Lesson 1 - Stick Handling and Ball Control
Fundamentals & Skill Integration
•Year 5
•Lacrosse
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can I use a lacrosse stick as an extension of my hands to control and carry a ball effectively?
Learning Objectives
- To demonstrate correct stick grip and carrying technique
- To perform scooping skills with accuracy and control
- To apply cradling technique while moving in different directions
Key Outcomes
- Students will hold a lacrosse stick correctly and maintain proper grip throughout activities
- Students will scoop a stationary and moving ball using the step-squat-scoop technique
- Students will cradle a ball while moving, changing direction and maintaining control
Equipment & Resources Required
Check sticks for damage before lesson, ensure appropriate size for Year 5
Alternative: Youth lacrosse sticks, hockey sticks for adapted version
Have extras available in central location for Rob the Nest game
Alternative: Tennis balls, soft practice balls for beginners
For team identification during games
Alternative: Team bands, coloured cones to hold
For marking boundaries and creating figure-8 courses
Alternative: Markers, hoops as targets
For Rob the Nest collection points
Alternative: Marked circles with chalk, bucket targets
Key Vocabulary
Rhythmic rocking motion with the stick to keep the ball secure in the net while moving
Technique to pick up a ball from the ground using the lacrosse stick
The hand that controls the top of the stick and provides power and direction
The netted end of the lacrosse stick used to catch, carry and throw the ball
A loose ball on the ground that needs to be picked up
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic hand-eye coordination skills
- Understanding of dominant and non-dominant hands
- Experience with ball games and equipment handling
Current Skills
- Correct lacrosse stick grip and positioning
- Step-squat-scoop technique for ball collection
- Cradling technique for ball carrying
Next Steps
- Passing and catching with partners
- Defensive stick positioning
- Game application with ground ball situations
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Dominant hand always at top of stick for power and control
- Step-squat-scoop sequence must be performed low to ground
- Cradling motion should be gentle and rhythmic, not violent
- Safety first - controlled movements even during competitive games
- Technique over speed - build accuracy before increasing pace
- Positive peer feedback builds confidence and improves learning
- Self-assessment helps students understand their own progress
Common Misconceptions
- Students think scooping means jabbing at the ball - demonstrate smooth through motion
- Belief that cradling requires vigourous shaking - show gentle rocking technique
- Assumption that speed is more important than technique - emphasise control first
- Thinking both hands should be close together on stick - demonstrate wide grip benefits
- Misconception that ground balls are 'mistakes' - explain they're normal in lacrosse games
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short activity bursts with clear transitions, regular movement breaks, clear boundaries and expectations, positive reinforcement systems
dyspraxia
- Larger, softer balls for confidence building, extra practice time for technique development, breaking skills into smaller steps
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if overwhelmed, consistent verbal cues and demonstrations
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for guidance during activities
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for key techniques, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Shorter lacrosse sticks or adapted grips, seated versions of activities where appropriate, modified distances and targets
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances for equipment setup, timing activities, counting successful attempts and calculating improvement percentages
Science
Understanding forces and motion in ball movement, biomechanics of body position during scooping, physics of ball trajectory during rolling
Geography
Spatial awareness and mapping movement patterns, understanding direction changes and positioning relative to targets and boundaries
PSHE
Building confidence through skill development, resilience when learning challenging techniques, teamwork and communication during partner activities
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around area perimeter to observe all students, position centrally for demonstrations
Observation Focus
Monitor stick grip, scooping technique, ball control during movement, and safety awareness
Intervention Points
Step in when students struggle with basic grip, show unsafe stick handling, or become frustrated with technique
Demonstration Notes
Use slow, exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, repeat key points multiple times, involve students in demonstrations where appropriate
Verbal Cues
- •'Step, squat, scoop!' for technique reminders
- •'Cradle like rocking a baby' for gentle motion
- •'Hands wide apart' for grip correction
- •'Low and through the ball' for scooping
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall or outdoor area minimum 20m x 30m with clear boundaries
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from holes or debris, suitable for running movements
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check lacrosse sticks for cracks or sharp edges before lesson
- •Ensure stick heads are securely attached
- •Use appropriate ball type - lacrosse balls or softer alternatives for beginners
- •Check hoops and cones have no sharp edges or damage
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Stick collision during movement activities
- •Ball strikes to face or body
- •Slips and falls during direction changes
- •Collisions during competitive games
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and spacing established for all activities
- •Emphasis on controlled movements and technique over speed
- •No contact rules during cat and mouse games
- •Supervised equipment distribution and collection
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all students during activities
- •Monitor central collection areas during Rob the Nest
- •Check individual technique during skill practice
- •Ensure no student is isolated or struggling
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if required