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Lesson 4 - Game Application of Lacrosse Skills

Fundamentals & Skill Integration

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Year 5

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Lacrosse

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Big Question

How can I combine all my lacrosse skills to be successful in competitive game situations?

Learning Objectives

To apply cradling, scooping, throwing, catching and shooting skills in game situations
To demonstrate accurate sending and receiving under pressure
To show understanding of possession rules and tactical awareness

Key Outcomes

Students will confidently combine multiple lacrosse skills in competitive games
Students will demonstrate improved accuracy in passing and catching under pressure
Students will show tactical understanding of when to pass, move and create space

Equipment & Resources Required

Lacrosse sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for damage before lesson, ensure correct size for students

Alternative: Tennis rackets with shortened handles, or hockey sticks for modified play

Lacrosse Balls

15 (1 per pair plus spares)

Use softer balls if students are still developing confidence

Alternative: Tennis balls or soft play balls for safety

Coloured Bibs

15 (for team identification)

Distribute to create clear team distinctions

Alternative: Coloured bands or pinnies

Hoops

8-10

Ensure hoops are flat and secure for target practice

Alternative: Chalk circles or rope circles

Cones

Use to mark boundaries, targets and movement points

Alternative: Markers or bean bags

Key Vocabulary

Cradling

Rocking motion to keep the ball secure in the lacrosse stick while moving

Scooping

Technique for picking up a ground ball with the lacrosse stick

Possession

Having control of the ball during play

Tactical awareness

Understanding when and where to move, pass or hold the ball

The D

The scoring area marked by a D-shaped line on the field

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic lacrosse stick handling and cradling
Simple throwing and catching techniques
Understanding of basic lacrosse equipment

Current Skills

Game application of all lacrosse skills
Tactical awareness and decision making
Accurate passing under pressure

Next Steps

Advanced tactical play and strategies
Competitive lacrosse match play
Leadership roles in team games

Milestone Indicators

Consistent catching in stick without dropping

Accurate throwing to moving targets

Good spatial awareness in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Catching requires stick high and angled forward with dominant hand near net
Throwing needs side-on position with arms freed from body and follow through
Game success depends on movement after passing and creating space
Possession rules limit running time and require quick decision making
Tactical awareness involves finding gaps and using full width of playing area
Safety is paramount with no contact rules and appropriate equipment use
Communication enhances both defensive and attacking team performance

Common Misconceptions

Thinking you can run unlimited distance with the ball - explain possession time limits
Believing harder throws are always better - emphasise accuracy over power
Assuming stick position doesn't matter for catching - demonstrate optimal angles
Thinking individual skill is more important than teamwork - highlight collaborative success
Believing lacrosse is just about throwing and catching - introduce tactical elements

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries marked, regular movement breaks, specific roles to maintain focus

dyspraxia

Larger, softer equipment, simplified movements, extra practice time, buddy support for complex activities

autism spectrum

Clear routine with visual schedule, defined boundaries, quiet zones available, warning before activity changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for navigation, audio cues for timing

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations emphasised, hand signals for instructions, written activity cards, clear sight lines to teacher

physical disability

Seated versions of throwing activities, modified equipment with larger handles, reduced distances, alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development with lacrosse terminology, communication skills during team activities

Maths

Measuring distances for activities, counting points and scores, calculating time limits and angles of throwing

Science

Forces involved in throwing and catching, physics of ball trajectory, understanding momentum in lacrosse movements

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of direction and movement patterns across playing areas

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing competitive emotions, leadership roles and supporting others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly around groups, position for maximum visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for technical improvement, tactical understanding, and safety compliance

Intervention Points

Step in if safety rules ignored, technique deteriorating, or students struggling significantly

Demonstration Notes

Use students as good examples, exaggerate key technical points, show both correct and incorrect techniques for contrast

Verbal Cues

•'Stick high for catching!'
•'Side on for throwing!'
•'Move after you pass!'
•'Find the space!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full playground or sports hall, minimum 30m x 20m clear area

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes or debris that could cause falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check lacrosse sticks for splinters or damage
•Ensure balls are appropriate weight for age group
•Use softer balls if students lack confidence

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick-to-body contact during catches
•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions during running activities
•Trips or falls during rapid direction changes

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with cones
•Adequate spacing between groups maintained
•No contact rules strictly enforced
•Progressive skill building reduces injury risk
•Softer balls used for developing players

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activities
•Monitor high-activity areas closely
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique safety
•Ensure equipment used correctly throughout

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply first aid if trained, seek additional help if needed