Lacrosse Skills Essentials
•Year 8
•Lacrosse
•Distributed around area perimeter before lesson, check all stick heads are secure
Alternative: Modified sticks with deeper pockets for SEND students
Stored in mesh bag for easy distribution
Alternative: Softer foam balls for beginners or students with visual impairment (brightly coloured)
Mix of colours for directional markers - use consistent colour coding
Alternative: Spots or markers
For Rob the Nest activity nests
Alternative: Chalk circles or rope circles
For identifying groups in 8-Point Circle activity
Alternative: Coloured bands
For teacher control and safety stops
Alternative: Voice commands
The rhythmic rocking motion of the stick from shoulder to chin that keeps the ball secure in the pocket whilst moving
A quick change of direction or movement to evade a defender or obstacle whilst maintaining possession
A fake movement in one direction before quickly moving in another to deceive defenders
A deceptive move where you pretend to pass or move one way before doing something different
Having control of the ball in your stick's pocket
The proper way to hold the stick when running - stick held at shoulder height, head of stick near ear
The netted area of the lacrosse stick head where the ball sits
A loose ball on the ground that needs to be scooped up
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Literacy development - learning and using technical vocabulary (cradling, dodging, feinting, dummy, possession, pocket, etc.), providing verbal feedback using descriptive language, listening skills during instructions and peer feedback, speaking and presenting when demonstrating technique to others, following complex multi-step instructions.
Geometry and spatial reasoning - understanding compass points (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW) in 8-Point Circle activity, calculating angles of movement and direction changes, measuring distances for setup (circle diameter, cone spacing), counting and timing activities (90 second intervals, 15 second stretch holds), analysing success rates and percentages for self-assessment
Forces and motion - centrifugal force keeping ball in pocket during cradling motion, friction between ball and stick mesh, acceleration and deceleration during dodging, gravity's effect on dropped balls. Human biology - muscle groups used (shoulders, arms, legs), heart rate elevation during activity and reduction during cool-down, breathing patterns, importance of stretching for flexibility and injury prevention.
Directional language and orientation - compass points used throughout lesson (North, South, East, West, Northeast, etc.), understanding of relative positions, spatial mapping of movement patterns, navigation skills in 8-Point Circle activity.
Personal development - resilience when skills are challenging (balls dropping initially), growth mindset through progressive skill development, honesty and integrity in self-assessment and forfeit completion. Social development - effective communication with partners during peer assessment, teamwork in group activities, celebrating others' success, showing encouragement and support. Emotional development - managing frustration when eliminated in King of the Court, maintaining positive attitude, confidence building through skill mastery.
Central position during whole-class instruction and demonstrations for maximum visibility and voice projection. Circulate during partner/group practice to provide individual feedback but maintain scan of whole class. Position at edge during 8-Point Circle to observe multiple groups simultaneously. Mobile during King of the Court to monitor possession and sporting values.
Prioritise observation of: 1) Cradling technique - shoulder to chin motion, stick head position, ball security, 2) Dodging execution - low centre of gravity, explosive movement, continuous cradle during dodge, 3) Spatial awareness - heads up, communication, avoiding collisions, 4) Sporting values - honesty with forfeits, encouragement of others, fair play, 5) Use of technical vocabulary during peer feedback.
Intervene immediately if: unsafe stick handling, imminent collision risk, students struggling significantly and becoming frustrated (provide support/modification), poor sporting values displayed (address promptly to maintain culture), incorrect technique being reinforced (stop and reteach before bad habits form), fatigue leading to loss of control (reduce intensity or provide rest).
Always demonstrate new skills slowly first, then at game speed. Use exaggerated movements for clarity - larger shoulder-to-chin arc than necessary. Verbalize actions as you demonstrate: 'Watch my top hand guide the stick...' Position demonstrations where all students have clear sight line - semi-circle formation ideal. Use student demonstrations frequently to show variety of successful techniques and build confidence. When demonstrating mistakes, clearly label: 'This is what NOT to do...' then show correction. For dodging, demonstrate from multiple angles so students see front view and side view.
Minimum 30m x 30m outdoor space or large sports hall, clear of obstacles. For 8-Point Circle activity, minimum 10m spacing between group circles required.
Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or trip hazards. Particularly important for dodging activities requiring quick direction changes. Wet grass significantly increases slip risk - modify activities or relocate to indoor space if surface unsafe.
Whistle blast for immediate freeze if unsafe situation develops. Teacher assesses situation. If injury occurs: stop activity, assess injury severity, appropriate first aid provided, send runner for first aider if needed. Other students moved to safe area under control. Incident logged according to school policy. If equipment failure (broken stick): student stops immediately, equipment removed, replacement provided if available or student observes and provides peer assessment role.
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