Lesson 3 - Push Passing and Ball Control
Controlled Competition Techniques
•Year 3
•Hockey
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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
Check stick height - should reach student's hip bone
Alternative: Tennis rackets or large spoons for basic technique
Ensure balls are in good condition with no cracks
Alternative: Tennis balls or bean bags for safety
Bright colours for visibility, various sizes available
Alternative: Bean bags or markers
Medium size hoops work best for ball collection
Alternative: Chalk circles or rope circles
Key Vocabulary
A hockey pass using the flat side of the stick to push the ball forward
Receiving and stopping the ball safely with the stick
Moving the ball from left to right using both sides of the stick
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
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