Lesson 5 - Shooting & Defence Techniques
Lacrosse Fundamentals & Skills
•Year 6
•Lacrosse
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can I become unpredictable in my attacking and force opponents onto their weaker side when defending?
Learning Objectives
- To shoot accurately from both left and right sides using correct technique
- To force opponents onto their weaker side when defending through tactical positioning
- To evaluate peers' performance using correct technical lacrosse terminology
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved shooting accuracy from both sides
- Students will show understanding of defensive positioning to force attackers onto weaker sides
- Students will use technical language to assess and improve performance
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all sticks for damage before lesson
Alternative: Tennis rackets with modified techniques
Have extras available for when balls go out of play area
Alternative: Tennis balls or soft play balls
Use to mark goals, boundaries and practice areas
Alternative: Markers or spot dots
For Rob the Nest game setup
Alternative: Marked circles with chalk or rope
Position around practice area for shooting activities
Alternative: Cones 2m apart or wall targets
To mark crease areas around goals
Alternative: Rope or additional cones
For team identification in games
Alternative: Coloured bands or wristbands
Key Vocabulary
The rocking motion used to keep the ball secure in the stick while moving
Adjusting hand positions on the stick to shoot from different sides
Defensive technique of staying in front of attacker while moving backwards
The side a player finds more difficult to perform skills from
The continuation of shooting motion after ball release
Body position when preparing to shoot or defend
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic cradling technique with lacrosse stick
- Simple shooting technique from dominant side
- Understanding of basic attacking and defending principles
Current Skills
- Shooting accurately from both left and right sides
- Changing grip for different shooting angles
- Defensive positioning to force opponents onto weaker side
- Using technical language in peer assessment
Next Steps
- Advanced dodging techniques under defensive pressure
- Game tactics for numerical advantages and disadvantages
- Leadership roles in team strategy discussions
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Grip changes are essential for shooting from both sides - bottom hand position determines power and accuracy
- Defensive positioning should force attackers onto their weaker side through strategic body positioning
- Technical vocabulary must be used accurately in peer assessment to develop proper understanding
- Behind-goal possession creates new attacking opportunities and requires secure cradling skills
- Game application should demonstrate transfer of practiced skills under competitive pressure
- Time pressure improves decision-making and prepares students for real game situations
- Self-assessment develops metacognitive awareness and personal responsibility for learning
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think the same grip works for both sides - emphasise the need for hand position changes
- Believing that power is more important than accuracy in shooting - focus on technique first
- Thinking that defending means being aggressive - teach strategic positioning instead
- Assuming that behind-goal play is not allowed - clarify this is a key lacrosse strategy
- Expecting immediate success on weaker side - explain that development takes consistent practice
- Thinking peer assessment is just saying 'good' or 'bad' - model specific technical language use
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback and movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns initially, extra practice time, focus on gross motor skills before fine motor
autism spectrum
- Clear structure and routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if needed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, partner support for movement
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for game management
physical disability
- Modified grip techniques, seated shooting options, adapted distances for individual capabilities
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary development, clear communication in assessment, descriptive language for feedback
Maths
Angles of shots, percentage accuracy calculations, spatial geometry in defensive positioning
Science
Forces and motion in shooting, trajectory and physics of ball flight, biomechanics of movement
Geography
Directional awareness, spatial concepts, mapping field positions and movements
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between practice areas during skill work, central position during games for optimal view
Observation Focus
Grip changes during shooting, defensive positioning, quality of peer assessment language
Intervention Points
Step in when contact occurs, provide individual technique coaching, facilitate assessment discussions
Demonstration Notes
Show clear contrast between left/right techniques, exaggerate grip changes for visibility, demonstrate defensive angles
Verbal Cues
- •'Change your grip!'
- •'Get sideways-on!'
- •'Snap that wrist!'
- •'Force them onto their weak side!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 40m x 60m outdoor space or large sports hall
Surface Check
Even surface free from holes, adequate grip for quick direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all lacrosse sticks for cracks or sharp edges
- •Ensure balls are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Verify goals/targets are securely positioned
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Stick contact during close play
- •Ball strikes to head/body
- •Collisions during dodging and defending
- •Trips and falls during direction changes
Risk Mitigation
- •Enforce no-contact rules strictly
- •Maintain adequate spacing during skill practices
- •Progressive introduction of defensive pressure
- •Clear boundaries and playing zones marked
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all practice areas
- •Monitor defensive contact levels closely
- •Watch for fatigue affecting technique
Emergency Procedures
Stop play immediately for any injury, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid and support