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Lesson 5 - Shooting & Defence Techniques

Lacrosse Fundamentals & Skills

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Year 6

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Lacrosse

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Big Question

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

Lacrosse sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for damage before lesson

Alternative: Tennis rackets with modified techniques

Lacrosse Balls

20-25

Have extras available for when balls go out of play area

Alternative: Tennis balls or soft play balls

Cones

20-30

Use to mark goals, boundaries and practice areas

Alternative: Markers or spot dots

Hoops

6-8

For Rob the Nest game setup

Alternative: Marked circles with chalk or rope

Goals

4-6

Position around practice area for shooting activities

Alternative: Cones 2m apart or wall targets

Chalk

1 box

To mark crease areas around goals

Alternative: Rope or additional cones

Bibs

15 (3 colours x 5)

For team identification in games

Alternative: Coloured bands or wristbands

Key Vocabulary

Cradle

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

Grip change

Adjusting hand positions on the stick to shoot from different sides

Jockeying

Defensive technique of staying in front of attacker while moving backwards

Weaker side

The side a player finds more difficult to perform skills from

Follow through

The continuation of shooting motion after ball release

Stance

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

Consistent grip changes for left and right shooting

Effective jockeying and positioning when defending

Accurate use of technical terminology in assessments

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