Lesson 5 - Push Pass & Receive Hockey
Ball Handling Basics
•Year 1
•Invasion Games
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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
Check all sticks for damage, ensure appropriate length for students
Alternative: Hockey sticks (shorter versions), tennis rackets for adapted version
Use softer balls for safety with Year 1 students
Alternative: Tennis balls, bean bags for initial practice
Spread around perimeter for boundaries and targets
Alternative: Bean bags, markers, hoops
For identifying teams in game activities
Alternative: Different coloured cones to hold
Key Vocabulary
Sending the ball with a pushing action, no backswing
Gentle, cushioning hands that absorb the ball's impact
Absorbing the force of the ball to keep it close and controlled
Continuing the pushing motion after the ball has left the stick
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
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