Unit Plan 23 (Grade 6 PE): Lacrosse — Possession & Small-Sided Games

Focus: Build stronger possession skills, improve passing to space, develop better marking on defense, and reinforce consistent lacrosse safety habits through simplified small-sided play.

Grade Level: 6

Subject Area: Physical Education

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–55 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this Grade 6 Physical Education unit, students explore the basic skills and tactical ideas of lacrosse through modified, safety-focused game play. Using soft balls, simplified rules, and small-sided formats, students learn that successful lacrosse depends on much more than chasing the ball. Players must scoop under control, cradle while moving, pass to open space, and work together to maintain possession. On defense, students learn how to mark opponents, protect scoring areas, and stay within safe equipment-use expectations. The unit emphasizes that strong lacrosse play comes from spacing, timing, controlled stick work, and respectful team communication. By the end of the week, students should be able to explain how possession, movement, and safety rules work together in small-sided lacrosse-style games.

Essential Questions

• How can players maintain possession more effectively in lacrosse-style games?
• What helps a passer lead a teammate into open space?
• How do defenders mark opponents and protect space safely?
• Why are safety rules especially important in stick-and-ball games?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Scoop, cradle, pass, and catch with greater control during lacrosse-style activities.
2. Combine stick handling, movement, passing, receiving, and attacking more smoothly during small-sided play.
3. Move into open space and maintain better offensive and defensive positioning.
4. Adjust force, angle, timing, and effort when passing or shooting to targets or end zones.
5. Apply defensive strategies such as marking, containment, and helping in simplified lacrosse settings.
6. Follow all lacrosse safety rules and use equipment responsibly.
7. Work cooperatively, communicate positively, and include teammates during team play.

Standards Alignment — Grade 6 PE (SHAPE America-based custom)

• PE:S1.6e – Striking with Implements for Direction, Power, and Consistency Strike stationary and moving objects with short- and long-handled implements (paddle, racket, bat, stick) with consistent contact, controlled power, and intended direction.
  • Example: In lacrosse-style play, students use stick control to direct passes and shots accurately rather than swinging wildly or using excessive force.
• PE:S1.6f – Integrating Multiple Skills in Fluid Game Sequences Combine multiple skills—such as dribbling, passing, catching, striking, running, dodging, and shooting—smoothly and appropriately during extended game sequences.
  • Example: A student scoops the ball, cradles into space, passes to a teammate, cuts, and supports the next play during small-sided games.
• PE:S2.6a – Space Awareness & Positioning in Team and Individual Games Demonstrate consistent understanding of offensive and defensive space by moving to open areas, adjusting position relative to teammates, opponents, and scoring areas.
  • Example: In 3v3 or 4v4 lacrosse-style games, students spread out on offense and stay between their player and the scoring area on defense.
• PE:S2.6c – Adjusting Effort, Force, Angle, and Timing Based on Context Adjust speed, effort, force, angle, and timing of movements and skills according to distance, defensive pressure, and scoring or placement goals.
  • Example: Students use softer lead passes to nearby teammates and firmer passes when moving the ball across wider space.
• PE:S2.6e – Defensive Strategies: Marking, Containment, and Help Defense Apply defensive principles such as marking a specific player, containing penetrations, maintaining good body position, and providing help defense when teammates are beaten.
  • Example: Students stay goal-side, protect passing lanes, and help cover open space when an attacker gets by a teammate.
• PE:S4.6a – Consistent Rule-Following and Safety for Self & Others Consistently follow rules, procedures, and safety expectations, and model safe behavior with equipment, space, and classmates.
  • Example: Students keep sticks low and controlled, avoid contact, follow boundary rules, and stop immediately on signal.
• PE:S4.6b – Cooperation, Leadership, and Inclusive Participation Work cooperatively with diverse peers, assume and rotate leadership roles (captain, referee, coach, equipment manager), and intentionally include all group members.
  • Example: Students communicate supportively, share possession opportunities, and help organize teams and roles fairly.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can scoop and cradle with better control.
• I can pass to a teammate in open space.
• I can move into helpful offensive positions and mark an opponent on defense.
• I can adjust my pass strength and timing.
• I can follow all lacrosse safety rules.
• I can communicate and include my teammates during games.