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Lesson 5 - Dribbling to Beat a Defender

Foundation Skills Development

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Year 3

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Hockey

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58 min

Big Question

How can you use changes in speed and direction to outsmart a defender and create scoring opportunities?

Learning Objectives

To be able to dribble the ball with control using pull and spin techniques
To apply speed and direction changes to beat defenders in game situations
To understand the roles and responsibilities of attackers and defenders

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate controlled dribbling using pull and spin techniques
Students will successfully beat defenders by changing speed and direction
Students will show understanding of attacking and defending roles in small-sided games

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for damage before lesson starts

Alternative: Unihoc sticks or wooden sticks if plastic unavailable

Tennis Balls

1 per 3 students (10)

Balls distributed around activity areas

Alternative: Foam balls or hockey balls (if surface suitable)

Cones

40 (various colours if possible)

Pre-positioned for quick activity setup

Alternative: Markers or chalk lines if cones unavailable

Team bibs

15 (two different colours)

Distributed before game activities

Alternative: Coloured cones or verbal team identification

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Moving the ball along the ground while maintaining control with the hockey stick

Pull technique

Moving the ball from left to right (or right to left) to change direction

Spin around

Turning your back to the defender and spinning off to either side while dragging the ball

Beat a defender

Successfully getting past an opponent while maintaining possession of the ball

Bully off

Method of restarting play where two players tap sticks on ground then against each other before playing

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball control with hockey stick
Simple dribbling in straight lines
Understanding of basic rules and safety

Current Skills

Pull technique to change direction
Spin around technique for evasion
Speed variation to beat defenders

Next Steps

Advanced dribbling techniques
Combination skills (dribble to pass/shoot)
Team tactics and positioning

Milestone Indicators

Smooth execution of pull and spin techniques

Successful beating of defenders in pressure situations

Tactical awareness in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Turn the stick to change the direction of the ball during pull technique
Accelerate immediately after executing direction change to escape defender
Maintain low, wide stance during spin around for balance and ball protection
Vary approach speed to keep defenders guessing
Read defender's position before choosing which technique to use
Practice both left and right direction changes to become unpredictable
Complete the beating movement before focusing on shooting or passing

Common Misconceptions

Thinking speed alone is enough to beat defenders - direction change is equally important
Believing techniques should work every time - emphasise learning from unsuccessful attempts
Assuming bigger/stronger students will always win - technique and timing overcome size
Thinking defending is less important - good defending makes better attackers
Believing you need lots of space - techniques work in tight spaces with practice

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries and rules, regular movement breaks, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger balls initially, simplified techniques, extra practice time, focus on one technique at a time before combining

autism spectrum

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

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of techniques, assign sighted buddy for navigation

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, written instruction cards, hand signals for game management

physical disability

Seated hockey version, modified stick lengths, adapted techniques for limited mobility, focus on decision-making aspects

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Forces and motion during direction changes, friction between stick and ball, balance and centre of gravity during spins

Geography

Directions and orienteering skills, mapping movement patterns, understanding of space and positioning

PSHE

Resilience when techniques don't work immediately, teamwork during partner activities, respect for opponents and equipment

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during practice, central position during demonstrations, edge of game area during 3v3

Observation Focus

Watch for technique development, appropriate challenge level, safety compliance, and positive interactions

Intervention Points

Step in if safety rules are broken, provide additional support for struggling students, adjust challenge level as needed

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate techniques slowly first, then at game speed. Show both successful and unsuccessful attempts to aid understanding.

Verbal Cues

•'Turn that stick to change direction!'
•'Accelerate after the technique!'
•'Keep your body low during the spin!'
•'Read the defender's position first!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear space, suitable for multiple groups practicing simultaneously

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from stones or debris, suitable for hockey stick use

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all hockey sticks for cracks or splinters before use
•Ensure tennis balls are in good condition (not split or damaged)
•Position cones securely to prevent tripping

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick-to-player contact during excitement
•Collisions between students in adjacent groups
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Tripping over equipment or other students

Risk Mitigation

•Enforce stick height rule (waist level maximum) consistently
•Maintain adequate spacing between activity groups
•Ensure controlled pace during skill development
•Clear boundaries for all activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all groups during practice
•Monitor stick use carefully during games
•Stay mobile to prevent clustering of activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school procedures if needed