Lesson 3 - Stick Adjustment Skills
Fundamentals & Skill Integration
•Year 5
•Lacrosse
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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
Check all sticks have secure netting and no sharp edges
Alternative: Tennis rackets or small nets on sticks for modified version
Ensure balls are regulation weight and not damaged
Alternative: Tennis balls for beginners, foam balls for safety
One per group for identification in activities
Alternative: Coloured bands or team identifiers
Used for boundaries, targets, and distance markers
Alternative: Bean bags or markers
Use D areas for target zones in final game
Alternative: Create boundaries with cones if no court available
Key Vocabulary
Protecting the ball in the stick head while moving by rocking the stick side to side
Giving way with the stick as the ball enters to cushion the catch
Moving hand position on the stick shaft for different skills
Correct body stance and stick position to receive a pass
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
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