Lesson 5 - Quick Passing and Possession Play
Ball Skills Foundations
•Year 3
•Lacrosse
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can quick passing help us keep possession and create scoring opportunities in lacrosse?
Learning Objectives
- Use quick passes to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities
- Implement shot, pass, run decision-making consistently
- Receive the ball and move into space effectively
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate quick passing under time pressure
- Students will show improved decision-making with 1-2-3 hierarchy (shoot, pass, run)
- Students will move effectively into space after passing
Equipment & Resources Required
Check stick heads are secure and nets intact before lesson
Alternative: Hockey sticks with tennis balls, foam paddles
Store extras around perimeter for quick replacement
Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for safety
Use for relay stations, end zones, and pitch boundaries
Alternative: Spot markers, rope boundaries
Position 2-3 metres from relay starting positions
Alternative: Chalk circles, cone targets
Ensure all students can see/hear timing signals
Alternative: Phone timer, countdown app on tablet
For team identification in games
Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers
Key Vocabulary
Passing the ball rapidly to teammates to maintain possession
Having limited time to make decisions with the ball
When your team has control of the ball
The scoring area where goals must be caught by teammates
Empty areas on the pitch where players can move to receive passes
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic catching and throwing techniques with lacrosse stick
- Understanding of basic lacrosse rules and safety
- Experience with individual skill practices
- Introduction to 1-2-3 decision making hierarchy
Current Skills
- Quick passing under time pressure
- Consistent application of shoot-pass-run hierarchy
- Moving into space after releasing the ball
- Team possession play with minimum pass requirements
Next Steps
- Advanced tactical play with multiple passing options
- Creating overloads and numerical advantages
- Defending against quick passing attacks
- Tournament-style gameplay with advanced rules
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Quick passing keeps possession and creates scoring opportunities in invasion games
- The 1-2-3 decision hierarchy (shoot, pass, run) provides structure for effective decision-making
- Time pressure develops quick thinking skills essential for game situations
- Moving into space after passing creates new options for team possession
- Communication and teamwork are vital for successful possession play
- Patient build-up play with minimum passes develops tactical understanding
- Practice under pressure transfers skills to real game situations
Common Misconceptions
- Students often think faster is always better - emphasise controlled speed with accuracy
- Many believe holding the ball longer gives more options - teach that quick release creates better opportunities
- Some think individual skill is more important than team play - reinforce collective possession benefits
- Students may focus only on forward passing - encourage lateral and backward passes to maintain possession
- Many assume shooting is always the best option - reinforce the hierarchy of decision-making
- Some believe time pressure means panic - teach calm, quick decision-making under constraints
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter time segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, offer leadership roles for engagement, give immediate positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Use larger, softer balls for easier handling, reduce complexity of skill sequences, allow extra practice time, provide step-by-step visual guides
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routine structure with visual schedule, allow preparation time for transitions, offer quiet zones for breaks, use consistent language and signals
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all spatial arrangements, assign sighted buddy for guidance, use larger target areas
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual signals for timing (flags, lights), provide written instruction cards, demonstrate all activities clearly, use visual countdown timers
physical disability
- Modify throwing distances and target sizes, allow seated participation where appropriate, provide lighter equipment, adapt running activities to walking or wheeling
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting 3-second intervals, measuring distances for relay challenges, calculating team pass totals, timing rotations and transitions
Science
Understanding forces in throwing and catching, body systems response to time pressure, physics of ball flight and accuracy
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of directions and movement patterns, mapping team formations and strategies
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation under pressure, managing emotions during competitive situations, building resilience when making mistakes, leadership and communication skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at corner positions during games for full visibility, move between teams during relay activities, central position during instruction and demonstration phases
Observation Focus
Monitor adherence to 3-second rule, watch for effective application of 1-2-3 decision hierarchy, assess passing accuracy under pressure, note teamwork and communication development
Intervention Points
Step in when students consistently exceed time limits, provide support when decision-making becomes rushed or poor, intervene if game becomes too physical or competitive
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: All movements at slower pace initially, emphasise counting to 3 out loud, show clear decision-making process with verbal commentary, exaggerate head scanning for options
Verbal Cues
- •'Remember your 3 seconds!'
- •'1-2-3 - what's your first option?'
- •'Quick pass, then move!'
- •'Look for the end zone first!'
- •'Help your teammate with a good pass!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 40m x 30m clear space for 5v5 games, additional areas for skill stations and warm-up activities
Surface Check
Dry, even grass or sports hall surface free from holes, debris, or wet patches that could cause slipping
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all lacrosse stick heads are securely attached and nets are intact
- •Ensure balls are in good condition without cracks or damage
- •Verify cones and hoops have no sharp edges or damage
- •Confirm visible timer/stopwatch is working correctly
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Stick contact between players during game situations
- •Collisions during quick movement and direction changes
- •Ball strikes to head or body during passing activities
- •Slips and falls during rapid direction changes under time pressure
Risk Mitigation
- •Establish clear boundaries and ensure adequate spacing between activities
- •Emphasise controlled movements even under time pressure
- •Reinforce safe stick handling - sticks below shoulder height
- •Progressive skill building from individual to team to game situations
- •Clear rules about contact and stick use during games
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students during relay activities
- •Monitor high-activity areas during quick passing games closely
- •Watch for fatigue affecting safety during time-pressure activities
- •Ensure fair rotation and inclusion of all students
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately on safety concern, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, have alternative activities ready for injured students