Lesson 2 - Dribbling and Ball Control Mastery
Controlled Competition Techniques
•Year 3
•Hockey
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How can you use your body and stick position to protect the ball while moving with control?
Learning Objectives
- To develop and refine dribbling technique with increased control and speed
- To demonstrate effective ball shielding using body positioning
- To evaluate peer performance using appropriate technical vocabulary
Key Outcomes
- Students will dribble with improved close control and directional changes
- Students will shield the ball effectively using body position
- Students will provide constructive feedback using hockey terminology
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all sticks for damage before use
Alternative: None - essential safety equipment
Distributed around area perimeter for easy collection
Alternative: Tennis balls for beginners, foam balls for safety
Various colours for different activities and boundaries
Alternative: Dome markers, bean bags
For Cannonball Run activity only
Alternative: Soft foam balls, bean bags
For identifying different groups during activities
Alternative: Coloured bands, team identifiers
Key Vocabulary
Moving the ball forward with small controlled touches using the hockey stick
Advanced dribbling technique rotating stick to move ball left and right while advancing
Keeping the ball very near to the stick for maximum control and protection
Using your body position to protect the ball from an opponent
How you place your body in relation to the ball and opponent for best control
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic hockey stick grip and ball contact
- Simple ball pushing and stopping
- Understanding of personal space and safety
Current Skills
- Advanced dribbling with close control
- Indian dribble technique
- Ball shielding and body positioning
- Peer assessment using technical vocabulary
Next Steps
- Dribbling under pressure in game situations
- Combination skills linking dribbling with passing
- Advanced shielding techniques in small-sided games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Maintain ball close to stick through small, controlled touches
- Keep head up for spatial awareness while maintaining ball control
- Use body positioning to shield ball effectively from opponents
- Apply Indian Dribble technique with left wrist rotation and steady right hand
- Practice progressive skill development from individual to partner to group applications
- Develop peer assessment skills using accurate technical vocabulary
- Emphasise safety and control over speed and aggression in all activities
Common Misconceptions
- Hitting ball hard equals better control - correct with emphasis on small touches
- Looking down at ball improves control - teach importance of head up awareness
- Shielding means pushing opponent away - clarify legal body positioning techniques
- Speed is more important than technique - emphasise control first, speed second
- Indian Dribble uses both hands equally - teach left wrist dominance with right hand support
- Assessment is only about winning - develop understanding of technique and effort evaluation
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments with regular changes, clear boundaries and rules, frequent positive feedback, physical release activities between stations
dyspraxia
- Slower demonstrations with step-by-step breakdown, larger equipment for easier control, additional practice time, simplified instructions
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, consistent routines and predictable structure, advance warning of transitions
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, tactile guidance for stick grip, buddy system for navigation
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards at stations, hand signals for game rules, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Seated hockey variations, modified stick lengths, larger target areas, adapted equipment for different grip capabilities
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting touches and successful attempts, measuring distances in circuit activities, angles of direction changes, timing rotations
Science
Forces applied to ball, friction between ball and surface, body mechanics and leverage in shielding, momentum and direction changes
Geography
Spatial awareness and mapping movement patterns, understanding directions and orientations, navigation through circuit courses
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation skills, resilience when facing challenges, managing emotions during competition, leadership and responsibility
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter for maximum visibility, position near challenging activities, central location during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for correct technique application, safety compliance, engagement levels, peer interaction quality
Intervention Points
Step in when technique breaks down significantly, unsafe play develops, students become frustrated, or learning opportunities arise
Demonstration Notes
Use slow motion for complex skills, exaggerate key points for visibility, involve students in demonstrations, repeat key techniques multiple times
Verbal Cues
- •'Small touches, ball close!'
- •'Head up, see the space!'
- •'Wide base, protect the ball!'
- •'Use your body as a shield!'
- •'Left wrist rotates, right hand steady!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m clear area for full class activities, plus 6 station areas for circuit work
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or obstacles that could cause trips or falls
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •All hockey sticks checked for cracks, splinters, or damage before lesson
- •Hockey balls inflated correctly and checked for cracks
- •Cones checked for sharp edges or damage
- •Sponge balls soft and appropriate for safe rolling only
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Stick contact with other students during movement
- •Ball strikes to head or body during activities
- •Collisions during partner and group work
- •Trips or falls during direction changes
- •Aggressive contact during shielding and games
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for all activities
- •Adequate spacing maintained between students and groups
- •Progressive skill building from individual to partner to group
- •Emphasis on control over speed throughout lesson
- •Clear rules for safe stick handling and ball contact
- •No body contact allowed during competitive elements
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all active areas
- •Monitor circuit stations regularly during rotations
- •Intervene immediately if unsafe play develops
- •Ensure clear sight lines during game applications
- •Position near highest risk activities (King of the Ring)
Emergency Procedures
Stop signal clearly established, immediate assessment of injuries, appropriate first aid response, clear evacuation routes identified