What is the Fastest Lacrosse Shot

The thrill of watching players zoom down the field is great but nothing matches the adrenaline pumping quite like a shot that leaves goalies scrambling in the blink of an eye. If you know this feeling, this question must have popped into your mind: What is the fastest lacrosse shot?

The power behind the some of the fastest lacrosse shots ever is nothing short of electrifying. 

In this article, I have listed the top 5 fastest lacrosse shots, mentioning the players who set this record-breaking history and revealing the secrets behind their speed.

Top 5 Fastest Lacrosse Shots

The following are the fastest lacrosse shots in the history of the sports. This includes professionals and amateurs.

 Fastest Lacrosse Shots
Fastest Lacrosse Shots (https://laxdrip.com)

1. Nick Diegel

Nick Diegel
Nick Diegel (https://laxdrip.com)
Height 6’4”
Weight 190 lbs
Position Forward
Team Central Michigan University (CMU) and Ohio State University, later known for his performance at LaxCon events
Fastest Shot 127.4 mph (world record for fastest shot in lacrosse history)

Owning the charts for the fastest lacrosse shot, Nick Diegel stands on top, holding the record at 127.4 mph. He shot this shot at the 2020 annual lacrosse convention in Philadelphia. 

He used an STX Ultra Power on an STX Fiber shaft and set the record for the fastest lacrosse shot. This shot was 10 mph faster than his previous fastest lacrosse shot of 116 mph.

It happened during a radar-measured event rather than in a live game, which allowed him to use his strength fully without defensive pressure.

He said in an interview, “It was surreal to hit that speed. I had no idea I could push it that far.”

Read More: Best Attack Lacrosse Heads

2. Jarrod Neumann

 Jarrod Neumann
Jarrod Neumann (https://laxdrip.com)
Height 6’4”
Weight 230 lbs
Position Defenseman
Team Archers Lacrosse Club (Premiere Lacrosse League) 
Fastest Shot 121 mph

The second fastest lacrosse shot record stays with Jarrod Neumann, who set the record for the fastest lacrosse shot by a defenseman at 121 mph in July 2023 during the PLL All-Star Weekend.

This accomplishment was his third consecutive victory in the Fastest Shot Competition.

Although Neumann’s 121 mph shot ranks just below Diegel’s, it’s particularly impressive given his position as a defender. His record demonstrates that speed shots are not the exclusive domain of offensive players.

After setting the record, Neumann said: “It was a little nerve-wracking, but I just tried to hit it as hard as I could. I wanted to represent the defensive guys out there and show that we can shoot as fast as anyone else.” 

This quote highlights his pride in showing that defensive players can compete with offensive players when it comes to shot speed.​

Read More: Best Lacrosse Heads for All Positions

3. Patrick Luehrsen

Patrick Luehrsen
Patrick Luehrsen (https://laxdrip.com)
Height N/A
Weight N/A
Position Forward
Team Amateur player 
Fastest Shot 119.9 mph

Patrick Luersen recorded this accomplishment at the Libertyville Sports Complex on 29 September 2015. This shot made Luehrsen one of the top speed record holders.

This shot was also featured in the Guinness World Record

Luehrsen said after his achievement, “It’s incredible to be part of this history, but I believe lacrosse players are just beginning to unlock the full potential of speed in our game.”

This is not the only accomplishment of Patrick. He is also famous for his unique invention in lacrosse sticks called “Ghost Stick.”. This stick has a clear shift and offers more flexibility and durability. 

Read More: Best Lacrosse Shafts by Positions

4. Zack Dorn

Zack Dorn
Zack Dorn (https://laxdrip.com)
Height 6’
Weight 185 lbs
Position Attack
Team Chicago Outlaws (CILL)
Fastest Shot 116 mph

The amazing feat of Zack Dorn’s record is that he was an amateur when he shot that 116 mph ball, while other record holders were professional players. Dorn’s shot clocked 116 mph and was recorded as the fastest lacrosse shot set during the Major League Lacrosse (MLL) All-Star Game of 2014. 

He became widely recognized after breaking the 100 mph barrier.

After the record-breaking shot, he said, “I didn’t expect it to be that fast, but I’m glad it happened in front of such a great crowd. It’s a great feeling to know I’ve made history.”

He became the first amateur lacrosse player to sign an endorsement deal with Epoch Lacrosse.

Read More: Best Lacrosse Cleats for All Positions

5. Paul Rabil

Paul Rabil
Paul Rabil (https://laxdrip.com)
Height 6’3”
Weight 220 lbs
Position Midfielder 
Team Boston Cannons (MLL)
Fastest Shot 111 mph

Let’s talk about Paul Rabil, one of the most influential figures in lacrosse history. You’ve probably heard his name tossed around as a legendary player.

First off, let’s get to that famous shot. Paul Rabil clocked a 111 mph lacrosse shot in 2009; although many other players have surpassed that speed till now, Rabil’s shot set the standard for the other players.

In 2018, Paul Rabil co-founded the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) with his brother Mike Rabil. He is also famous for being the best midfielder in lacrosse history, and many know him as “Lacrosse’s Million-Dollar Man.”

Now that you know what is the fastest lacrosse shot, let me tell you about the importance of speed in lacrosse and a few techniques to achieve the fastest lacrosse shots.

If you’re a lacrosse player looking to improve your speed, have a look at our best lacrosse goals for practice.

Read More: Lacrosse Bounce Backs for Training

Importance of Speed in Lacrosse

In a fast-paced game like lacrosse, speed is crucial. It increases the chance for a player to evade his opponent and score a goal, as the goalie will have less time to react. Speedy players can shift efficiently on the field, making the game more unpredictable.

Techniques for Achieving Fast Lacrosse Shots

So, what makes it possible for these players to make speed shots? It’s not just sheer raw power. Lacrosse players use a combination of strength, technique, and equipment to optimize their shot speed. 

  • It is important to rotate your body fully to generate a power shot. Players use their torso and hips to add momentum to their shots. 
  • Complementing the body rotation with the wrist flick at the end of the shot helps launch the ball out of the stick pocket faster.
  • A complete follow-through transfers the maximum amount of energy to the ball.

It might seem simple as you read this, but these techniques are refined over years of training. Many top players also concentrate on strength training, especially for their core and upper body, to develop the power needed for rapid shots.

You can check out our expert-recommended 10 essential lacrosse skills to become 80% better within days.

People Also Ask

What Is the Fastest Men’s Lacrosse Shot?

The fastest men’s lacrosse shot is 127.4 mph, achieved by Nick Diegel at the 2020 LaxCon event in Philadelphia.

What Is the Fastest Shot in the PLL?

The fastest shot in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) is 121 mph, set by defenseman Jarrod Neumann during the 2023 PLL All-Star Weekend.

How Fast Can a Man Throw a Lacrosse Ball?

A man can throw a lacrosse ball as fast as 127.4 mph, which is the current world record held by Nick Diegel.

What Is a Good Lacrosse Shot Speed?

A good lacrosse shot speed for competitive players ranges between 80 to 100 mph, with elite players often exceeding this range frequently.

Who Holds the Record for the Fastest Lacrosse Shot?

Nick Diegel holds the record for the fastest lacrosse shot at 127.4 mph, set during the 2020 LaxCon event.

In this article, you learned: What is the fastest lacrosse shot? A power stroke by Nick Diegel to Paul Rabil, creating history. Each of them, no matter their position, has left a legendary mark on the sport. 

As the sport continues to evolve, so will the records. The question remains: Who will be the next player to break the speed barrier?

About Author

Picture of Connor Stifel

Connor Stifel

As a lifelong lacrosse enthusiast, I've had the privilege of playing the sport from a young age, honing my skills on the field and developing a deep appreciation for the game's speed, strategy, and camaraderie. With a decade of experience under my belt, from childhood to high school, I've carried that passion with me into adulthood, always eager to share my knowledge and enthusiasm with others.

Leave a Reply

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE