4th Grade Lacrosse Lesson Plan - Day 1

Introduction

  • Discuss the history of lacrosse.

    • Originated by Native American Indians (“stickball”). Used to solve battles, toughen young warriors for combat, recreation, and festivals. 

  • Discuss differences between Men's and Women’s Lacrosse. 

  • Show equipment on screen. 

  • Rules & Position: 

    • 10-12 Players each team.

    • Attackers: 3 (men) and 5 (women). Offensive half. 

    • Defenders: 3 (men) and 6 (women). Defensive half. Must have no less than 4 players on defensive half. 

    • Midfielders: 3 (men). Run anywhere. 

    • Goalies: 1 (both). 

Task

Objectives:

 

  • Students learn the basic rules and positions of lacrosse (NASPE #2).

  • Students will learn how to grip, scoop, and cradle (NASPE #1). 

  • Students will learn how to have responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others in physical activity settings (NASPE #5).

Process

Lesson: Verbal Cues Included

 

  1. Grip: Have students spread out on ½  of gym. Pass out a gripping diagram. Non-dominant hand on bottom, dominant on middle. Dominant (top) hand controls movement and direction of stick. Non-dominant (bottom) hand keeps stick steady. The shaft of the stick should lie across the fingers of the top hand. Make sure pocket of the head is facing outward, so the ball lands in the pocket. Go around and make sure grip is correct. Have them practice maneuvering stick with dominant hand, and non-dominant hand keeping it steady.

  2. Cradle: Put a tennis ball in the net. Have the stick held on the same side as the top hand. Grip  the bottom of the stick with your non-dominant hand in an overhand position. The top dominant hand should be gripping the shaft with an underhand position (palm turned toward your face). Bring your primary hand next to your ear to the middle of your chest, with a repeated back and forth movement. Mention “cradling” a baby motion. Have them split into even groups and line up on the baseline, have each person in line jog to the halfcourt line while practicing the cradling motion. Set out cones in a zig-zag pattern. Have them follow the pattern, then the person behind them follows until each person has gone. Go around to check form. 

  3.  Scoop: Keep eye on ball at all times. Plant your front foot next to the ball. Have stick parallel to the ground, but don’t stab at the ground. Angle the head of the stick to get under the ball. Get low and move hips to the ball so you're closer to the ball. Mention a shoveling motion. Continue moving while scooping the ball in order for it to smoothly go into the net. Bring stick back up to proper position. After practicing this motion, have them line up on the baseline again, place the tennis balls on halfcourt line, have them run and scoop the tennis ball and cradle it to the endline. Check form.

Evaluation

Students will be evaluated on their effort put forth throughout the lesson, and their attitude among their classmates as well as the instruction/activities. 

Checklist/Evaluation: (The students can be graded on 3 areas, but do not lower a student’s grade if they do not yet have the proper motor skills / hand eye coordination to play Lacrosse).



 

 

Student 

  

Positive 

attitude 

  

Median attitude 

  

Negative attitude

Understands importance of positive attitude amping self and classmates

  

Capable of motor skills required to play lacrosse 
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
Conclusion

Have them discuss amongst themselves the history and motions mentioned in class. Then have them raise their hands to answer review questions (volunteers can demonstrate motions).

Credits
Teacher Page

Materials: 

 

  • 1 Lacrosse stick per student, make sure they are safety prone. 1 stick for self and demonstration.

  • Tennis balls.

  • Cones.

  • Video for examples at beginning of class. 

  • Grip diagram handouts.

 

Modifications: Jai-Alai scoops if lacrosse sticks are not present. If there are not enough participants, have them split into equal groups.

 

Special Needs Students: Allow them to participate in each activity they are able to, including team games and activities. If a student is in a wheelchair, have  a set section for them to have their own area to participate in for the lesson, be sure they feel included just as any of their other classmates. 

 

Rules: Be sure safety rules are clear, and physical contact is prohibited. The lacrosse rules can be found at: https://www.rulesofsport.com/sports/lacrosse.html