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Lesson 1 - Stick Control and Ball Dribbling

Controlled Competition Techniques

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Year 3

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Hockey

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55 min

Big Question

How can I use a hockey stick to move a ball precisely where I want it to go?

Learning Objectives

Develop basic stick grip and control techniques
Practice ball dribbling with increasing confidence and control
Demonstrate safe hockey techniques whilst maintaining spatial awareness

Key Outcomes

All students will be able to hold a hockey stick correctly and attempt ball control
Most students will be able to dribble a ball confidently using the flat side of the stick
Some students will demonstrate precise ball control whilst moving around obstacles

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks are appropriate length (reaching mid-thigh when standing upright)

Alternative: Foam hockey sticks for beginners, uni-hoc sticks as backup

Hockey balls

1 per student + 10 spares (40 total)

Use standard white hockey balls, check for cracks or damage

Alternative: Tennis balls for easier control, foam balls for nervous students

Cones

20-25

Various sizes - large cones for boundaries, small cones for weaving

Alternative: Markers, spots, or bean bags

Hoops

10-12

Large enough for multiple balls, positioned around activity area

Alternative: Marked circles with chalk, rope circles

Mats

30-40

Bright colours for visibility, non-slip if possible

Alternative: Paper plates, chalk circles, laminated circles

Bibs

10 (for dragon interceptors)

Bright colours to distinguish dragons from runners

Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured tops

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Moving the ball along the ground using controlled pushes with the flat side of the hockey stick

Flat side

The smooth, flat surface of the hockey stick blade used for all ball contact

Trapping

Stopping the ball by placing the flat side of the stick on top of it against the ground

Grip

How you hold the hockey stick - left hand at top, right hand lower down the handle

Bridge position

Stance over the ball with stick creating a bridge shape, flat side facing the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic spatial awareness and movement patterns
Understanding of team games and following instructions
Experience with ball games using hands or feet

Current Skills

Correct hockey stick grip and handling
Basic ball control using flat stick surface
Stopping and starting ball movement on command
Simple dribbling techniques

Next Steps

Passing techniques to teammates
Receiving balls from different angles
Simple tactical awareness in small games
Introduction to shooting techniques

Milestone Indicators

Maintains correct grip throughout activities

Keeps ball within one metre of stick during dribbling

Can stop ball cleanly on first attempt

Shows confidence when moving with ball

Key Teaching Points

Left hand at top of stick, right hand lower - this grip never changes
Only the flat side of the stick ever touches the ball - rounded side is forbidden
Ball stays on the right side of the body at all times during dribbling
Small, controlled pushes keep the ball close - maximum 1 metre away from stick
Eyes focused on the ball during all dribbling activities
Knees bent and low body position for better control and balance
Safety first - sticks must stay low, never above waist height during activities

Common Misconceptions

Students think they can use the rounded side of the stick - emphasise flat side only rule
Many believe they need to hit the ball hard - teach controlled pushes instead
Confusion about which hand goes where on stick - practice grip repeatedly
Thinking they can switch the ball to their left side - reinforce right side only
Belief that faster dribbling equals better control - emphasise control over speed
Assumption that hockey is similar to football - highlight key differences in technique

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with regular praise, clear boundaries marked, fidget tools available during reflection time

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier target, extra practice time for grip, simplified movement patterns, additional verbal cues

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson structure, quiet practice area available, consistent routines and language

visual impairment

Use bright orange balls for contrast, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system with sighted partner

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for stop/start commands, demonstrate all instructions clearly, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Shorter sticks or adapted grips available, seated versions of skills, modified distances for activities

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting balls collected in teams, measuring distances for relay races, angles when moving around cones

Science

Forces and motion when pushing ball with stick, friction between ball and surface, balance and stability

Geography

Directional language - left, right, around, through, spatial awareness and mapping movement

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, fair play and honesty in competition

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly around activity area to observe all students, position at corner of area for maximum visibility during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct stick grip, ball control, spatial awareness, and adherence to safety rules

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggling with grip, losing control of ball, or showing unsafe stick handling

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, demonstrate incorrect technique followed by correct technique, involve confident students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Soft touches, keep it close!'
•'Flat side faces the ball!'
•'Bend those knees!'
•'Stick behind the ball!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m hard surface area, preferably playground or sports hall

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from water, leaves, or other slip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all hockey sticks for cracks or splinters
•Ensure stick length appropriate for each student (mid-thigh height)
•Verify balls are in good condition without cracks
•Confirm cones are stable and not damaged

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact between students
•Trips and falls during running activities
•Ball strikes to other students
•Collisions during relay races

Risk Mitigation

•Maintain minimum 2m spacing during individual skills
•Emphasise keeping sticks low at all times
•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Staggered starts in relay races to prevent bunching

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe maximum number of students
•Monitor stick height and technique constantly
•Watch for fatigue that might compromise safety
•Intervene immediately if unsafe behaviour observed

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately on safety concerns, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or seek additional support as needed