🥍

Lesson 5 - Quick Passing and Possession Play

Ball Skills Foundations

•

Year 3

•

Lacrosse

•

45 min

Big Question

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

Lacrosse sticks

1 per student (30)

Check stick heads are secure and nets intact before lesson

Alternative: Hockey sticks with tennis balls, foam paddles

Lacrosse Balls

1 per student + 10 spares (40 total)

Store extras around perimeter for quick replacement

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for safety

Dish Cones

25 (range)

Use for relay stations, end zones, and pitch boundaries

Alternative: Spot markers, rope boundaries

Hoops

7 hoops

Position 2-3 metres from relay starting positions

Alternative: Chalk circles, cone targets

Stopwatch

1 visible timer

Ensure all students can see/hear timing signals

Alternative: Phone timer, countdown app on tablet

Bibs

15 (half class set)

For team identification in games

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Key Vocabulary

Quick passing

Passing the ball rapidly to teammates to maintain possession

Time pressure

Having limited time to make decisions with the ball

Possession

When your team has control of the ball

End zone

The scoring area where goals must be caught by teammates

Space

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

Consistently passes within 3-second time limit

Demonstrates clear decision-making hierarchy

Moves immediately into space after passing

Communicates effectively with teammates during play

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