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Lesson 3 - Push Passing and Ball Control

Controlled Competition Techniques

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Year 3

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Hockey

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Big Question

How can I pass the ball accurately to help my team keep possession?

Learning Objectives

To develop accurate push passing technique in hockey
To improve ball control and reception skills
To apply passing and control skills in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved push passing accuracy
Students will show better ball control when receiving passes
Students will apply these skills effectively in competitive games

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check stick height - should reach student's hip bone

Alternative: Tennis rackets or large spoons for basic technique

Hockey balls

15 (1 per pair)

Ensure balls are in good condition with no cracks

Alternative: Tennis balls or bean bags for safety

Cones

40-50

Bright colours for visibility, various sizes available

Alternative: Bean bags or markers

Hoops

Medium size hoops work best for ball collection

Alternative: Chalk circles or rope circles

Key Vocabulary

Push Pass

A hockey pass using the flat side of the stick to push the ball forward

Ball Control

Receiving and stopping the ball safely with the stick

Indian Dribbling

Moving the ball from left to right using both sides of the stick

Conventional Dribbling

Moving the ball forward using only the flat side of the stick

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic stick handling and grip
Simple dribbling techniques
Understanding of hockey safety rules

Current Skills

Push passing technique
Ball control and reception
Application in competitive situations

Next Steps

More advanced passing techniques
Passing under greater pressure
Team tactics and positioning

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with flat side of stick

Low body position when passing

Smooth weight transfer from back to front foot

Key Teaching Points

Push pass technique: low stance, left shoulder to target, smooth pushing motion
Ball control: use flat side of stick, cushion the ball, get it out of your feet
Safety first: sticks always below waist height, controlled movements
Practice makes progress: celebrate improvement, not just perfection
Teamwork: support your partner, encourage others, play fairly

Common Misconceptions

Thinking hockey is about hitting hard - emphasise control and accuracy
Believing only fast players can be good - highlight technique over speed
Assuming perfect passes every time - normalize learning from mistakes
Focusing only on individual skills - stress importance of teamwork
Thinking game winning is everything - celebrate effort and improvement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, immediate feedback

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier control, reduced complexity, extra practice time, step-by-step breakdowns

autism spectrum

Clear routines and structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, pair with sighted buddy

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written key points on board

physical disability

Seated version using hands to pass, modified equipment size, adapted distances and targets

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting gates and passes, measuring distances between partners, angles of passing direction

Science

Forces in push passing, friction between ball and ground, momentum and control

Geography

Directional language, spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns around area

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing competition emotions, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corner of area for maximum visibility, move around to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for correct push pass technique, ball control improvement, and safe play

Intervention Points

Step in when students raise sticks, lose control at unsafe speeds, or show frustration

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for technique demos, involve students in demonstrations, provide immediate feedback

Verbal Cues

•'Get low and push!'
•'Cushion the ball!'
•'Left shoulder to target!'
•'Stick stays with the ball!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m hard surface area, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from debris, no wet patches

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check hockey sticks for damage or splinters
•Ensure balls are in good condition with no cracks
•Verify cone stability and visibility

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact with other players
•Ball strikes to body or face
•Collisions during game activities
•Trips from equipment on ground

Risk Mitigation

•Strict rule: sticks never above waist height
•Clear spacing maintained between students
•Controlled movement speeds during activities
•Equipment stored safely when not in use

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all students
•Monitor stick height constantly
•Watch for appropriate pace and control

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if medical attention needed