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Lesson 2 - Dribbling and Ball Control Mastery

Controlled Competition Techniques

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Year 3

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Hockey

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45 min

Big Question

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

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for damage before use

Alternative: None - essential safety equipment

Hockey balls

1 per student (30)

Distributed around area perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Tennis balls for beginners, foam balls for safety

Cones

40-50 cones

Various colours for different activities and boundaries

Alternative: Dome markers, bean bags

Game Balls

4-6 balls

For Cannonball Run activity only

Alternative: Soft foam balls, bean bags

Bibs

15 (different colours)

For identifying different groups during activities

Alternative: Coloured bands, team identifiers

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Moving the ball forward with small controlled touches using the hockey stick

Indian Dribble

Advanced dribbling technique rotating stick to move ball left and right while advancing

Close Control

Keeping the ball very near to the stick for maximum control and protection

Shielding

Using your body position to protect the ball from an opponent

Body Position

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

Maintains ball control while changing direction at speed

Demonstrates effective body positioning when shielding

Uses accurate technical terms when assessing peers

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