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Lesson 3 - Stick Adjustment Skills

Fundamentals & Skill Integration

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Year 5

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Lacrosse

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1h 6min

Big Question

How can we adjust our grip and body position to become consistent catchers and throwers in lacrosse?

Learning Objectives

To throw and catch consistently well using proper lacrosse technique
To adjust grip on the stick effectively for both throwing and catching
To position the stick correctly to receive passes with soft hands

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved consistency in catching and throwing
Students will show understanding of grip adjustment for different skills
Students will apply correct receiving position and cushioning technique

Equipment & Resources Required

Lacrosse sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks have secure netting and no sharp edges

Alternative: Tennis rackets or small nets on sticks for modified version

Lacrosse Balls

15 (1 per 2 students)

Ensure balls are regulation weight and not damaged

Alternative: Tennis balls for beginners, foam balls for safety

Coloured Bibs

6 different colours

One per group for identification in activities

Alternative: Coloured bands or team identifiers

Dish Cones

Used for boundaries, targets, and distance markers

Alternative: Bean bags or markers

Court Markings

1 court

Use D areas for target zones in final game

Alternative: Create boundaries with cones if no court available

Key Vocabulary

Cradling

Protecting the ball in the stick head while moving by rocking the stick side to side

Soft hands

Giving way with the stick as the ball enters to cushion the catch

Grip adjustment

Moving hand position on the stick shaft for different skills

Ready position

Correct body stance and stick position to receive a pass

Cushioning

Absorbing the impact of the ball by drawing the stick back slightly

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic underarm throwing technique
Understanding of personal space and movement
Basic ball handling skills from previous lessons

Current Skills

Consistent catching with stick positioning
Grip adjustment for throwing and catching
Cushioning technique for ball control

Next Steps

Advanced passing under pressure
Game tactics and positioning
Shooting and goal scoring techniques

Milestone Indicators

Catches 8 out of 10 passes from 5 metres

Demonstrates quick grip changes without thinking

Shows good technique during competitive activities

Key Teaching Points

Dominant hand position high near stick head for catching control
Cushioning technique - let stick 'give' as ball enters to prevent bounce-out
Ready position: left shoulder to passer, stick parallel to body, head at head height
Quick grip adjustment between catching (high) and throwing (lower) positions
Support the ball carrier - always provide left and right passing options
Maintain technique under pressure - don't sacrifice quality for speed
School games values are as important as technical skills in assessment

Common Misconceptions

Thinking both hands stay in same position for all skills - need to adjust grip height
Believing harder throws are more effective - accuracy and appropriate pace more important
Assuming ready position is just holding stick up - specific body positioning crucial
Thinking catching is just about hand-eye coordination - body position and cushioning technique essential
Believing competitive activities are only about winning - games values equally important

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries and expectations, regular movement and role changes

dyspraxia

Larger equipment options, reduced complexity in multi-step activities, extra practice time for skill development

autism spectrum

Clear routines and structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available for breaks

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, verbal cues for positioning, buddy system for guidance and support

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Seated catching practice, adapted stick lengths, modified throwing distances and targets

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful catches, measuring distances, calculating success rates and percentages

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, impact absorption, lever principles in stick mechanics

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions and positioning, understanding angles and trajectories

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, respect for opponents and teammates

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move continuously around groups, positioning for maximum visibility of all students during activities

Observation Focus

Watch for grip positioning, cushioning technique, and safety in movement activities

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with basic ready position, unsafe throwing, or negative interactions

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for grip changes, emphasise the 'give' in cushioning catches

Verbal Cues

•'Soft hands!'
•'High grip for catching!'
•'Target ready!'
•'Cushion that catch!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m for full class, access to wall space beneficial

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from debris, check for any holes or uneven areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all lacrosse sticks for secure netting and no sharp edges
•Ensure balls are regulation weight and not damaged
•Inspect cones for cracks or sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Stick collisions during movement
•Slips and falls during direction changes
•Overexertion during competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries and safety zones
•Emphasise controlled throwing - no wild throws
•Adequate spacing maintained between all activities
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor high-activity areas during games
•Watch for fatigue during extended activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, incident reporting if required