Lesson 6 - Moving into Space After Passing
Foundation Skills Development
•Year 3
•Hockey
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How can I help my team by making clever movements after I pass the ball?
Learning Objectives
- To move into space after passing the ball to maintain possession
- To understand the importance of positioning in attack and defence
- To apply passing and moving skills in game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate movement into space after passing
- Students will show understanding of attacking and defending roles
- Students will apply tactical awareness in small-sided games
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all sticks are appropriate height (hip level)
Alternative: Can use tennis rackets for younger students
Store in container for easy distribution
Alternative: Soft play balls or bean bags for beginners
Use different colours for different purposes
Alternative: Markers, spots, or other boundary markers
Ensure clear colour contrast between teams
Alternative: Coloured bibs or simply designate shirt colours
Key Vocabulary
An empty area on the pitch where there are no opponents
Sending the ball to a teammate then immediately moving to a new position
Positioning yourself to help the teammate with the ball
When your team has control of the ball
The way to restart play in hockey with two players facing each other
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic hockey stick handling and control
- Simple passing techniques with hockey stick
- Understanding of personal space and movement
Current Skills
- Moving into space after passing
- Reading the game for positioning opportunities
- Supporting teammates through movement
Next Steps
- Advanced tactical positioning in larger games
- Creating space for others through movement
- Understanding complex attacking patterns
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Move into space immediately after passing the ball
- Look up before passing to find your target and check for space
- Choose spaces away from defenders when in possession
- Support your teammates by moving to helpful positions
- Control the ball before making your next pass
- Keep hockey sticks below waist height at all times
- Work as a team to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities
Common Misconceptions
- Standing still after passing is okay - correct by emphasising immediate movement
- Always pass to the closest player - teach about finding players in better positions
- Moving anywhere counts as good movement - emphasise moving to useful space
- Individual skill is more important than teamwork - highlight how movement helps others
- Faster passing is always better - focus on controlled, accurate passing first
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Use shorter activity bursts, provide clear boundaries, give specific roles and responsibilities, offer movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Use larger, softer balls, reduce complexity of movements, provide extra practice time, break skills into smaller steps
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules, offer quiet zones, give advance warning of activity changes
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of space and movement, assign sighted buddy for support
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written task cards, ensure student can see teacher's face
physical disability
- Modify to seated hockey or use larger, lighter equipment, adjust playing area size, provide alternative scoring methods
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting passes and points, measuring distances for goals and playing areas, calculating time for activities
Science
Understanding forces in passing, effects of exercise on the body, studying movement and friction
Geography
Directional movement, spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns around the teaching area
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, communication skills, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating others' success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Position yourself where you can see all students, moving around the perimeter of activities to monitor safety and provide feedback
Observation Focus
Watch for safe stick handling, effective movement into space, and appropriate passing technique
Intervention Points
Step in if stick safety rules are broken, if students are not finding space effectively, or if games become too physical
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to show concepts clearly, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate, and always emphasise safety
Verbal Cues
- •'Pass and move!'
- •'Find space away from others!'
- •'Look up before you pass!'
- •'Support your teammate!'
- •'Stick below waist height!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m for full class activities, additional space for multiple small-sided games
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for running and quick direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all hockey sticks for splinters, cracks, or sharp edges
- •Ensure sticks are appropriate height (hip level) for each student
- •Inspect tennis balls for damage that could cause unpredictable bounces
- •Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during movement activities
- •Hockey stick injuries from improper handling or height
- •Slips and falls during quick direction changes
- •Ball strikes from uncontrolled passes
Risk Mitigation
- •Establish clear boundaries and movement rules from the start
- •Maintain adequate spacing between groups and activities
- •Enforce stick safety rules (below waist height, controlled handling)
- •Progressive skill building to develop control before adding pressure
- •Regular safety reminders throughout the lesson
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all active areas
- •Move around the teaching space to monitor all groups
- •Pay particular attention during game situations for stick safety
- •Monitor fatigue levels and intervene if students become reckless
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately on safety signal, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required