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Lesson 1 - Passing & Following

Lacrosse Skills & Tactics

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Year 4

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Lacrosse

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45 min

Big Question

How can following your pass help create better attacking opportunities in lacrosse?

Learning Objectives

Pass and receive the ball with a lacrosse stick to follow a pass and create more space for teammates
Work as a team to attack a goal and move to space effectively
Explain how accurate passes help when attacking based on game experience

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to throw and catch the ball using their lacrosse stick with increasing control
Students will demonstrate the ability to pass and move into space following their pass
Students will work cooperatively to create point-scoring opportunities in game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Lacrosse sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for damage before lesson

Alternative: Tennis rackets, small cricket bats for modified play

Lacrosse Balls

15-20

Use softer balls for beginners

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for safety

Balls

30 (for warm-up)

Different colours for each team

Alternative: Soft balls, quoits

Cones

20-25

For marking grids and goal areas

Alternative: Markers, bibs laid flat

Bibs

15 (two colours)

Clear team identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Key Vocabulary

Follow your pass

Moving towards the player you have just passed to, creating support and continuity in attack

Underarm pass

A pass thrown from below the waist, used for short to medium distances

Overarm pass

A pass thrown from above the shoulder, used for longer distances

Interception

Catching or deflecting an opponent's pass to regain possession

Accuracy

Passing the ball precisely to your intended target

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills with hands
Understanding of simple team games
Beginning awareness of space in games

Current Skills

Throwing and catching with lacrosse stick
Following your pass movement pattern
Basic attacking principles in invasion games

Next Steps

Advanced passing techniques under pressure
Defending principles and tactics
Complex attacking patterns and set plays

Milestone Indicators

Consistent stick control when passing and receiving

Automatic follow-your-pass movement

Beginning to read the game and make simple tactical decisions

Key Teaching Points

Follow your pass immediately after throwing - this creates continuous support
Choose the right pass type for the distance - underarm for short, overarm for long
Aim for your teammate's stick, not their body - accuracy over power
Only pass to players who are free and ready to receive
Communication helps teammates know when you're ready to receive
In games, following your pass keeps the attack moving forward
Safety first - controlled stick handling and no tackling in games

Common Misconceptions

Thinking power is more important than accuracy - emphasise controlled, accurate passes
Forgetting to move after passing - reinforce immediate follow movement
Using wrong pass type for distance - practice decision making about technique
Standing still waiting for the ball - encourage constant movement and support
Only looking at one teammate - teach awareness of all passing options

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular position changes, clear boundaries, frequent positive feedback, shorter activity bursts

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, larger equipment, step-by-step verbal instructions

autism spectrum

Clear routines and expectations, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, consistent language

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, clear verbal descriptions of activities, partner support for movement

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, clear gestures for instructions, written activity cards, buddy system

physical disability

Seated throwing and catching options, modified distances, alternative equipment like larger balls

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting bean bags in warm-up, calculating differences between teams, measuring distances for passes, understanding angles of throw

Science

Forces in throwing, trajectory and gravity effects on ball flight, energy transfer from stick to ball

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions and positioning on field, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when passes don't work, celebrating others' success, following rules and fair play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around groups during skill practice, central position for demonstrations, edge of playing area during games for overview

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip, safe stick handling, following movement after passes, teamwork in games

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe stick use observed, support students struggling with movement patterns, encourage less confident students

Demonstration Notes

Use confident students to help demonstrate, show skills slowly then at normal speed, emphasise key points through repetition

Verbal Cues

•'Pass and follow!'
•'Stick to stick!'
•'Choose your pass type!'
•'Support your teammate!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor space or large sports hall, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Even surface free from holes, debris, or wet patches that could cause slips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all lacrosse sticks for cracks or sharp edges before use
•Use soft lacrosse balls appropriate for age group
•Ensure adequate spacing between activities
•Store equipment safely when not in use

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact with other students
•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions during game play
•Trips or falls during movement

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear stick handling rules - no raising above shoulder height
•Emphasise controlled passing, not maximum power
•No tackling rule in games - interceptions only
•Adequate spacing between groups and activities
•Clear boundaries and safe playing areas

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Monitor stick handling and passing technique
•Ensure safe play during game situations
•Be aware of students with different ability levels

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school first aider if needed