Lesson 3 - Moving and Controlling with Sticks
Ball Handling Basics
•Year 1
•Invasion Games
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How can we use sticks safely to control and move balls while attacking and defending?
Learning Objectives
- Apply attacking and defending skills in invasion games
- Move and turn under control with a stick and ball using correct technique
- Demonstrate safe stick handling and spatial awareness
Key Outcomes
- Students will confidently dribble a ball using the flat side of a hockey stick
- Students will apply basic attacking and defending strategies in game situations
- Students will move with control while maintaining awareness of others
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all sticks for damage, ensure appropriate size for students
Alternative: Shortened hockey sticks or foam sticks for safety
Use softer balls for safety with young children
Alternative: Tennis balls or foam balls for beginners
Different colours if available for traffic light activity
Alternative: Bean bags or markers
For warm-up activity identification
Alternative: Coloured bands or scarves
For target areas in games
Alternative: Chalk circles or rope circles
Key Vocabulary
The smooth, flat surface of a hockey stick used to control the ball
Moving the ball along the ground with small controlled touches
How to hold the hockey stick correctly - writing hand low, non-writing hand at top
Trying to get past defenders or score goals
Trying to stop attackers and protect your goal or area
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling with hands
- Understanding of personal space
- Simple running and stopping movements
Current Skills
- Correct hockey stick grip and stance
- Ball control using flat side only
- Attacking and defending in confined spaces
Next Steps
- Passing with sticks to teammates
- More complex invasion game strategies
- Competitive hockey-style games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Stick safety - always keep low and use flat side only
- Correct grip with writing hand lower, non-writing hand at top
- Ball control through small, gentle pushes rather than big hits
- Head up awareness for safety and game understanding
- Balance of attacking opportunities and defending responsibilities
- Spatial awareness and respect for others' space during activities
- Progressive skill development from simple to complex challenges
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking bigger hits move the ball better - teach gentle control instead
- Using curved side of stick because it 'looks easier' - reinforce flat side rule
- Looking down at ball constantly - emphasise head up for safety and awareness
- Believing attacking means being aggressive - teach controlled, skilful approaches
- Assuming defending means staying still - show active defensive positioning
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Keep activities short and varied, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use positive reinforcement frequently, allow movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Allow extra time for skill development, use larger equipment, break skills into smaller steps, provide additional verbal cues and encouragement
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule of activities, use consistent routines and signals, offer quiet space if overwhelmed, prepare for activity changes
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, use physical guidance for stick grip, ensure clear vocal instructions
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and demonstrations, provide written instruction cards with pictures, use clear hand signals for stop/start/change direction
physical disability
- Provide adapted sticks or allow seated play, use larger/slower balls, modify distances and areas, allow support person if needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting eggs in dinosaur game, measuring distances between cones, recognising geometric patterns in figure-8 movements
Science
Understanding forces when pushing balls, exploring friction between stick and ball, observing cause and effect in ball movement
Geography
Directional language (left, right, forward, back), spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of boundaries and areas
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, following rules and instructions, showing respect for others, building confidence through skill development
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand where you can see all students, move around during activities to check technique and safety
Observation Focus
Monitor stick grip, flat side usage, spatial awareness, and safe movement patterns
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for safety issues, provide technique corrections, and manage game flow
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for grip and technique, get students with good technique to model for others, emphasise safety at every opportunity
Verbal Cues
- •'Sticks low!' - for safety reminders
- •'Flat side only!' - for technique reminders
- •'Head up, look where you're going!' - for awareness
- •'Soft touches!' - for ball control
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m indoor hall or outdoor hard court area, free from obstacles
Surface Check
Non-slip surface essential, check for wet patches, ensure no debris or loose equipment
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all hockey sticks for cracks, splinters, or loose tape
- •Ensure balls are appropriate size and not too hard for age group
- •Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Stick injuries from improper handling or raised sticks
- •Collisions between students during dribbling activities
- •Trips and falls from balls left on ground
- •Eye injuries from raised sticks or fast-moving balls
Risk Mitigation
- •Strict enforcement of 'low stick' rule at all times
- •Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activities
- •Progressive skill building from stationary to moving practice
- •Constant supervision and immediate intervention for unsafe behaviour
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
- •Move around space to monitor technique and safety compliance
- •Pay special attention during competitive games for raised sticks
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, and complete incident report if required