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Lesson 7 - Hockey Stick Control and Passing

Ball Mastery Techniques

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Year 2

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Sending and Receiving

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Big Question

How can we safely use a hockey stick to send and receive a ball with control and accuracy?

Learning Objectives

To be able to send and receive a ball with a hockey stick safely and with control
To understand correct hockey stick grip and stance
To demonstrate progression from basic control to partner passing

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate safe hockey stick handling throughout all activities
Students will send balls with improved accuracy using push pass technique
Students will show increased confidence in ball control and receiving skills

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

30 (1 per student)

Check all sticks for damage, ensure appropriate length for students

Alternative: Plastic hockey sticks, mini hockey sticks for smaller students

Tennis Balls

30 (1 per student)

Use tennis balls for authentic feel, foam balls for beginners

Alternative: Foam balls, larger soft balls for easier control

Cones

Various colours for different purposes, ensure visible from all angles

Alternative: Markers, spots, bean bags

Key Vocabulary

Push pass

A technique for sending the ball using a smooth pushing action with the hockey stick

Grip

How to hold the hockey stick correctly with two hands

Dribbling

Moving the ball along the ground while maintaining control with the stick

Ready position

The correct stance when holding a hockey stick: knees bent, feet shoulder-width apart

Receiving

Stopping and controlling a ball that has been sent to you

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling with hands
Understanding of sending and receiving concepts
Experience with simple equipment use

Current Skills

Hockey stick grip and stance
Basic ball control with stick
Push passing technique
Ball receiving and stopping

Next Steps

Moving while dribbling
Passing under pressure
Small-sided hockey games
Tactical awareness in hockey

Milestone Indicators

Maintains correct grip throughout activities

Keeps stick below hip height consistently

Shows smooth, controlled ball movement

Demonstrates awareness of others' safety

Key Teaching Points

Hockey stick safety - never above hip height - is the absolute priority throughout
Correct two-handed grip with hands separated creates control and power
Push pass technique requires stepping forward with left foot for maximum accuracy
Soft touches and keeping ball close are essential for good dribbling control
Partner safety positioning is crucial during all passing and shooting activities
Progressive difficulty from static to moving practice builds confidence
Positive encouragement and cooperation develop both skills and character

Common Misconceptions

Thinking hockey is about hitting the ball hard rather than controlled pushing
Believing one hand is sufficient for stick control
Assuming faster movement always means better dribbling
Expecting immediate accuracy without practice and technique focus
Not understanding that safety rules apply even during exciting games

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with frequent changes, clear movement boundaries marked, additional movement breaks, fidget tools if needed

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, simplified grip instructions, additional practice time, physical guidance for technique, celebration of small improvements

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, consistent routines for equipment collection, quiet space available if overwhelmed, predictable partner arrangements

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for navigation, tactile guidance for grip

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations with clear hand signals, written instruction cards, ensure good visual contact before speaking

physical disability

Seated hockey option with modified rules, shorter or lighter sticks available, larger targets and closer distances, peer support partners

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following multi-step instructions, using technical vocabulary, describing technique and tactics

Maths

Measuring distances for goals and passing, counting consecutive passes, scoring and adding points during games

Science

Forces and motion in push passing, friction between ball and stick, balance and stability in stance

Art

Creating patterns and pathways with ball movement, understanding shapes in game formations

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and pathways during dribbling

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at corner of activity area for maximum visibility, move to observe technique closely during skill practice

Observation Focus

Primary focus on stick height safety, secondary focus on technique development and social interaction

Intervention Points

["Immediately address any stick above hip height", "Step in if students struggling with basic grip", "Support pairs having difficulty with cooperation", "Assist with technique if fundamental errors persist"]

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate with exaggerated movements for visibility, emphasise safety aspects, show common mistakes to avoid, use student demonstrators when appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Stick down!' for height reminders
•'Soft touches!' for ball control
•'Step and push!' for passing technique
•'Two hands!' for grip reminders

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor hard court area, minimum 20m x 30m clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, level surface free from holes, debris or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all hockey sticks for cracks, splinters or sharp edges
•Ensure tennis balls are in good condition without cracks
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or damage
•Check stick length is appropriate for student height

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Hockey stick contact with other students
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Slips and falls during movement
•Collision between students during games

Risk Mitigation

•Enforce strict stick height rule (below hip level) at all times
•Ensure adequate spacing during all activities
•Clear safety demonstrations before each activity
•Partner safety positioning taught explicitly
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Immediate stop signal established and practised

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe stick height compliance across all students
•Monitor high-activity areas during games
•Watch for fatigue affecting safety compliance
•Check equipment handling during transitions

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately on safety concern, assess injury, apply first aid as needed, contact office if required