Lesson 4 - Game Application of Lacrosse Skills
Fundamentals & Skill Integration
•Year 5
•Lacrosse
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Check all sticks for damage before lesson, ensure correct size for students
Alternative: Tennis rackets with shortened handles, or hockey sticks for modified play
Use softer balls if students are still developing confidence
Alternative: Tennis balls or soft play balls for safety
Distribute to create clear team distinctions
Alternative: Coloured bands or pinnies
Ensure hoops are flat and secure for target practice
Alternative: Chalk circles or rope circles
Use to mark boundaries, targets and movement points
Alternative: Markers or bean bags
Key Vocabulary
Rocking motion to keep the ball secure in the lacrosse stick while moving
Technique for picking up a ground ball with the lacrosse stick
Having control of the ball during play
Understanding when and where to move, pass or hold the ball
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
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