Lesson 2 - Cradling and Dodging
Lacrosse Skills Essentials
•Year 8
•Lacrosse
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we maintain possession of the ball while moving at speed and under pressure?
Learning Objectives
- Develop the ability to scoop the ball consistently with correct technique
- Master cradling technique to maintain possession while moving
- Execute dodging movements demonstrating agility, balance, coordination and precision
- Evaluate peers' performance using correct technical language
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to cradle the ball whilst moving with increasing speed
- Students will demonstrate at least two different dodging techniques
- Students will provide technical feedback to peers using lacrosse-specific vocabulary
- Students will demonstrate sporting values including fair play and encouragement
Equipment & Resources Required
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
Key Vocabulary
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
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic grip and carry position for lacrosse stick
- Scooping technique for picking up ground balls
- Understanding of personal space and spatial awareness
- Rob the Nest game with rolling balls
Current Skills
- Cradling technique - shoulder to chin movement pattern
- Running whilst cradling to maintain possession
- Dodging movements including changes of direction
- Providing peer feedback using technical language
Next Steps
- Passing and catching whilst on the move
- Defensive positioning and stick checking
- Game situations combining multiple skills
- Advanced dodging under defensive pressure
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Cradling is essential for possession - the rhythmic shoulder-to-chin motion creates centrifugal force keeping ball in pocket
- Top hand guides the cradling motion, bottom hand stabilizes - this division of roles creates smooth, controlled movement
- Continuous cradling motion must be maintained even when changing speed, direction, or dodging - stopping the cradle causes possession loss
- Athletic position for dodging requires low centre of gravity (knees bent), eyes up, stick protected close to body
- Spatial awareness is crucial in lacrosse - players must navigate dynamic environments whilst maintaining ball control and avoiding collisions
- Technical vocabulary empowers students to provide specific, actionable feedback rather than vague comments
- Sporting values (honesty, encouragement, fair play, resilience) are as important as physical skills in PE and sport
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'You just hold the stick still and the ball stays in.' Correction: The ball only stays secure with active cradling motion - demonstrate ball falling out of static stick vs staying in cradled stick.
- Misconception: 'Cradling is only needed when running fast.' Correction: Cradling should be used whenever moving with the ball, even when walking - it builds muscle memory and ensures possession.
- Misconception: 'The bottom hand does the cradling work.' Correction: The top hand guides the stick head through the cradling arc; bottom hand provides stability. Demonstrate awkward motion when bottom hand tries to lead.
- Misconception: 'You need to watch the ball constantly to keep it in the pocket.' Correction: Players must have eyes up for spatial awareness and safety - trust the feel of the ball in pocket, use peripheral vision.
- Misconception: 'Dodging is just running in a different direction.' Correction: Effective dodging requires explosive movement, low centre of gravity, deceptive body positioning, and continuous ball protection via cradling.
- Misconception: 'If the ball drops, I'm bad at lacrosse.' Correction: Everyone drops the ball during skill development - it's part of learning. Persistence and practice lead to improvement; frame drops as learning opportunities not failures.
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Keep activity segments short (3-5 minutes) with frequent transitions to maintain engagement, provide clear, concise instructions - maximum 3 points at a time, use physical movement breaks strategically - this lesson's high activity level is beneficial, clearly defined boundaries help with focus, offer leadership roles during activities to channel energy positively, provide immediate specific feedback frequently, use visual timers for activity durations, allow fidget/stress ball during seated reflection if needed, position near teacher during instruction for focus support.
dyspraxia
- Use sticks with deeper pockets for easier ball retention, allow significantly extended practice time for motor skill development, break down cradling into smaller component steps with mastery of each before combining, use larger, softer balls initially progressing to standard balls when confident, reduce movement speed requirements - walking may be appropriate throughout, minimise complex navigation patterns - simpler paths in 8-Point Circle, provide hand-over-hand guidance for cradling motion if needed, allow wall/partner support for balance during practice, celebrate small incremental progress, reduce number of cones in dodging practice for simpler navigation.
autism spectrum
- Provide visual schedule showing lesson structure and timings, clearly define and mark all activity boundaries with consistent colour coding, minimise unexpected changes - warn of transitions in advance, offer quiet zone option if overwhelmed by group activities, use consistent language and routines throughout, provide individual visual checklist of cradling technique points, allow extra processing time for multi-step instructions, pre-teach activities with visual supports if possible, offer alternative to competitive elimination games if anxiety-inducing.
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls (neon yellow or orange) for high visibility, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations with detailed spatial information, pair with sighted buddy for navigation support, use auditory cues in addition to visual (whistle patterns for directions), consider textured ground markers instead of cones for tactile reference, allow closer proximity during demonstrations, use high-contrast coloured cones for directional markers.
hearing impairment
- Ensure student positioned where they can see teacher's face for lip-reading, use visual demonstration as primary teaching method with written instruction cards as backup, establish clear hand signals for key instructions (thumbs up for 'go', flat hand for 'stop', etc.), pair with hearing buddy who can relay verbal instructions, provide written step-by-step activity cards, use visual timer for activity durations, ensure student can see teacher before giving instructions.
physical disability
- Modify stick length if needed for wheelchair users or those with limited reach, use lighter foam balls that are easier to control, reduce area size for movement activities, allow seated cradling practice from wheelchair or chair, modify dodging to directional changes only without explosive movement, extend time allowances for activities, use wedge or support for standing balance during cradling if needed, provide alternative to running activities - rolling/wheeling with ball in stick.
Cross-Curricular Links
English
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.
Maths
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
Science
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.
Geography
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.
PSHE
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.
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
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.
Observation Focus
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.
Intervention Points
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).
Demonstration Notes
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.
Verbal Cues
- •'Shoulder... chin... shoulder... chin...' to establish cradling rhythm
- •'Soft hands, tight cradle!' for ball control
- •'Eyes up, head up!' for spatial awareness
- •'Get low!' for athletic position in dodging
- •'Freeze!' for emergency stops
- •'Keep it moving!' during King of the Court to maintain intensity
- •'What do you see?' to prompt specific peer observations
- •'Smooth and steady!' for controlled cradling rhythm
- •'Protect that ball!' during possession challenges
- •'Celebrate their success!' to reinforce sporting values
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
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.
Surface Check
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.
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Inspect all lacrosse sticks before lesson - check stick heads are securely attached to shafts
- •Ensure no sharp edges on stick heads or cracks in shaft that could splinter
- •Check lacrosse balls are regulation hardness - not excessively hard or degraded
- •Cones have no sharp edges or broken parts
- •All equipment stored safely at perimeter when not in use to prevent trip hazards
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Stick collisions - multiple students with long sticks in confined space
- •Ball strikes - hard lacrosse balls in flight if dropped during cradling
- •Slips and falls - particularly during high-speed dodging and direction changes
- •Collisions between students - especially in 8-Point Circle centre point and King of the Court
- •Muscle strains - sudden explosive movements in dodging without adequate warm-up
- •Overexertion - high-intensity activities without rest breaks
Risk Mitigation
- •Establish clear boundaries and minimum spacing requirements (3-4m between students when practicing)
- •Progressive skill building - walk before jog, jog before run - ensures control before speed
- •Explicit teaching of spatial awareness throughout lesson
- •Stagger starts in 8-Point Circle to prevent simultaneous centre arrival
- •Clear safety rules: sticks held safely when not active, never swung above shoulder height
- •Adequate warm-up including dynamic movements preparing muscles for explosive actions
- •Built-in rest periods during transitions between activities
- •Teacher positioning for maximum visibility of all groups
- •Emergency 'freeze' whistle command established at lesson start
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position centrally during whole-class activities to see all students
- •Circulate during small group/partner work but maintain overview of whole class
- •Pay particular attention to 8-Point Circle centres - highest collision risk
- •Monitor fatigue levels especially during King of the Court - stop or reduce intensity if needed
- •Watch for students struggling with equipment control - intervene before incidents
- •Scan continuously for dropped balls creating trip hazards
- •Be aware of students with SEND needs requiring additional supervision
Emergency Procedures
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.