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Lesson 5 - Push Pass & Receive Hockey

Ball Handling Basics

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Year 1

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Invasion Games

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45 min

Big Question

How can we help our teammates by moving into space and sending the ball accurately?

Learning Objectives

To develop push passing technique with a unihoc stick
To learn how to receive a hockey ball with soft hands
To understand the importance of moving into space after passing

Key Outcomes

Students will perform basic push passes with correct grip and stance
Students will receive balls using cushioning technique with soft hands
Students will demonstrate moving into space after making a pass

Equipment & Resources Required

Unihoc Sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for damage, ensure appropriate length for students

Alternative: Hockey sticks (shorter versions), tennis rackets for adapted version

Hockey balls

1 per student (30)

Use softer balls for safety with Year 1 students

Alternative: Tennis balls, bean bags for initial practice

Cones

20-30

Spread around perimeter for boundaries and targets

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, hoops

Bibs

15 (half class)

For identifying teams in game activities

Alternative: Different coloured cones to hold

Key Vocabulary

Push Pass

Sending the ball with a pushing action, no backswing

Soft Hands

Gentle, cushioning hands that absorb the ball's impact

Cushioning

Absorbing the force of the ball to keep it close and controlled

Follow Through

Continuing the pushing motion after the ball has left the stick

Space

An empty area where you can move to receive a pass

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills from previous units
Understanding of personal space and moving safely
Simple sending and receiving with hands

Current Skills

Correct hockey stick grip and stance
Push passing technique with follow through
Receiving with soft hands and cushioning

Next Steps

Passing while moving
Receiving under pressure from defenders
Using passing in small-sided games

Milestone Indicators

Consistent correct grip throughout lesson

Ball reaches target 7 out of 10 attempts

Visible cushioning action when receiving

Key Teaching Points

Left hand at top of stick controls direction, right hand halfway down provides power
Push passing: stick starts behind ball, no backswing, follow through to target
Receiving: get low, stick angled forward, soft hands cushion impact
Ball stays to right side of body during dribbling, small touches maintain control
Pass and move principle: always move into space after making a pass
Safety first: balls stay on ground, no overhead stick movements
Technique over power: accuracy and control more important than force

Common Misconceptions

Thinking hitting is better than pushing - explain push gives more control
Believing hard hands stop the ball better - demonstrate how soft hands cushion
Standing still after passing - emphasise continuous movement in games
Using wrong grip because it feels more comfortable - persist with correct grip for long-term benefit
Focusing on speed over accuracy - prioritise technique development first

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, frequent movement changes, clear time boundaries, positive behaviour focus

dyspraxia

Larger equipment, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, breaking down complex skills

autism spectrum

Clear routines, visual activity schedule, quiet reflection space available, predictable partner pairings

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system with sighted partner

hearing impairment

Exaggerated visual demonstrations, hand signals for start/stop, written instruction cards

physical disability

Seated hockey version, adapted grip techniques, modified distances, lighter equipment

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful passes, measuring distances (10m, 5m), timing sequences (1,2,3 game), scoring points in target activities

Science

Understanding forces - pushing vs hitting, friction between ball and surface, balance and stability in receiving stance

Geography

Spatial awareness, direction of passes, mapping movement patterns around court

PSHE

Cooperation with partners, managing emotions during challenges, encouraging others, honest self-assessment

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during demonstrations, circulate during practice, return to central for teaching points

Observation Focus

Grip consistency throughout lesson; Push passing technique vs hitting; Receiving stance and cushioning action; Safety awareness with equipment

Intervention Points

["Step in if grip incorrect after first practice", "Correct hitting technique immediately", "Support students struggling with coordination", "Manage competitive intensity in games"]

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, demonstrate common mistakes as well as correct technique, involve students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Stick behind ball, push through!'
•'Soft hands like catching soap bubbles!'
•'Pass and move - don't stand and watch!'
•'Ball stays as your best friend - keep close!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum netball court size (30m x 15m), clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, level surface free from hazards, appropriate for stick use

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all sticks for splinters or damage before use
•Use foam balls only with Year 1 students
•Ensure adequate space between students (minimum 2m spacing)

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact between students
•Balls causing slips or trips
•Collisions during movement activities
•Overexcitement leading to unsafe behaviour

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with cones
•Balls must stay on ground level at all times
•No overhead stick movements permitted
•Adequate supervision during partner work

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Circulate during partner activities
•Monitor for correct equipment use

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation route to medical support