Lesson 1 - Scooping & Cradling Skills
Lacrosse Fundamentals & Skills
•Year 6
•Lacrosse
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can I master the fundamental lacrosse skills of scooping and cradling to control the ball effectively?
Learning Objectives
- To develop correct lacrosse stick handling technique
- To master scooping and cradling skills for ball control
- To demonstrate agility, balance, coordination and precision in lacrosse movements
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to hold a lacrosse stick correctly with proper hand positioning
- Students will scoop a stationary and moving ball using correct technique
- Students will cradle a ball whilst moving, maintaining control and balance
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all sticks for damage, ensure appropriate size for Year 6 students
Alternative: Hockey sticks with modifications, or share between pairs
Distribute around area perimeter before lesson begins
Alternative: Tennis balls, rubber balls suitable for scooping
Use for boundaries, target areas and relay markers
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or visible boundaries
For warm-up game and team identification
Alternative: Coloured bands or simple markers
For 'Rob the Nest' game setup
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, or marked areas
Key Vocabulary
The technique of picking up a ball from the ground using the lacrosse stick net
The rocking motion used to keep the ball secure in the stick whilst moving
The netted end of the lacrosse stick used to catch, carry and throw the ball
The stronger hand that goes at the top of the stick for control
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic hand-eye coordination skills
- Experience with ball control in other sports
- Understanding of spatial awareness
Current Skills
- Correct lacrosse stick grip and positioning
- Step-squat-scoop technique for ball pickup
- Cradling technique for ball security whilst moving
Next Steps
- Passing techniques with accuracy
- Catching balls from different angles
- Game application with opposition pressure
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Dominant hand always at top of stick for control and power
- Step-squat-scoop sequence must be completed smoothly for effective ball pickup
- Cradling requires stick held close to body at shoulder height with gentle rocking motion
- Communication and teamwork are essential for successful defending and game play
- Technique and control are more important than speed in skill development
- Progressive challenges help build confidence before adding competitive pressure
- Safety awareness with equipment handling prevents injuries and builds good habits
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking that speed is more important than technique - correct by emphasising control first
- Believing that scooping requires force rather than smooth technique - demonstrate gentle motion
- Assuming cradling means violent shaking rather than controlled rocking - show gentle motion
- Thinking only physical skills matter - explain importance of decision-making and teamwork
- Believing that struggling means failing - reinforce that learning takes time and practice
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, immediate positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment, simplified movement patterns, additional practice time, step-by-step breakdown of skills
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, advance warning of activity changes
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards available
physical disability
- Adapted stick sizes, seated versions of activities where appropriate, modified distances and targets
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances for activities, calculating relay times, geometric shapes in figure-8 patterns
Science
Forces and motion in ball trajectory, lever principles in stick mechanics, balance and centre of gravity
Geography
Spatial awareness and mapping movement patterns, understanding directions and positioning
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, fair play and sportsmanship
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around different groups to provide individual feedback, position centrally for demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for correct stick grip, quality of scooping technique, ball security during cradling
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with basic grip, safety concerns with stick handling, or need technique correction
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate slowly first, then at normal speed. Exaggerate key points like low squat position and wide hand placement. Use students who demonstrate good technique as models.
Verbal Cues
- •'Step-squat-scoop!' for scooping technique
- •'Stick at shoulder height!' during cradling
- •'Hands wide apart!' for proper grip
- •'Low and through the ball!' for scooping
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area or large sports hall, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Even, dry surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all lacrosse sticks for cracks, loose parts, or damaged nets
- •Ensure balls are appropriate weight and condition
- •Verify cones have no sharp edges or damage
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Stick collisions between students
- •Balls hitting students at high speed
- •Slips and falls during rapid direction changes
- •Collisions during relay activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between groups
- •Emphasis on controlled movements, not maximum speed
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
- •Clear safety rules about stick handling and ball rolling speed
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
- •Monitor high-activity areas like central hoop in Rob the Nest
- •Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, seek additional support if needed