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Lesson 6 - Team Play and Communication

Ball Skills Foundations

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Year 3

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Lacrosse

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Big Question

How do great teams communicate to create scoring opportunities?

Learning Objectives

Use a variety of passes to build an attack with teammates
Determine when to run into space to receive the ball effectively
Suggest constructive ways to improve team performance

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective passing combinations with teammates
Students will show understanding of space and movement in game situations
Students will provide supportive feedback to improve team play

Equipment & Resources Required

Lacrosse sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for damage before distribution

Alternative: Hockey sticks, tennis rackets for modified play

Lacrosse Balls

6-8 balls

Have extra balls around pitch perimeter for quick retrieval

Alternative: Tennis balls, soft foam balls for beginners

Goals

3 goals

Secure goals and ensure adequate space behind

Alternative: Cones, benches, or marked target areas

Cones

20-30 cones

Mark pitch boundaries, creases, and team zones

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, or bibs for marking

Coloured Bibs

15 bibs (3 colours)

Clear team identification for all players

Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured shirts

Key Vocabulary

Attack

When your team has possession and is trying to score

Space

An area on the pitch where there are no opponents

Communication

Talking and signalling to help your teammates

Interception

Catching or picking up the ball when the other team has it

Crease

The special area around the goal where only the goalkeeper can go

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic stick handling and ball control
Simple passing techniques - overarm and underarm
Understanding of basic game rules and boundaries

Current Skills

Combining passes to build team attacks
Reading the game to find space and receive passes
Communicating effectively with teammates during play

Next Steps

Advanced passing under pressure
Tactical awareness and team strategies
Leadership roles in competitive situations

Milestone Indicators

Students naturally call for the ball when in space

Teams show evidence of planned passing sequences

Players offer constructive feedback during natural game breaks

Key Teaching Points

Communication is the foundation of effective team play - emphasise this throughout
Space awareness develops through practice - encourage constant scanning and movement
Positive feedback builds confidence - model constructive language consistently
Progressive skill development from simple to complex ensures all students succeed
Safety through controlled play - no checking, appropriate spacing, quality equipment
Individual skills serve team goals - connect personal development to team success
Assessment through observation - watch for application of skills in game contexts

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: Louder communication is always better. Correction: Clear, specific communication is more effective than just being loud
Misconception: The best player should always have the ball. Correction: All team members contribute to attacks through movement and communication
Misconception: Running fast is always the best option. Correction: Varying pace and reading the game situation is more effective
Misconception: Criticism helps teammates improve. Correction: Constructive, positive feedback builds confidence and skills
Misconception: Individual skills don't matter in team sports. Correction: Personal skills enable effective team play

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, offer movement breaks as needed

dyspraxia

Use larger, lighter equipment initially, provide extra practice time, break down complex movements into simpler steps

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure with visual schedules, offer quiet zones if overwhelmed, use consistent routines and familiar language

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of field layout, assign sighted buddy for navigation

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and hand gestures, provide written instructions, ensure face-to-face communication for lip reading

physical disability

Adapt to seated play with modified stick handling, shorter distances for passing, alternative ways to demonstrate space awareness

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Developing vocabulary for sport, clear communication skills, listening and responding appropriately

Maths

Counting passes in sequences, understanding angles and directions for passing, measuring distances for pitch setup

Science

Understanding forces in throwing and catching, observing team dynamics and communication patterns

Geography

Spatial awareness and navigation around pitch, understanding directional language and positioning

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, giving constructive feedback, building confidence through positive communication

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of activities for optimal view of all students, positioning near groups needing most support

Observation Focus

Watch for quality of communication, safe stick handling, positive team interactions, and application of lesson objectives

Intervention Points

Step in when communication breaks down, when safety rules are forgotten, or when teams need tactical guidance

Demonstration Notes

Use students as demonstrators whenever possible, exaggerate communication for clarity, model positive language throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Talk to your teammates!'
•'Find the space!'
•'Help your team by calling clearly!'
•'Show me your power words!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m for multiple pitches, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, level surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all lacrosse sticks for cracks or loose parts before use
•Ensure balls are appropriate weight and condition
•Verify goals are stable and securely positioned
•Check cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick collisions during enthusiastic play
•Ball strikes to head or body
•Slips and falls during direction changes
•Collisions between players in congested areas

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and crease areas established and explained
•No stick checking or tackling allowed - interceptions only
•Adequate spacing between multiple game areas
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Continuous supervision of stick handling techniques

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all playing areas
•Monitor crease areas for rule compliance
•Watch for safe stick handling during competitive play
•Intervene immediately if dangerous play occurs

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required