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Lesson 6 - Pop Lacrosse Competition

Fundamentals & Skill Integration

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Year 5

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Lacrosse

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Big Question

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

Lacrosse sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for safety before lesson begins

Alternative: Hockey sticks can be adapted for basic activities

Lacrosse Balls

10-15 balls

Have spare balls around pitch perimeter

Alternative: Tennis balls or foam balls for safer play

Goals

4-6 goals

Position goals safely with adequate run-off space

Alternative: Cones or markers to create goal areas

Cones

20 cones

Mark boundaries, centre lines, and goal creases clearly

Alternative: Markers or chalk lines for boundaries

Bibs

30 bibs (multiple colours)

Organise into team sets before lesson

Alternative: Coloured bands or team markers

Whistles

1 per officiating station

Ensure clear, sharp whistle sounds

Alternative: Voice commands if whistles unavailable

Score Sheets

4 different coloured cones

Place in clear area for conclusion assessment

Alternative: Markers with different symbols or numbers

Key Vocabulary

Sporting Values

Positive behaviours including passion, self-belief, respect, honesty, determination and teamwork

Pop Lacrosse

A modified version of lacrosse with simplified rules suitable for school play

Centre Pass

The method of starting or restarting play from the centre of the pitch

Goal Crease

The protected area around the goal where players cannot enter

Possession

Having control of the ball with your lacrosse stick

Officiating

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

Consistently demonstrates fair play throughout competition

Makes quick tactical decisions during game flow

Accurately applies rules and restart procedures

Shows resilience and determination regardless of game outcome

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