gain the ability to set the tone. With so much talent on every roster and so few mistakes made at this level, a single extra possession can be the difference between victory and defeat. The 10-vs-10 format increases the value of each restart, making draw specialists and their supporting units more valuable than ever.
Momentum Swings Begin at the Center
Draws have always been momentum changers, but in the WLL, they’re amplified. A team that strings together consecutive draw wins can go on a run before their opponent even has a chance to regroup. Conversely, a few missed draws can put a team on its heels against the league’s best offenses. This makes training, technique, and tactical preparation for the draw a top priority for every team.
Strategic Implications
Expect to see teams invest in draw specialists and design plays around their strengths. Coaches will analyze matchups, adjust wing alignments, and even change personnel to win key draws. The margin for error is razor-thin, and the ability to secure possession off the draw could make or break a season.
The Draw Pro and Professional Lacrosse
The Draw Pro is the ideal training tool for professional women's lacrosse players because it delivers unmatched versatility, durability, and realism in draw practice. Engineered to allow draws from multiple heights and adjustable pressures, it closely simulates real-game scenarios, enabling athletes to refine both technique and reaction time. Its sturdy, American-made construction withstands the rigorous demands of elite training, while the quick setup and breakdown make it practical for high-intensity practice environments. With the Draw Pro, professional players can achieve more quality repetitions, improve muscle memory, and gain a decisive edge in draw control—one of the most critical aspects of competitive women’s lacrosse.