Lesson 6 - Hockey Tournament
Controlled Competition Techniques
•Year 3
•Hockey
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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
Check all sticks for damage before lesson
Alternative: Quick sticks if gum shields and shin pads available
Use bright coloured balls for visibility
Alternative: Tennis balls for reduced impact
Set gates 1 foot apart across playing area
Alternative: Markers or bean bags
Secure goals to prevent tipping
Alternative: Cone goals 2 metres apart
Place in corners for final assessment activity
Alternative: Different coloured markers
One for teacher and student referees
Alternative: Hand signals if no whistles available
Visible to all teams showing match schedule
Alternative: Whiteboard with fixtures written
Key Vocabulary
A competition involving multiple teams playing against each other
The person who makes sure the game is played fairly and enforces the rules
Passion, self-belief, respect, honesty, determination, and teamwork
Choosing the best action based on what's happening in the game
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
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