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Lesson 7 - Open Stick Tackle

Foundation Skills Development

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Year 3

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Hockey

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Big Question

How can we use defensive skills to prevent opponents from scoring in hockey?

Learning Objectives

To be able to use an open stick tackle effectively
To understand when and how to defend an opponent
To identify successful defending moments and areas for improvement

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct open stick tackle technique
Students will apply defensive positioning in game situations
Students will evaluate their defending performance and set improvement goals

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for damage before lesson

Alternative: Foam paddles, cardboard sticks for demonstration

Tennis Balls

15 (1 between 2)

Balls distributed around perimeter of area

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for safety

Cones

60 for goals and boundaries

Goals pre-set at 3m wide, various distances

Alternative: Markers, bibs, rope for boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Open stick tackle

A defensive technique where the stick is placed low to create a barrier and block the ball

Block tackle

Using the stick as a barrier to stop the ball's progress

Defensive positioning

Standing between the opponent and the goal to protect scoring opportunities

Tackle timing

Choosing the right moment to attempt to win the ball back

Balanced stance

Low, wide position that allows quick movement in any direction

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic stick handling and ball control
Understanding of hockey rules and safety
Experience with running and stopping movements

Current Skills

Open stick (block) tackle technique
Defensive positioning and movement
Reading the game and timing interventions

Next Steps

Advanced tackling techniques
Team defensive strategies
Counter-attacking from defensive positions

Milestone Indicators

Consistent tackle success rate of 60%+

Ability to maintain defensive shape

Quick transition from defence to attack

Key Teaching Points

Wide grip on stick with hands shoulder-width apart for control and power
Low, balanced stance with knees bent and weight on balls of feet
Patience in timing - wait for the right moment to commit to tackle
Creating a barrier with the stick rather than swiping at the ball
Maintaining balance throughout the tackle attempt
Staying in line with the attacker to protect the goal
One defender per attacker to ensure fair play and safety

Common Misconceptions

That tackles should be attempted as soon as the attacker approaches - correct timing involves waiting for the right moment
That the stick should be placed down immediately when defending - mobility and positioning are crucial before committing
That harder tackles are more effective - controlled technique is more successful than force
That defenders should chase the ball everywhere - positional play and patience are more effective
That all defensive situations are the same - different scenarios require adapted techniques and timing

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with frequent changes, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback and movement breaks

dyspraxia

Larger, softer equipment, reduced complexity in multi-step instructions, extra practice time and repeated demonstrations

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available for breaks, consistent routines and predictable structure

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for spatial guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards for complex activities

physical disability

Modified tackles from seated position, larger equipment for easier handling, adapted distances and playing areas

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances for goals and playing areas, counting passes in modified games, calculating tackle success rates

Science

Understanding forces involved in stopping a moving ball, friction between ball and stick, balance and centre of gravity in defensive stance

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of angles and directions in defensive movement, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation in defensive partnerships, resilience when tackles are unsuccessful, managing competitive emotions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at various vantage points around the teaching area to observe all groups, moving frequently between activities to provide feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for correct stick grip and stance, appropriate timing of tackles, safe play within groups, and application of taught techniques

Intervention Points

Step in if students are struggling with basic technique, if safety concerns arise, or if competitive intensity becomes inappropriate

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Exaggerate all technique points for visibility, use slow motion for complex skills, involve students in demonstrations where appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Wide grip, low stance!'
•'Wait for your moment!'
•'Stay balanced and ready!'
•'Watch the ball, not the player!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor space or large sports hall with adequate ceiling height

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, stones, or other hazards that could cause trips or falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all hockey sticks for cracks, splinters, or sharp edges before use
•Ensure tennis balls are in good condition without cracks that could cause unpredictable bounce
•Verify cones are stable and have no sharp or broken edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick-to-stick contact during tackles
•Collisions between players in confined spaces
•Falls when lunging for tackles or losing balance
•Ball strikes to face or body during close play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities with adequate spacing
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic situations
•Emphasis on controlled movements and proper technique
•One-on-one tackling rule to prevent overwhelming
•Regular reminders about stick safety and control

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
•Monitor 1v1 and 2v2 games closely for fair play and safety
•Regular circulation between groups to check technique and safety
•Immediate intervention for any unsafe stick use or contact

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, and ensure other students remain safely occupied