🥍

Lesson 3 - Maintaining Possession and Passing

Lacrosse Skills & Tactics

•

Year 4

•

Lacrosse

•

Big Question

How can we use clever passing to keep the ball and build successful attacks?

Learning Objectives

Keep possession of the ball using a range of passes to maintain possession
Implement the correct type of throw to maintain possession in different situations
Keep possession of the ball and progress up the pitch consistently

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective passing techniques to maintain team possession
Students will select appropriate passes based on game situations
Students will show improved decision-making when building attacks

Equipment & Resources Required

Lacrosse sticks

1 per student (30)

Check sticks for damage, appropriate size for students

Alternative: Tennis balls for hand passing if sticks unavailable

Lacrosse Balls

6-8 balls

Ensure balls are in good condition for safe play

Alternative: Tennis balls or soft play balls

Cones

20-25 cones

Different colours for different areas/teams

Alternative: Markers or bibs to define areas

Goals

2 portable goals

Secure goals safely, check for stability

Alternative: Cone goals or markers for goal areas

Bibs

6 sets (different colours)

Clean bibs available for team identification

Alternative: Coloured bands or markers

Key Vocabulary

Possession

Keeping control of the ball within your team

Intercepting

Gaining possession of the ball from the opposing team

Crease

The circular area around the goal where only the goalkeeper can enter

Passing lanes

Clear pathways between teammates for successful passes

Supporting

Moving to help a teammate who has the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching with lacrosse stick
Understanding of team games and possession
Awareness of space and movement

Current Skills

Range of passing techniques for possession
Decision-making under pressure
Building attacks through passing combinations

Next Steps

Advanced passing under defensive pressure
Creating and exploiting space for attacks
Shooting and finishing techniques

Milestone Indicators

Consistent passing accuracy in unopposed situations

Appropriate pass selection under pressure

Effective communication during possession phases

Key Teaching Points

Maximise playing space by spreading out to stretch the defence and create passing opportunities
Keep bodies open and maintain visual awareness of the field and teammates at all times
Move quickly and decisively onto the ball when receiving passes to maintain possession flow
Use clear, loud communication to coordinate team possession and support ball carriers
Select appropriate passes based on defensive pressure and available space
Apply coordinated defensive pressure as a team to win back possession quickly
Maintain work rate and decision-making quality even when experiencing fatigue

Common Misconceptions

Students think they must always pass immediately when receiving the ball - teach them to assess options first
Students believe running with the ball is always faster than passing - emphasise team possession benefits
Students assume defending means only pressuring the ball carrier - teach about cutting passing lanes
Students think lacrosse is just like hockey/football - emphasise unique rules and spatial elements
Students believe strength is more important than technique - focus on skill development over power

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, immediate positive feedback, clear roles and responsibilities, movement breaks as needed

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, simplified movement patterns initially, extra practice time, break down skills into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Clear, consistent routines and rules, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet zones available, prepare for changes in advance

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of field layout, buddy system for guidance, tactile boundary markers

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations and hand signals, written rule cards, ensure student can see teacher's face when speaking, vibrating whistle if available

physical disability

Adapt stick grip with padding if needed, modify playing area size, allow seated play where appropriate, use lighter balls

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting passes in sequence, angles of passing and movement, measuring distances for field setup, calculating time and scoring

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, physics of catching and throwing, body systems during exercise, understanding momentum

Geography

Spatial awareness and field positioning, directions and movement patterns, mapping player positions and movements

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, managing emotions under pressure, leadership and responsibility

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of activities for clear sight lines, position near goal areas during games for safety

Observation Focus

Monitor stick handling safety, assess passing accuracy and decision-making, watch for inclusion of all students

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe stick contact occurs, support struggling students with individual guidance, manage game flow and rule application

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for skill demonstrations, involve confident students in demonstrations, repeat key teaching points regularly

Verbal Cues

•'Spread out, use the space!'
•'Soft hands for catching!'
•'Keep your stick safe!'
•'Talk to your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m for full games, additional space around boundaries for safety

Surface Check

Level grass or sports hall surface, free from holes, debris, or water

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check lacrosse sticks for cracks or sharp edges before use
•Ensure balls are appropriate weight and condition for age group
•Goals must be stable and properly secured
•Cones positioned to avoid tripping hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact with other players
•Collisions during enthusiastic play
•Trips and falls on uneven surfaces
•Ball strikes to head or body
•Overexertion in warm weather

Risk Mitigation

•Clear rules about safe stick handling at all times
•Adequate spacing between activities and players
•Progressive skill building to avoid overwhelming students
•Regular water breaks and fatigue monitoring
•Clear boundaries and safe zones established

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
•Monitor stick handling continuously throughout lesson
•Pay particular attention to play around goal areas
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overheating

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately, assess injury severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact medical support if required