Lesson 6 - Attacking & Defending Game Play
Stick Mastery & Game Basics
β’Year 7
β’Lacrosse
β’Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can you use your skills, understanding and sporting values to make a positive impact in competitive lacrosse games?
Learning Objectives
- Make effective contributions in both attacking and defending during competitive games
- Demonstrate agility, balance, coordination and precision in game situations
- Evaluate the performance of others using correct technical language
- Consistently demonstrate sporting values including passion, self-belief, respect, honesty, determination and teamwork
Key Outcomes
- Students will apply lacrosse skills effectively in competitive game situations
- Students will understand and follow Pop Lacrosse rules independently
- Students will demonstrate tactical awareness in attack and defence
- Students will model positive sporting values throughout competition
- Students will evaluate their own and others' performance using technical vocabulary
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all sticks for damage, ensure pockets are secure and no sharp edges on heads
Alternative: If insufficient sticks, rotate positions so students share equipment during games
Keep spare balls around pitch perimeter for quick retrieval
Alternative: Soft rubber balls for students anxious about ball impact
Ensure goals are stable and positioned appropriately for space available
Alternative: Cones set 1.8m apart to mark goal width
Distribute different colours for each team before games begin
Alternative: Coloured bands or pinnies
Assign to officiating students or teacher for each pitch
Alternative: Hand signals if whistles unavailable, though not ideal
Set up rectangular pitches approximately 30m x 20m, mark 5m goal crease areas clearly
Alternative: Existing line markings if on marked pitch
For timing 7-minute games and 1.5-minute breaks
Alternative: Mobile phone timer, visible clock
Display key Pop Lacrosse rules for quick reference during games
Alternative: Written on whiteboard visible to all
Key Vocabulary
Attempting to score goals by moving the ball towards the opponent's goal and creating shooting opportunities
Preventing the opposing team from scoring by marking opponents, intercepting passes and protecting the goal area
The positive impact a player has on their team's performance through skills, effort, communication and sporting behaviour
A modified version of lacrosse with simplified rules including 4-second possession limit and no body contact
Having control of the ball with your stick, limited to 4 seconds in Pop Lacrosse
The 5-metre area in front of goal that players cannot enter but may reach into with their stick
The method of starting play from the centre with one foot on the line, all others 3 metres away
When the ball crosses the boundary line, possession goes to the team whose player was nearest where it crossed
The people responsible for ensuring rules are followed fairly and managing the game safely
The planned strategies and decisions made to gain advantage over opponents
The positive behaviours including passion, self-belief, respect, honesty, determination and teamwork that make sport enjoyable and fair
A method of restarting play when a simultaneous foul occurs or players are equidistant from boundary, similar to a face-off
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Students can cradle the ball whilst moving with increasing control
- Students can execute different types of passes accurately
- Students can catch passes from teammates in various situations
- Students can perform ground ball pickups and dodges
- Students understand basic lacrosse rules and safety requirements
Current Skills
- Applying cradling, passing and dodging skills under pressure in competitive games
- Making tactical decisions about when to attack and when to defend
- Understanding and applying comprehensive Pop Lacrosse rules
- Evaluating performance using technical language
- Demonstrating sporting values consistently during competition
Next Steps
- Developing advanced tactical strategies for team play
- Refining positional play and team formations
- Creating set plays and attacking/defending systems
- Leading and coaching others in lacrosse activities
- Transitioning to full lacrosse rules and regulations
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Reinforce the 4-second possession rule constantly throughout games - this is the fundamental rule that keeps Pop Lacrosse flowing and fair. Count out loud if necessary and ensure officials are confident to call violations.
- Emphasise safety above all else - dangerous shooting, stick work or physical contact must be addressed immediately with clear consequences. Safety creates environment where all students can enjoy learning.
- Sporting values are equally important as physical skills - model, teach and celebrate respect, determination, teamwork, honesty, passion and self-belief throughout lesson. Address poor sporting values immediately but also recognise excellent examples.
- Ensure all students make genuine contributions in both attack and defence - watch for passengers who aren't engaging and find ways to involve them through specific roles, encouragement or tactical adjustments.
- Use questioning and student demonstration during rule review to check understanding before tournament begins - don't assume students remember from previous lessons. Invest time in rule clarity to ensure fair, flowing games.
- Provide specific, actionable feedback during games rather than vague praise - 'excellent spacing to receive the pass' is more valuable than 'good job'. Specific feedback accelerates learning.
- Support student officials confidently - they are learning too and need encouragement. If they make incorrect calls, support them publicly then clarify privately. Officials must feel empowered to control games.
- Use the 1.5-minute tactical huddles effectively - circulate and prompt teams to discuss specific strategies not just vague 'play better'. This develops cognitive understanding alongside physical performance.
Common Misconceptions
- MISCONCEPTION: You can reset the 4-second count by throwing the ball in the air to yourself or rolling it on ground then picking it up. CORRECTION: The 4-second count is total possession time per player and cannot be reset except by passing to a teammate. Demonstrate this clearly during rule review.
- MISCONCEPTION: You can step into the goal crease if you're defending someone. CORRECTION: You can only be in the goal crease if you're a stick's length away from an attacking opponent - meaning actively defending them closely, not just vaguely near someone. The exception is narrow and specific.
- MISCONCEPTION: If you touched the ball last before it went out of bounds, the other team gets it. CORRECTION: In Pop Lacrosse, whoever is NEAREST to where the ball crossed the boundary gets it for their team, regardless of who touched it last. This reduces arguments and keeps game flowing.
- MISCONCEPTION: The team that scores gets the next centre pass. CORRECTION: Centre passes alternate regardless of who scored - this maintains fairness and prevents dominant teams from getting additional advantage.
- MISCONCEPTION: Sporting values are only about being nice and friendly. CORRECTION: Sporting values include passion, determination and competitive drive as well as respect and teamwork - you can compete fiercely whilst maintaining excellent sporting values. They're about how you compete, not whether you compete.
- MISCONCEPTION: Only highly skilled students can make good contributions to games. CORRECTION: Contributions include communication, positioning, effort, creating space, tracking back to defend, supporting teammates - many ways to contribute beyond just scoring goals. Emphasise variety of valuable contributions.
- MISCONCEPTION: Officials are just looking for rule violations to blow whistle. CORRECTION: Good officials enable game flow by knowing when to let play continue and when to stop for violations. They facilitate fair play, don't just punish. Officials are part of the game team, not adversaries.
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Keep activity pace fast with regular changes - this lesson structure suits ADHD well with multiple short games. Provide very clear boundaries - visual pitch markers important. Give specific focused roles during games rather than general 'play well.' Offer regular specific feedback on observable behaviours - 'you passed before 4 seconds three times, excellent!' Allow fidget tool during seated discussion portions if helpful. Position near teacher during instructions for redirection if attention wanders. Provide opportunities for leadership roles like officiating which can help focus. Break complex rules into smaller chunks. Use energetic, varied delivery to maintain engagement. Celebrate effort and improvement prominently.
dyspraxia
- Use larger, softer ball that's easier to catch and control. Reduce complexity of stick skills - focus on functional basics. Provide additional practice time with cradling and catching before games. Simplify dodge movements - focus on one type. Give more time to process instructions - check understanding before moving on. Reduce speed of game play if possible through smaller pitch or modified rules. Provide specific position with clear, simple role rather than complex roaming tactics. Offer visual demonstrations multiple times. Pair with supportive partner. Focus assessment on tactical understanding and sporting values where motor difficulties don't limit success. Celebrate participation and determination over physical skill level. Allow officiating role as alternative to playing if coordination difficulties causing significant distress.
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule showing lesson structure and timing of each section. Give advance warning of transitions between activities - '2 minutes until we change to games.' Maintain consistent routine structure across lesson. Provide rule information visually as well as verbally - written rules or diagrams to reference. Allow access to quiet area if overwhelmed by intensity of games - can take short break then return. Use clear, literal language avoiding idioms or sarcasm. Provide specific role or position rather than ambiguous 'play anywhere.' Give clear success criteria and specific feedback. Use visual timer so student can see how long activities last. Prepare student in advance that this lesson involves competitive games and may be noisy/intense.
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and bibs with high contrast to background. Provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations and rule explanations with detailed imagery. Use buddy system pairing visually impaired student with sighted partner who provides verbal cues during games. Use audible balls with bells if available. Ensure boundaries are tactile as well as visual using rope or raised markers. Reduce pitch size for easier navigation. Provide rule information in large print or audio format. Position student in roles where visual demands are reduced such as specific positional play rather than free roaming.
hearing impairment
- Ensure student can see your face when giving instructions - avoid turning away or covering mouth. Use visual demonstrations extensively alongside verbal explanations. Provide written rule sheets or visual rule diagrams they can reference. Use visual signals in addition to whistle - hand signals, flag or visual timer. Position student where they can see most of pitch and teammates easily. Ensure teammates aware to use visual signals and face student when communicating. Use vibrating timer or visual countdown for game timing. Provide written tournament schedule and rotation information.
physical disability
- Adapt depending on specific needs. Wheelchair users: Modified pitch size, adapted rules around movement speeds, positioned as goal shooter/defender or strategic roles, use of soft lightweight ball, adapted stick if needed. Reduced mobility: Smaller pitch area, positioned in specific zones with role focused on passing and tactics rather than running, use of soft equipment, frequent rest breaks. Reduced coordination: Larger softer ball easier to control, simplified stick technique, focus on tactical understanding and officiating roles, additional practice time with skills. Provide alternative ways to demonstrate learning such as tactical captain role or coach role rather than only physical play.
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development through key lacrosse terminology. Oracy skills through team tactical discussions during huddles - speaking clearly, listening to others, taking turns, building on others' ideas. Evaluative language when assessing own and others' performance using technical vocabulary. Following complex verbal instructions during rule review. Reading through written rule cards or information sheets.
Maths
Statistics and data handling through tournament scoring, tracking individual and team performance using numbers. Counting skills through 4-second possession timing and game time management. Measuring skills through pitch dimensions, distances in metres for boundaries and goal creases. Shape and space through understanding pitch geometry, angles of passing and movement. Probability and prediction through tactical discussions about likelihood of successful plays.
Science
Forces and motion through understanding how power, angle and technique affect ball trajectory when passing and shooting. Friction and grip affecting ability to run, stop and change direction on different surfaces. Cardiovascular system during exercise - understanding why heart rate and breathing increase during tournament games. Muscular system and coordination required for lacrosse skills. Energy and nutrition - understanding fuel needed for sustained physical activity. Recovery science during cool-down.
Computing
Data recording if using technology to track tournament scores, statistics, or performances. Understanding algorithms through learning and following sequences of rules. Logical thinking through tactical planning and strategy development.
Geography
Directional language and spatial awareness - using terminology like forward, backwards, left, right, attacking half, defending half. Mapping skills through understanding pitch layout and positioning. Awareness that lacrosse originated with indigenous peoples of North America and spread globally - cultural geography. Understanding local geography through discussion of local clubs and facilities where lacrosse can be played.
History
Brief context of lacrosse origins with indigenous North American peoples historically. Evolution of lacrosse rules from traditional to modern versions including Pop Lacrosse adaptations. History of sporting values and fair play in society.
PSHE
Teamwork skills developed through tournament games requiring cooperation and communication. Resilience and managing emotions when facing setbacks such as losing games or making mistakes. Self-belief through having confidence to attempt skills under pressure. Respect for others including officials, teammates and opponents. Honesty through self-assessment and fair play. Healthy lifestyles through understanding benefits of regular physical activity. Setting personal goals for improvement.
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Position yourself centrally between pitches where visibility of all game areas is maximised. Do not stay in one location - actively circulate spending 60-90 seconds observing each pitch before moving to next. When circulating, observe from different angles including behind goals (to see attacking play), from sidelines (to see full pitch width), and from centre (to see transitions). Stand where you can also monitor students in officiating roles. Position yourself close enough to hear player communication and official calls but not so close that you interfere with game flow. Move towards any area where intensity is increasing or safety concerns developing. During team huddles, circulate around groups to hear tactical discussions. During rule demonstrations, position where all seated students can see you clearly. During warm-up and cool-down, position centrally where all students are visible.
Observation Focus
Primary focus: Safety at all times - scanning for collisions, dangerous stick use, dangerous shooting, students showing signs of distress. Secondary focus: Rule application - are students respecting 4-second possession, goal crease rules, boundaries, starting procedures? Tertiary focus: Skill execution - quality of cradling, passing, catching, dodging under game pressure. Tactical awareness - are students making good decisions, positioning well, using space? Sporting values - encouragement, respect, determination, teamwork, resilience demonstrated consistently? Assessment evidence: Gathering specific examples across Head, Hands, Heart domains for all students. Watch for improvements across the three games indicating learning. Note leadership moments, officiating accuracy, and huddle participation quality. Balance observation between high-ability students who naturally draw attention and lower-ability students who may be struggling. Observe attacking AND defending contributions equally - many teachers over-focus on attacking play.
Intervention Points
Intervene immediately if: Any safety issue observed or potential safety issue developing - dangerous play, poor sporting values creating tension, overexertion signs, equipment damage. Intervene promptly if: Rules being consistently violated indicating lack of understanding - stop play briefly to clarify. Officiating significantly incorrect or student officials overwhelmed - support with confident calls. Game becoming non-competitive due to significant skill imbalance - consider adjusting teams. Sporting values declining - negative language, blaming, disrespect - address immediately before it escalates. Student experiencing obvious distress, frustration or exclusion - check in individually. Intervene supportively if: Team struggling tactically - offer brief coaching prompt during play. Student demonstrating excellent skills or values - provide immediate positive recognition. Skills deteriorating due to fatigue - encourage technique focus. Do NOT intervene if: Game flowing well with appropriate challenge, students problem-solving independently, minor rule violations being correctly called by officials, natural game fluctuations occurring, tactical struggles that students should work through themselves.
Demonstration Notes
During warm-up: Demonstrate cradling and dodging with exaggerated clear movements - show head up, stick control, change of direction. During rule review: Demonstrate each rule clearly with volunteers positioned where all can see - show both correct application AND violations for contrast. Emphasise safety rationale behind rules. During games: Avoid excessive demonstration as disrupts flow, but if significant issue affecting multiple students, briefly stop one game to demonstrate correction then restart. Use skilled students to demonstrate for others when appropriate - builds their confidence and shows peer achievement. During cool-down: Demonstrate stretches with controlled, sustained movements and proper breathing. Model appropriate depth and hold time. Throughout lesson: Model sporting values through your own language - respectful, encouraging, positive, determined. Demonstrate enthusiasm for lacrosse to inspire students.
Verbal Cues
- β’'Spread out! Use the whole pitch!' - when teams bunching together
- β’'Four seconds! Pass it!' - when students holding ball too long
- β’'Find space! Where's the space?' - to encourage attacking movement without ball
- β’'Mark up! Everyone has someone!' - when defending team leaving players unmarked
- β’'Heads up! Look for your teammate!' - when students running with ball down, not seeing options
- β’'Control! Accurate passes!' - when passes becoming wild or rushed
- β’'Feet outside the crease!' - when students approaching goal area boundaries
- β’'Encourage each other! Be a good teammate!' - when team support waning
- β’'Great effort! Keep working!' - general motivation
- β’'Safe shooting! Low and controlled!' - if shots becoming dangerous
- β’'Officials, loud and confident!' - supporting student officiating
- β’'Brilliant sporting values, [team name]!' - reinforcing positive behaviour
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum space requirement: Two pitches each 30m x 20m (1200mΒ² total) or single pitch with rotation. Ideal setup: Three pitches if space permits (1800mΒ²). Clear run-off area of 2m around each pitch boundary. Minimum 5m separation between adjacent pitches if multiple games running simultaneously. Indoor: Large sports hall or gymnasium. Outdoor: Grass field, artificial turf or playground with appropriate surface. Clear of obstacles, walls should be minimum 3m from pitch boundaries.
Surface Check
Before lesson: Visual inspection of entire playing area for hazards including holes, uneven ground, wet patches, debris, glass or stones. Outdoor: Check weather conditions - if ground is waterlogged, icy or dangerously uneven, relocate indoors or modify activity. Ensure good grip available - not slippery. Indoor: Ensure floor is clean, dry and appropriate surface for running. Check for spillages. Ensure adequate lighting throughout space.
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- β’All lacrosse sticks inspected before distribution - check pocket strings are secure with no fraying that could break, check stick heads have no cracks or sharp edges, check shafts have no splinters or damage, remove any damaged sticks from use immediately
- β’Lacrosse balls checked - properly inflated, no cracks or damage, appropriate softness for age group
- β’Cones inspected - no sharp edges or cracks that could cause cuts, stable and won't tip easily
- β’Goals stable and appropriately secured - cannot tip if leaned on
- β’Bibs clean and no choking hazards such as drawstrings
- β’Whistles sanitized between users sharing
- β’All equipment stored safely when not in use - sticks in racks not on floor where trip hazards
Risk Management
Key Risks
- β’Collisions between students running at speed - mitigated through clear boundaries, adequate space, teaching awareness of surroundings
- β’Being struck by lacrosse ball - mitigated through controlled game play, teaching safe passing and shooting, banning dangerous high shots, ensuring students aware of ball location
- β’Being hit by lacrosse stick - mitigated through teaching safe stick handling, maintaining adequate personal space, penalizing dangerous stick use, ensuring quality equipment without damage
- β’Trips and falls during running, dodging or changing direction - mitigated through proper warm-up, appropriate surface, clear playing area, teaching good technique
- β’Overexertion or heat exhaustion during tournament - mitigated through proper warm-up and cool-down, monitoring students for distress, allowing water breaks, being aware of individual medical conditions
- β’Finger injuries from catching high-speed passes - mitigated through progressive skill building, teaching correct catching technique, appropriate ball choice
- β’Ankle or knee injuries from sudden direction changes - mitigated through proper warm-up, teaching good movement technique, ensuring appropriate footwear
Risk Mitigation
- β’Clear boundaries established and visible - students understand play area limits
- β’Adequate spacing between pitches and between students prevents collisions
- β’Progressive skill building throughout unit means students are prepared for game intensity
- β’Rules specifically designed for safety - no body contact, no dangerous shooting, goal crease protection, 4-second possession prevents overcrowding
- β’Continuous supervision with teacher positioned for maximum visibility of all pitches
- β’Students taught to call 'STICK!' or 'BALL!' as warnings if hazards approach others
- β’Regular hydration reminders and breaks particularly in warm weather
- β’Injured or unwell students removed from activity immediately
- β’Modified equipment or rules for students with specific needs or concerns
- β’Emphasis on sporting values including respect and safety consciousness
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- β’Teacher positioned centrally when multiple pitches operating to see all areas simultaneously
- β’Actively circulate between pitches, don't remain stationary
- β’Position to see whole pitch including both goals and centre play
- β’Pay particular attention to goal areas where multiple students may converge
- β’Monitor high-activity moments such as contested possession or fast breaks
- β’Keep scanning all areas even when observing specific student or incident
- β’Ensure officials are visible and supported, but teacher maintains overall responsibility
- β’Listen as well as watch - shouts of pain, angry voices, clashing sticks require immediate attention
- β’Anticipate potential problems - if game becoming too physical or competitive, intervene proactively
- β’Never leave students unsupervised during activity
- β’Position yourself to be able to intervene quickly in any area if needed
Emergency Procedures
If injury occurs: Blow whistle sharply to stop ALL games immediately. Quickly assess injury severity whilst moving towards injured student. For minor injury (small cut, mild knocked ball): Apply appropriate first aid, complete accident form, student may return to activity if comfortable or take alternative role such as officiating. For moderate injury (suspected sprain, bleeding, significant impact): Stop student's participation, apply first aid, sit student safely out of activity, monitor continuously, complete accident form, inform parents/guardians. For serious injury (suspected fracture, head injury, unconsciousness, severe bleeding, difficulty breathing): Stop ALL activity immediately, send reliable student to summon additional staff/first aider/call emergency services as appropriate, provide first aid within your competency, do NOT move student unless immediate danger, reassure injured student, keep other students calm and supervised away from incident, complete detailed accident documentation, inform senior leadership and parents immediately. Know location of nearest first aid kit and telephone. Know how to summon emergency services from your location. Have list of students with relevant medical conditions accessible.