Lesson 2 - Cradling and Ball Control
Lacrosse Fundamentals & Skills
•Year 6
•Lacrosse
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we keep possession of the ball while moving at speed in lacrosse?
Learning Objectives
- Develop consistent scooping technique under pressure
- Master cradling technique to maintain ball possession
- Apply evaluation skills using technical lacrosse language
Key Outcomes
- Students will scoop the ball consistently in competitive situations
- Students will cradle the ball effectively while evading opponents
- Students will evaluate peers' performance using correct technical terminology
Equipment & Resources Required
Check stick heads are secure, appropriate length for each student
Alternative: Modified sticks for younger students, shorter shafts available
Distribute around area perimeter for easy collection
Alternative: Foam balls for beginners, lacrosse balls for advanced groups
Place equidistantly around central collection area
Alternative: Cones forming circles, marked areas on ground
Different colours for team identification and area marking
Alternative: Spots, markers, or natural boundaries
Mark compass directions and central meeting point
Alternative: Cones, chalk marks on playground
Key Vocabulary
Rhythmic rocking motion of the stick to keep the ball in the net while moving
Low approach to pick up a ground ball with the stick
Proper way to hold the stick when running with the ball
Evasive movement to avoid defenders while maintaining possession
Having control of the ball in your stick
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic stick handling from Lesson 1
- Understanding of lacrosse equipment
- Simple ball pickup techniques
Current Skills
- Consistent scooping under competitive pressure
- Cradling technique for ball retention
- Directional movement with ball possession
Next Steps
- Passing and catching while cradling
- Defensive positioning and tackling
- Game tactics and team play
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Cradling is essential for ball retention in lacrosse
- Top hand controls the stick movement in cradling motion
- Smooth rhythm is more important than speed
- Maintain technique under pressure and competition
- Use peripheral vision for spatial awareness
- Apply skills progressively from simple to complex situations
- Technical evaluation language improves learning
Common Misconceptions
- Faster cradling is always better - actually smooth rhythm matters most
- Both hands should move the stick - only top hand controls movement
- Cradling is only needed when running - required for all ball possession
- Dropping the ball means poor equipment - usually technique issue
- Advanced players don't need basic drills - fundamentals always important
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments with frequent changes, clear movement boundaries, regular positive reinforcement, roles requiring movement
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns initially, extra practice time, larger equipment, step-by-step skill breakdown
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure with visual schedule, quiet zones for breaks, predictable game rules, advance warning of transitions
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of all movements, buddy system for navigation, textured markers for boundaries
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations with exaggerated movements, written instruction cards, hand signals for common commands, ensure clear sight lines
physical disability
- Modified stick lengths or grip adaptations, seated cradling variations, reduced area sizes, alternative ball materials
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Compass directions and angles during directional activities, counting and scoring in competitive games, spatial geometry in dodging movements
Science
Forces and motion in cradling technique, momentum and direction changes, physics of ball retention in curved motion
Geography
Compass points and navigation, spatial awareness and orientation, mapping movement patterns
PSHE
Cooperation and teamwork, resilience when facing challenges, fair play and sportsmanship in competition
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter during activities to observe all students, position centrally during demonstrations for maximum visibility
Observation Focus
Cradling rhythm and stick control during all activities; Spatial awareness and collision avoidance; Application of technical feedback between partners; Safety considerations during competitive games
Intervention Points
["Step in if cradling technique prevents participation", "Intervene during unsafe play or equipment misuse", "Support students struggling with game rules or flow", "Address any negative competitive behaviour immediately"]
Demonstration Notes
Show exaggerated movements for visibility, use students as examples when appropriate, emphasise key technique points through slow-motion demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Shoulder to chin, shoulder to chin' for cradling rhythm
- •'Soft hands, gentle rock' for technique refinement
- •'Look up, ball down' for awareness while moving
- •'Control over speed' during competitive activities
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 30m outdoor area, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Level playing surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check lacrosse stick heads are securely attached
- •Ensure sticks are appropriate length for students
- •Inspect balls for damage or excessive wear
- •Confirm no sharp edges on cones or markers
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Stick-to-stick contact during close proximity activities
- •Collisions during crossing and dodging games
- •Falls due to quick direction changes
- •Equipment-related injuries from damaged sticks
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and spacing guidelines established
- •Progressive skill building from slow to fast movements
- •Emphasis on control over speed throughout
- •Regular equipment checks and maintenance
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility during crossing games
- •Monitor fatigue levels during competitive activities
- •Watch for unsafe stick handling techniques
- •Intervene immediately if aggressive play develops
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if medical attention required