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Lesson 5 - Shooting & Defence Techniques

Fundamentals & Skill Integration

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Year 5

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Lacrosse

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Big Question

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

Lacrosse sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for damage before lesson

Alternative: Field hockey sticks can be used for basic cradling practice

Lacrosse Balls

40-50 balls

Distribute around playing area perimeter

Alternative: Tennis balls for safer practice, bean bags for beginners

Cones

Use to mark goals, boundaries, and practice areas

Alternative: Sports markers or chalk circles

Hoops

6 hoops

Place equidistant from central collection area

Alternative: Marked circles or cone squares

Chalk

1 piece

For marking goal circles and boundaries

Alternative: Spray paint lines or rope circles

Key Vocabulary

Grip change

Adjusting hand position on the stick to shoot from different sides

Forcing

Directing an opponent towards their weaker side through positioning

Cradle

Rocking motion to keep ball secure in the stick while moving

Feinting

Fake movement to deceive the opponent

Back line

The goal line where play restarts after missed shots

Jockeying

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

Consistent grip changes during shooting

Effective use of both sides in game situations

Clear technical feedback to peers

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