🥍

Lesson 6 - Game Play & Tournaments

Lacrosse Skills & Tactics

•

Year 4

•

Lacrosse

•

Big Question

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

Lacrosse sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for damage, ensure appropriate size for Year 4 students

Alternative: Hockey sticks or foam pool noodles for adapted version

Lacrosse Balls

6-8 balls

Have spare balls ready around pitch perimeter

Alternative: Tennis balls or foam balls for safety adaptation

Goals

4-6 goals/targets

Ensure goals are stable and appropriate height

Alternative: Cones, hoops, or marked areas on walls

Team bibs

30 bibs in 6 different colours

Pre-sort into team sets for quick distribution

Alternative: Coloured bands or markers

Dish Cones

20-30 cones

Use for pitch boundaries, crease marking, and pacing stations

Alternative: Spot markers or chalk lines

Sun Markers

4 sets of different coloured markers

Red, blue, green, yellow for pacing activity stations

Alternative: Coloured paper or signs

Key Vocabulary

Push pass

A controlled passing technique using a pushing motion to send the ball accurately to teammates

Slap pass

A quicker passing technique using a slapping motion for longer distances or rapid ball movement

Crease

The protected area around the goal where only specific players may enter

Interception

Legally gaining possession of the ball from the opposing team without stick checking

Build attack

Working as a team to move the ball systematically towards the goal

Tactical awareness

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

Selects appropriate passes based on game situation and distance

Moves continuously with purpose, finding space to support attacks

Communicates effectively with teammates during gameplay

Provides specific, constructive feedback for performance improvement

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