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Lesson 6 - Hockey Tournament

Controlled Competition Techniques

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Year 3

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Hockey

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45 min

Big Question

How can we work as a team and apply our hockey skills to compete fairly and effectively in a tournament?

Learning Objectives

To compete effectively in a hockey tournament format
To work collaboratively as part of a team using tactical awareness
To demonstrate and apply the school games values during competition

Key Outcomes

Students will compete in a structured hockey tournament showing good sportsmanship
Students will work effectively as team members, supporting each other and making tactical decisions
Students will apply their hockey skills confidently in competitive situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Unihoc Sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for damage before lesson

Alternative: Quick sticks if gum shields and shin pads available

Hockey balls

1 per pair (15)

Use bright coloured balls for visibility

Alternative: Tennis balls for reduced impact

Cones

20-30 cones

Set gates 1 foot apart across playing area

Alternative: Markers or bean bags

Posts

4 goals (2 pitches)

Secure goals to prevent tipping

Alternative: Cone goals 2 metres apart

Coloured Cones

4 different colours

Place in corners for final assessment activity

Alternative: Different coloured markers

Whistles

5.5

One for teacher and student referees

Alternative: Hand signals if no whistles available

Score Sheets

1 large sheet

Visible to all teams showing match schedule

Alternative: Whiteboard with fixtures written

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A competition involving multiple teams playing against each other

Umpire/Referee

The person who makes sure the game is played fairly and enforces the rules

School Games Values

Passion, self-belief, respect, honesty, determination, and teamwork

Tactical Decision

Choosing the best action based on what's happening in the game

Advantage

When play continues after a small rule break because the team with the ball isn't disadvantaged

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Can perform basic hockey dribbling with control
Understands basic hockey rules and scoring
Can work cooperatively in small groups

Current Skills

Applying skills under competitive pressure
Working as an effective team member
Understanding and applying games values

Next Steps

Advanced tactical awareness and positioning
Leadership skills in competitive situations
Transition to more complex hockey formats

Milestone Indicators

Maintains skill level during competitive pressure

Demonstrates consistent fair play and sportsmanship

Shows tactical awareness in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Tournament structure provides authentic context for skill application under pressure
Games values must be explicitly taught and reinforced throughout competitive play
Referee experience develops decision-making skills and understanding of fair play
Team tactics and communication are as important as individual hockey skills
Self-assessment and peer recognition promote reflection and positive relationships
Competitive pressure reveals true skill mastery and character development
Connection to community hockey opportunities extends learning beyond school

Common Misconceptions

Winning is more important than demonstrating games values - emphasise that character matters more than results
Only the best players should handle the ball - teach inclusive team play and shared responsibilities
Referee decisions can be argued or changed - reinforce that decisions are final and must be respected
Tournament play is about individual performance - highlight teamwork and collective success
Hockey skills don't transfer to other sports - make connections to other invasion games and transferable skills

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter game segments with regular breaks, clear role definitions during tournament, movement opportunities between games, positive behaviour reinforcement systems

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier control, simplified team tactics, extra practice time for stick skills, partner support during complex activities, reduced pressure situations

autism spectrum

Clear tournament structure and timings displayed visually, quiet zone available between games, consistent routines for team changes, advance warning of activity transitions

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of pitch layout, buddy system with sighted partner for navigation, audible goals or markers

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for referee decisions, ensure clear line of sight for demonstrations, written team tactics and tournament rules, visual tournament progress display

physical disability

Adapted stick grips or lengths as needed, modified playing area size, seated hockey variations, adjusted team sizes to ensure participation

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication during team planning, giving clear instructions as referees, explaining tactical decisions, vocabulary development

Maths

Tournament scoring systems, calculating points and league tables, time management during games, measuring playing areas and distances

Science

Understanding forces in hockey (ball movement, stick impact), body systems during exercise, energy and movement efficiency

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and movement patterns, mapping tournament fixtures and results

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions in competitive situations, respect for others, honesty and fair play, building resilience

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position between two pitches for maximum visibility, move between games to provide support and feedback

Observation Focus

Monitor skill application under pressure, games values demonstration, referee decision-making, and team cooperation

Intervention Points

Step in for safety concerns, support struggling referees, address poor sportsmanship, encourage positive team dynamics

Demonstration Notes

Model positive sportsmanship, support referee decisions, celebrate good play from all teams, maintain enthusiasm throughout tournament

Verbal Cues

•'Remember your team tactics!'
•'Great games values shown there!'
•'Referees, clear signals please!'
•'Support your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Two hockey pitch areas minimum 15m x 25m each, clear of obstacles and boundaries

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, adequate grip for running and stopping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check lightweight sticks for cracks or damage before use
•Ensure balls are appropriate weight and not too hard
•Verify goals are stable and properly positioned
•Confirm cones are visible and won't cause trips

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact with other players
•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions during competitive play
•Overexertion during tournament games
•Emotional upset from competitive results

Risk Mitigation

•Use lightweight plastic sticks only
•Emphasise one-side stick use to reduce accidents
•Maintain adequate space between playing areas
•Rotate goalkeepers to prevent fatigue
•Monitor competitive intensity and intervene if needed
•Provide water breaks during tournament

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of both playing areas
•Monitor referee decisions and support as needed
•Watch for signs of overcompetitive behaviour
•Ensure inclusive participation for all ability levels

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately for any injury, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact school emergency procedures if needed