Lesson 3 - Maintaining Possession and Passing
Lacrosse Skills & Tactics
•Year 4
•Lacrosse
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Check sticks for damage, appropriate size for students
Alternative: Tennis balls for hand passing if sticks unavailable
Ensure balls are in good condition for safe play
Alternative: Tennis balls or soft play balls
Different colours for different areas/teams
Alternative: Markers or bibs to define areas
Secure goals safely, check for stability
Alternative: Cone goals or markers for goal areas
Clean bibs available for team identification
Alternative: Coloured bands or markers
Key Vocabulary
Keeping control of the ball within your team
Gaining possession of the ball from the opposing team
The circular area around the goal where only the goalkeeper can enter
Clear pathways between teammates for successful passes
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
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