Lesson 6 - Pop Lacrosse Competition
Fundamentals & Skill Integration
•Year 5
•Lacrosse
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we demonstrate sporting values whilst applying lacrosse skills in competitive game situations?
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate sporting values consistently throughout competitive play
- Apply attacking and defending strategies effectively in Pop Lacrosse games
- Understand and apply the rules of Pop Lacrosse accurately
Key Outcomes
- Students will compete fairly and respectfully in Pop Lacrosse tournaments
- Students will demonstrate improved tactical awareness in game situations
- Students will officiate games using correct rules and restart procedures
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all sticks for safety before lesson begins
Alternative: Hockey sticks can be adapted for basic activities
Have spare balls around pitch perimeter
Alternative: Tennis balls or foam balls for safer play
Position goals safely with adequate run-off space
Alternative: Cones or markers to create goal areas
Mark boundaries, centre lines, and goal creases clearly
Alternative: Markers or chalk lines for boundaries
Organise into team sets before lesson
Alternative: Coloured bands or team markers
Ensure clear, sharp whistle sounds
Alternative: Voice commands if whistles unavailable
Place in clear area for conclusion assessment
Alternative: Markers with different symbols or numbers
Key Vocabulary
Positive behaviours including passion, self-belief, respect, honesty, determination and teamwork
A modified version of lacrosse with simplified rules suitable for school play
The method of starting or restarting play from the centre of the pitch
The protected area around the goal where players cannot enter
Having control of the ball with your lacrosse stick
Acting as a referee to ensure fair play and rule compliance
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic lacrosse stick handling and cradling techniques
- Fundamental passing and catching skills
- Understanding of personal space and movement patterns
- Introduction to lacrosse terminology and basic rules
Current Skills
- Competitive application of lacrosse skills in game situations
- Demonstration of sporting values under pressure
- Advanced tactical awareness in attacking and defending
- Complete understanding of Pop Lacrosse rules and restarts
Next Steps
- Advanced lacrosse techniques and strategies
- Leadership roles in organising and officiating games
- Transition to full field lacrosse with expanded rules
- Community lacrosse club participation
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Consistently emphasise sporting values throughout all competitive activities
- Apply the 4-second possession rule fairly and consistently across all games
- Maintain safety awareness with multiple games and officials operating simultaneously
- Encourage tactical thinking and adaptation between games
- Balance recognition between skill demonstration and effort/improvement
- Use assessment opportunities to document student achievement accurately
- Connect lacrosse skills to opportunities for continued participation beyond school
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking rules can be bent or ignored during competitive situations - emphasise rules ensure fairness for everyone
- Believing only the most skilled players deserve recognition - highlight effort, improvement, and sporting values equally
- Assuming sporting values are less important when winning or losing - demonstrate consistency regardless of score
- Thinking lacrosse is too difficult for continued participation - show how skills transfer and clubs welcome beginners
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Use shorter game segments, provide clear boundaries and rules, offer specific roles with defined responsibilities
dyspraxia
- Use lighter equipment, provide additional practice time, break down complex movements into smaller steps
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules for tournament format, offer quiet area for breaks if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of all activities, implement buddy system for navigation
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and demonstrations, provide written rule summaries, ensure clear sight lines for lip reading
physical disability
- Modify rules for wheelchair users, adjust equipment size and weight, provide alternative roles such as officiating
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication skills during team huddles, vocabulary development with lacrosse terminology, speaking and listening during rule explanations
Maths
Timing games with stopwatches, counting scores and calculating team statistics, measuring distances for rule application
Science
Understanding forces in ball flight and stick control, energy systems during sustained competition, reaction times in game situations
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation under pressure, resilience when facing defeat, respect for opponents and officials, leadership development
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move continuously between game areas to monitor safety, sporting values, and rule application
Observation Focus
Watch for sporting values demonstration, tactical awareness, and safe play throughout competition
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for safety concerns, rule disputes, or unsporting behaviour
Demonstration Notes
Use video recording strategically to capture examples of excellent sporting values for future lessons
Verbal Cues
- •'Remember the 4-second rule!'
- •'Excellent sporting values there!'
- •'Keep your stick low and safe!'
- •'Great teamwork and communication!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Multiple playing areas minimum 30m x 20m each, with 5m run-off space around goals
Surface Check
Level grass or artificial surface, free from holes, debris, or wet patches
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all lacrosse sticks for cracks, splinters, or loose heads
- •Inspect balls for proper inflation and no visible damage
- •Ensure goals are stable and properly anchored
- •Verify all boundary markers are visible and secure
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Stick contact with other players during competitive play
- •Collisions during fast-paced game situations
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Overexertion during tournament competition
Risk Mitigation
- •Reinforce safe stick handling throughout all activities
- •Maintain adequate spacing between multiple games
- •Clear communication of safety rules before competition
- •Regular monitoring for signs of fatigue or dehydration
- •Immediate response procedures for any injuries
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all playing areas
- •Ensure adequate adult supervision ratio for multiple games
- •Designate specific responsibility areas for each supervisor
- •Maintain clear sight lines to all student activity
Emergency Procedures
Immediate stop signal for all activities, assessment of any injuries, appropriate first aid response, contact emergency services if required