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Lesson 3 - Moving and Controlling with Sticks

Ball Handling Basics

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Year 1

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Invasion Games

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58 min

Big Question

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

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for damage, ensure appropriate size for students

Alternative: Shortened hockey sticks or foam sticks for safety

Balls

1 per student (30)

Use softer balls for safety with young children

Alternative: Tennis balls or foam balls for beginners

Cones

15-20

Different colours if available for traffic light activity

Alternative: Bean bags or markers

Bibs

8-10

For warm-up activity identification

Alternative: Coloured bands or scarves

Hoops

2-3

For target areas in games

Alternative: Chalk circles or rope circles

Key Vocabulary

Flat side

The smooth, flat surface of a hockey stick used to control the ball

Dribbling

Moving the ball along the ground with small controlled touches

Grip

How to hold the hockey stick correctly - writing hand low, non-writing hand at top

Attacking

Trying to get past defenders or score goals

Defending

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

Maintains correct grip throughout activities

Consistently uses flat side of stick only

Shows awareness of attacking and defending opportunities

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