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Lesson 2 - Cradling and Ball Control

Lacrosse Fundamentals & Skills

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Year 6

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Lacrosse

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45 min

Big Question

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

Lacrosse sticks

1 per student (30)

Check stick heads are secure, appropriate length for each student

Alternative: Modified sticks for younger students, shorter shafts available

Tennis Balls

1 per student + 10 spares (40 total)

Distribute around area perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Foam balls for beginners, lacrosse balls for advanced groups

Hoops

5.5

Place equidistantly around central collection area

Alternative: Cones forming circles, marked areas on ground

Cones

25 (various colours)

Different colours for team identification and area marking

Alternative: Spots, markers, or natural boundaries

Sun Markers

8-12 spots

Mark compass directions and central meeting point

Alternative: Cones, chalk marks on playground

Key Vocabulary

Cradling

Rhythmic rocking motion of the stick to keep the ball in the net while moving

Scooping

Low approach to pick up a ground ball with the stick

Carry position

Proper way to hold the stick when running with the ball

Dodging

Evasive movement to avoid defenders while maintaining possession

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

Ball stays in stick during movement

Smooth shoulder-to-chin cradling motion

Can change direction without losing possession

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