🥍

Lesson 4 - Game Play and Tactical Awareness

Lacrosse Fundamentals & Skills

•

Year 6

•

Lacrosse

•

Big Question

How can we use tactical awareness and precise skills to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities in lacrosse?

Learning Objectives

To demonstrate proficient lacrosse skills (cradling, scooping, throwing, catching, shooting) in competitive game situations
To apply tactical understanding of space, timing and movement in invasion games
To show leadership and communication skills whilst working as part of a team

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully execute lacrosse skills under pressure in game situations
Students will demonstrate tactical awareness through effective positioning and decision-making
Students will communicate effectively to support team performance and show good sportsmanship

Equipment & Resources Required

Lacrosse sticks

1 per student (30)

Check stick condition and appropriate size for each student

Alternative: Hockey sticks with scoops, improvised catching implements

Lacrosse Balls

15 (1 per pair plus extras)

Inspect for damage, have extras ready for quick replacement

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for safety

Cones

Bright colours for clear visibility, various sizes available

Alternative: Markers, spots, bean bags

Hoops

Large hoops for target practice, stable placement

Alternative: Rope circles, chalked circles

Bibs

15 (team identification)

Contrasting colours for clear team identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, pinnies

Sun Markers

For central reference points in circle activities

Alternative: Small cones, chalk marks

Key Vocabulary

Cradling

Protective ball control technique using rhythmic stick movement

Tactical awareness

Understanding when and where to move, pass, or shoot based on game situation

Possession time

Limited time a player can hold the ball before passing or shooting

Transition

Quick change from attack to defence or vice versa

Creating space

Moving to find gaps in opponent's defence for receiving or attacking

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic lacrosse stick handling and ball control
Fundamental throwing and catching techniques
Understanding of invasion game principles

Current Skills

Game application of all lacrosse skills
Tactical awareness in competitive situations
Advanced passing accuracy under pressure

Next Steps

Advanced game strategies and set plays
Leadership roles in game management
Inter-school competition preparation

Milestone Indicators

Maintains possession under defensive pressure

Creates scoring opportunities through tactical movement

Demonstrates leadership during competitive play

Key Teaching Points

Maintain 3-second possession rule consistently to develop quick decision-making
Emphasise communication as key to successful team play and defensive/attacking success
Focus on accuracy and technique over power in all throwing and catching situations
Encourage tactical awareness through questioning and observation of game situations
Develop leadership skills through peer support and positive encouragement
Use progressive challenge to maintain engagement while ensuring success for all
Link individual skill development to team game application throughout the lesson

Common Misconceptions

That running with the ball is always allowed in lacrosse - clarify possession rules
That throwing hard always equals throwing accurately - emphasise control over power
That only the most skilled players can be good team members - highlight communication and support roles
That winning is more important than technique - maintain focus on skill development
That game rules can't be modified - explain adaptations help learning and inclusion

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, regular movement breaks, clear boundaries and expectations

dyspraxia

Larger balls and simplified skills initially, extra practice time, breaking skills into smaller steps, peer support

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual timetable of activities, quiet zones available if overwhelmed, predictable game rules

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of all activities, buddy system for guidance and support

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations and signals, written rule cards, ensure facing student when giving instructions

physical disability

Modify stick length and weight, seated versions of catching activities, adapted throwing distances and techniques

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting scores and tracking game statistics, measuring distances for activities, calculating time limits and rotations

Science

Understanding forces in throwing and catching, body systems during exercise, physics of ball flight and accuracy

Geography

Spatial awareness and court positioning, understanding directions and movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and communication skills, leadership development, resilience and perseverance, respect and sportsmanship

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the perimeter during games for complete visibility, central position during skill demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical understanding, skill consistency under pressure, communication quality, and sporting behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in for safety concerns, provide tactical coaching during natural breaks, support struggling students

Demonstration Notes

Use students as positive examples where possible, emphasise key coaching points clearly, maintain lesson flow

Verbal Cues

•'Find space and communicate!'
•'Use the full width!'
•'Quick passing, keep possession!'
•'Great tactical awareness!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full netball court or equivalent (30m x 15m minimum), additional overflow areas for skill stations

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, goal posts and court markings clearly visible

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Lacrosse sticks checked for damage and appropriate size
•Balls inspected for wear and proper inflation
•Hoops and cones stable and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact during close play
•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions during game situations
•Overexertion in competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Strict no-contact rules enforced throughout
•Progressive skill development before full games
•Clear boundaries and playing areas established
•Regular rest periods and hydration breaks

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activities
•Monitor competitive intensity for safety
•Ensure equipment is used correctly
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or seek additional support as needed