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Lesson 5 - Hockey Passing & Receiving

Movement & Ball Skills Play

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Reception

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Invasion Games

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45 min

Big Question

How can we work together to send and receive a hockey ball accurately?

Learning Objectives

To develop push passing technique with a hockey stick
To practise receiving and controlling a hockey ball
To work cooperatively with partners and small groups

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to push pass a hockey ball with control
Students will demonstrate soft hands when receiving a ball
Students will show good sportsmanship and cooperation

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all equipment for damage before lesson

Alternative: Large spoons, cricket bats

Hockey balls

1 per student (30)

Ensure balls are suitable size for Reception students

Alternative: Bean bags, soft play balls

Cones

Use to mark boundaries and target areas

Alternative: Spots, markers

Bibs

15 (one colour)

For team identification in games

Alternative: Coloured bands

Key Vocabulary

Push pass

Sending the ball forward using a pushing action with the hockey stick

Soft hands

Gentle, cushioning grip when receiving the ball to maintain control

Space

An empty area on the playing surface where you can move safely

Receive

To collect and control the ball when it comes to you

Follow through

Continuing the movement after making contact with the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills
Understanding of personal space
Following simple instructions

Current Skills

Push passing with hockey stick
Receiving with soft hands
Moving into space

Next Steps

Passing while moving
Tactical awareness in games
More complex receiving skills

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with ball when passing

Cushioning ball when receiving

Looking up when moving with ball

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise pushing action with no backswing for safety and control
Develop 'soft hands' concept for receiving - cushioning like catching a bubble
Encourage head up position during ball control and passing
Build cooperation through partner and small group activities
Celebrate effort and improvement over perfect technique
Use positive language and encouragement throughout
Connect skills to real game situations to maintain engagement

Common Misconceptions

That hitting the ball hard makes it more accurate - emphasise control over power
That looking at the ball constantly is necessary - encourage looking up
That perfect technique comes immediately - celebrate small improvements
That competition means being unkind - reinforce good sportsmanship
That receiving is passive - show active positioning and preparation

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, offer regular positive feedback and movement breaks

dyspraxia

Use larger, lighter equipment, provide additional demonstration time, break skills into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet space if overwhelmed, use visual schedules for lesson sequence

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, ensure clear auditory cues for activities

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, ensure student can see teacher clearly, provide written instructions if appropriate

physical disability

Adapt grip for different hand abilities, use seated position if needed, modify distances and targets as appropriate

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Forces and motion in pushing and receiving, understanding cause and effect in ball movement

Geography

Spatial awareness, understanding directions and positions, mapping movement around space

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, managing emotions during challenges, showing kindness to others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during demonstrations, mobile during activities to observe all students

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip, controlled passing, safe movement, and positive interactions

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggle with grip, show unsafe behaviour, or need encouragement

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate slowly and clearly, repeat key movements, use students as examples when appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Soft hands like catching a bubble!'
•'Push, don't hit!'
•'Keep your head up!'
•'Well done for helping your partner!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m clear area, preferably marked court or playground

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from debris and obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check hockey sticks for cracks or splinters
•Ensure balls are appropriate weight for Reception
•Verify all equipment is clean and safe to use

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision between students
•Tripping over equipment
•Hockey stick contact with other students
•Ball impact injuries

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing guidelines between students
•Emphasis on controlled movements only
•No lifting sticks above waist height
•Immediate stop signal when needed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all students simultaneously
•Active monitoring of stick handling
•Quick intervention for unsafe behaviour

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, apply first aid if qualified, seek medical attention if required