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Lesson 1 - Open Stick Dribbling

Foundation Skills Development

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Year 3

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Hockey

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Big Question

How can we move a hockey ball with control while keeping our eyes on where we're going?

Learning Objectives

To demonstrate the correct grip and stance for hockey stick handling
To perform open stick dribbling with increasing control and confidence
To apply dribbling skills in movement patterns and simple challenges

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to hold a hockey stick correctly and maintain proper body position
Students will demonstrate controlled ball movement using the open side of the stick
Students will show improved spatial awareness while dribbling around obstacles

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks are appropriate height (waist level when standing upright)

Alternative: Unihoc sticks, floor hockey sticks

Tennis Balls

1 per student (30)

Use tennis balls for beginners as they move slower and are easier to control

Alternative: Foam balls, plastic hockey balls

Cones

60 (various colours including red and blue)

Distribute around area perimeter and create obstacle courses

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, hoops

Bibs

15 (for pair identification)

Optional for pair work activities

Alternative: Different coloured equipment

Key Vocabulary

Open stick

The flat side of the hockey stick used for dribbling and passing

Dribbling

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

Grip

How to hold the hockey stick - right hand halfway down, left hand at top

Bully off

A method of restarting play where two players tap sticks before competing for the ball

Free pass

A penalty awarded when rules are broken, such as using wrong side of stick

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic running and movement skills
Understanding of personal space and spatial awareness
Experience with ball games or similar equipment handling

Current Skills

Correct hockey stick grip and stance
Open stick dribbling technique
Ball control while moving
Spatial awareness during dribbling

Next Steps

Dribbling at increased speeds
Passing techniques with a partner
Basic defensive movements
Simple game situations

Milestone Indicators

Maintains correct grip throughout activity

Ball stays within arm's reach during movement

Can change direction without losing ball control

Shows awareness of others while dribbling

Key Teaching Points

Correct grip: left hand at top, right hand halfway down the stick
Open stick rule: only use the flat side of the stick, never the curved side
Ball position: keep ball to front and right of body on the open side
Safety first: stick must never go above hip height
Control over speed: maintain ball contact before increasing pace
Head up: use peripheral vision for ball while scanning for space
Athletic stance: bend knees, stay on balls of feet for better control

Common Misconceptions

Thinking you can use both sides of the stick - correct by demonstrating flat side rule and explaining free pass consequences
Believing faster movement equals better play - emphasise control first, speed develops naturally
Assuming you must watch the ball constantly - teach peripheral vision and trust in stick contact
Thinking the grip doesn't matter - demonstrate how wrong grip affects control and power
Believing hockey is only about hitting hard - show that control and placement are more important than power

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear and simple instructions, immediate positive feedback, movement breaks when needed

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier control, extra demonstration time, simplified movement patterns, focus on technique over speed

autism spectrum

Clear structure with visual schedule, quiet zone available if overwhelmed, consistent routines, extra time for processing instructions

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for navigation, tactile markers for boundaries

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, written or pictorial instruction cards, hand signals for directions, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Seated hockey version using shorter sticks, modified grip techniques, reduced movement area, adapted equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting touches per cone circuit, measuring distances for racing challenges, understanding angles and directions (clockwise/anticlockwise)

Science

Understanding forces when pushing ball, friction between ball and surface, balance and stability in athletic stance

Geography

Directional awareness (North, East, South, West), spatial navigation, understanding of relative positions

PSHE

Perseverance when learning new skills, encouraging others, following safety rules, honest self-reflection

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at corner or edge of area for visibility of all students, move around during activities to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip maintenance, appropriate stick height, controlled ball movement, and good spatial awareness

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for safety violations, provide technique reminders when students struggle, offer encouragement during challenges

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate with exaggerated, clear movements. Show common mistakes and corrections. Use students as positive examples when appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Stick down!' for height reminders
•'Flat side only!' for technique correction
•'Ball close!' for control reminders
•'Head up!' for awareness prompts

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear area, preferably larger for full class

Surface Check

Flat, dry surface free from holes, debris, or other hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all hockey sticks for damage, splinters, or sharp edges
•Ensure tennis balls are in good condition and not split
•Verify cones are stable and have no sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact with other students or body parts
•Slips and falls during quick direction changes
•Ball striking other students
•Collisions during racing activities

Risk Mitigation

•Strict enforcement of hip height rule for stick handling
•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between students
•Progressive skill building from walking to jogging pace
•Emphasis on control over speed throughout lesson

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
•Monitor stick handling technique constantly for safety compliance
•Watch for appropriate competitive intensity during challenges

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if unsafe behaviour observed, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, modify activity if needed