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Lesson 1 - Scooping & Cradling Skills

Lacrosse Fundamentals & Skills

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Year 6

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Lacrosse

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Big Question

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

Lacrosse sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for damage, ensure appropriate size for Year 6 students

Alternative: Hockey sticks with modifications, or share between pairs

Lacrosse Balls

1 per student (30)

Distribute around area perimeter before lesson begins

Alternative: Tennis balls, rubber balls suitable for scooping

Cones

20-30 cones

Use for boundaries, target areas and relay markers

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or visible boundaries

Bibs

6-8 bibs

For warm-up game and team identification

Alternative: Coloured bands or simple markers

Hoops

4-5 hoops

For 'Rob the Nest' game setup

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, or marked areas

Key Vocabulary

Scooping

The technique of picking up a ball from the ground using the lacrosse stick net

Cradling

The rocking motion used to keep the ball secure in the stick whilst moving

Stick head

The netted end of the lacrosse stick used to catch, carry and throw the ball

Dominant hand

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

Consistent successful scooping attempts

Secure cradling without dropping the ball

Smooth transitions between scooping and carrying

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