Lesson 5 - Shooting & Defence Techniques
Fundamentals & Skill Integration
•Year 5
•Lacrosse
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we become more unpredictable attackers and smarter defenders in lacrosse?
Learning Objectives
- To develop accurate shooting technique from both left and right sides
- To understand defensive positioning and forcing opponents onto weaker sides
- To evaluate performance using correct technical language
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved shooting accuracy from both sides
- Students will show understanding of defensive tactics in game situations
- Students will use technical vocabulary when assessing their own and others' performance
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all sticks for damage before lesson
Alternative: Field hockey sticks can be used for basic cradling practice
Distribute around playing area perimeter
Alternative: Tennis balls for safer practice, bean bags for beginners
Use to mark goals, boundaries, and practice areas
Alternative: Sports markers or chalk circles
Place equidistant from central collection area
Alternative: Marked circles or cone squares
For marking goal circles and boundaries
Alternative: Spray paint lines or rope circles
Key Vocabulary
Adjusting hand position on the stick to shoot from different sides
Directing an opponent towards their weaker side through positioning
Rocking motion to keep ball secure in the stick while moving
Fake movement to deceive the opponent
The goal line where play restarts after missed shots
Moving backwards while maintaining defensive position
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic stick handling and cradling techniques
- Fundamental shooting from dominant side
- Basic understanding of lacrosse rules
Current Skills
- Shooting from both left and right sides
- Defensive positioning and forcing techniques
- Technical evaluation and peer assessment
Next Steps
- Advanced shooting under game pressure
- Complex defensive strategies
- Leadership roles in team tactics
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Grip changes are essential for effective shooting from both sides
- Sideways stance provides power and accuracy in shooting
- Defensive positioning should force attackers onto their weaker side
- Back line possession rule encourages aggressive pursuit of missed shots
- Technical vocabulary should be used consistently in peer assessment
- Tactical awareness develops through numerical advantage/disadvantage scenarios
- Quality technique should be maintained even under game pressure
Common Misconceptions
- Students think they can only shoot from their dominant side - emphasise ambidextrous skills
- Belief that power is more important than accuracy - focus on technique first
- Assumption that defensive positioning doesn't matter - show tactical impact
- Thinking peer assessment is just about being 'nice' - emphasise technical accuracy
- Misconception that lacrosse rules are like other sports - highlight unique aspects
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, offer leadership roles for engagement
dyspraxia
- Use larger equipment, reduce complexity of movements initially, provide additional practice time and support
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routines and structure, offer quiet space for breaks, use visual schedules for activity sequence
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, pair with sighted partner for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations and clear hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Modify shooting distances as appropriate, provide seated versions of activities, use larger or alternative equipment
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary development, giving clear instructions, descriptive language in peer assessment
Science
Forces and motion in ball trajectory, grip mechanics and leverage, body positioning and balance
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding field areas and boundaries, tactical mapping
Mathematics
Calculating shooting percentages, measuring distances, angles of shooting, tracking improvement over time
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter during activities to observe all students, position where you can see potential safety issues
Observation Focus
Watch for shooting technique development, defensive positioning effectiveness, and quality of peer assessment
Intervention Points
Step in if defensive play becomes too physical, if students struggle with grip changes, or if peer assessment becomes non-constructive
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate all techniques slowly first, then at game speed. Use students to model good examples when possible. Emphasise key teaching points through exaggerated movements.
Verbal Cues
- •'Change that grip!'
- •'Get sideways to shoot!'
- •'Force them to their weak side!'
- •'Run hard for the rebound!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 40m x 60m playing area, clear of obstacles and with adequate run-off space
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all lacrosse sticks for cracks, loose strings, or sharp edges
- •Ensure balls are in good condition without cracks
- •Cones positioned securely and visible
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Stick contact during defensive play
- •Collisions when running for rebounds
- •Ball strikes from shooting practice
- •Tripping over equipment or other players
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for all activities
- •Adequate spacing between practice groups
- •Progressive skill building from passive to active defence
- •Emphasis on stick control throughout lesson
- •No contact rules enforced during games
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility during shooting practice
- •Monitor defensive activities for appropriate contact levels
- •Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety
- •Ensure equipment is collected safely between activities
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if needed