Lesson 6 - Game Play & Tournaments
Lacrosse Skills & Tactics
•Year 4
•Lacrosse
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use effective teamwork and tactical awareness to dominate in competitive lacrosse matches?
Learning Objectives
- Use a range of passes (push, slap) strategically to build attacks and create scoring opportunities
- Apply tactical awareness and teamwork principles to score goals consistently in competitive situations
- Evaluate performance and suggest specific improvements for own and others' gameplay
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate varied passing techniques in game situations with increasing accuracy
- Students will show tactical awareness by moving into space and supporting teammates effectively
- Students will provide constructive feedback to improve team and individual performance
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all sticks for damage, ensure appropriate size for Year 4 students
Alternative: Hockey sticks or foam pool noodles for adapted version
Have spare balls ready around pitch perimeter
Alternative: Tennis balls or foam balls for safety adaptation
Ensure goals are stable and appropriate height
Alternative: Cones, hoops, or marked areas on walls
Pre-sort into team sets for quick distribution
Alternative: Coloured bands or markers
Use for pitch boundaries, crease marking, and pacing stations
Alternative: Spot markers or chalk lines
Red, blue, green, yellow for pacing activity stations
Alternative: Coloured paper or signs
Key Vocabulary
A controlled passing technique using a pushing motion to send the ball accurately to teammates
A quicker passing technique using a slapping motion for longer distances or rapid ball movement
The protected area around the goal where only specific players may enter
Legally gaining possession of the ball from the opposing team without stick checking
Working as a team to move the ball systematically towards the goal
Understanding when and where to move to create advantages in the game
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic lacrosse stick handling and ball control
- Fundamental passing techniques (push and slap passes)
- Understanding of basic game rules and field positions
- Experience with ground ball collection and catching
Current Skills
- Strategic use of different passes in game situations
- Tactical movement and positioning during competitive play
- Game analysis and performance evaluation skills
- Sustained physical activity and pacing strategies
Next Steps
- Advanced tactical formations and set plays
- Defensive strategies and marking techniques
- Leadership skills in organising team tactics
- Officials and coaching roles in competitive situations
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Continuous movement prevents defenders from marking effectively and creates attacking opportunities
- Different paces serve different purposes - walk to conserve energy, sprint to capitalize on opportunities
- Effective attack building requires all players to support with movement and create passing options
- Pass selection should match the situation - push passes for control, slap passes for speed and distance
- Tactical awareness develops through understanding when to accelerate and when to conserve energy
- Teamwork in lacrosse means creating space for others and being available to receive passes
- Competitive play provides the best opportunity to apply learned skills under pressure
Common Misconceptions
- That standing still after passing is acceptable - players must continue moving to remain effective
- That sprinting constantly is best - smart pacing and energy conservation are crucial for sustained play
- That individual skill is more important than teamwork - lacrosse success depends on coordinated team movement
- That all passes should be the same type - different situations require different passing techniques
- That movement without purpose is helpful - all movement should have tactical intent
- That competitive play is just about winning - it's about applying learned skills and continuing to improve
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent positive reinforcement, assign specific roles and responsibilities
dyspraxia
- Use larger balls for easier control, reduce game speed initially, provide extra practice time for skill development
autism spectrum
- Provide clear game structure and routine, offer quiet space if overwhelmed, use visual schedule for tournament progression
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and bibs, provide clear verbal descriptions of game situations, assign sighted partner for guidance during play
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual signals for game starts/stops, provide written rules and tactics, use gesture-based communication during play
physical disability
- Adapt to wheelchair lacrosse rules, modify pitch size if needed, allow seated play variations, adjust passing distances
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary development, clear communication during team tactics, giving constructive feedback using specific language
Science
Understanding energy systems and pacing, heart rate monitoring during sustained activity, forces in different passing techniques
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, mapping movement patterns, understanding field dimensions and positioning
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, leadership through team captaincy, resilience in competitive situations, fair play and sportsmanship
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Circulate between multiple game areas, position to see all activities, be mobile to provide immediate feedback and ensure safety
Observation Focus
Watch for tactical movement application, appropriate pass selection, teamwork development, and adherence to safety rules
Intervention Points
Step in when safety rules are broken, when students need tactical guidance, or when teams need support with organisation
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements to show tactical concepts, involve students in demonstrations, provide positive examples during gameplay
Verbal Cues
- •'Pass and move!'
- •'Find the space!'
- •'Build the attack together!'
- •'Use your pacing wisely!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor area minimum 40m x 60m, or sports hall with multiple court markings for simultaneous games
Surface Check
Ensure playing surface is dry, level, and free from holes or debris that could cause trips or falls
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Inspect all lacrosse sticks for cracks or sharp edges before use
- •Check balls are properly inflated and not damaged
- •Ensure goals are stable and properly positioned
- •Verify bibs are in good condition without tears that could cause entanglement
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Stick contact between players during competitive play
- •Collisions during fast-paced movement and direction changes
- •Ball strikes to face or body during passing
- •Overexertion during sustained tournament play
- •Slips and falls on playing surface
Risk Mitigation
- •Enforce strict no stick checking rule throughout all activities
- •Maintain adequate spacing between multiple game areas
- •Emphasise controlled passing and receiving techniques
- •Monitor students for signs of fatigue and provide water breaks
- •Clear communication of boundaries and safety rules before play begins
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all playing areas simultaneously
- •Move between games to provide guidance and ensure safety
- •Monitor for adherence to no-contact rules
- •Watch for students showing signs of overexertion
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if needed