Lesson 2 - Push Pass Technique
Foundation Skills Development
•Year 3
•Hockey
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How can I send the ball accurately to help my team keep possession and create scoring opportunities?
Learning Objectives
- To develop the push pass technique with increasing accuracy and control
- To understand how movement into space supports team possession
- To apply passing skills in simple game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct push pass technique with ball on stick
- Students will move into space to receive passes and support teammates
- Students will apply passing skills in conditioned games with improved decision-making
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all sticks for damage, ensure appropriate length for students
Alternative: Unihoc sticks, foam paddles for beginners
Tennis balls provide better control for beginners and are safer
Alternative: Foam balls, hockey balls for advanced groups
Use different colours for corners (bumps) and gates to aid visual recognition
Alternative: Spot markers, bean bags
Ensure contrasting colours for clear team identification
Alternative: Coloured bibs, pinnies
Key Vocabulary
A pass made by pushing the ball with the flat side of the stick, without any backswing
Method of restarting play where two players tap sticks alternately before competing for the ball
To read the play and position yourself to win possession of a pass intended for an opponent
Areas on the pitch that are not occupied by players, providing opportunities for movement
When your team has control of the ball and can make decisions about what to do with it
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic stick handling and dribbling skills
- Understanding of personal space and following instructions
- Basic movement patterns - jogging, side-stepping, changes of direction
Current Skills
- Push pass technique with correct body position and follow-through
- Moving into space to support team possession
- Intercepting passes and basic defensive positioning
Next Steps
- Receiving passes with first touch control
- Passing accuracy under increasing pressure
- Understanding of basic tactical patterns in attack and defence
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Push pass technique: stick on ball, step with opposite foot, push through, follow through
- Safety first: stick never above hip height in all activities
- Spatial awareness: move into space away from defenders to help teammates
- Communication: talk to your partner and teammates to improve cooperation
- Game understanding: possession means keeping the ball to create opportunities
- Fair play: follow rules, encourage others, accept decisions gracefully
- Progressive challenge: master basics before attempting advanced techniques
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking hockey is about hitting the ball hard - emphasise control and accuracy
- Believing you need to run fast to be good - emphasise decision-making and positioning
- Assuming tackling is allowed - clarify interception vs tackling in game rules
- Thinking stick can go high like tennis - reinforce hip-height safety rule
- Believing individual skill matters most - emphasise teamwork and possession
- Assuming all passes should be long - teach variety of passing distances
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear physical boundaries, regular positive reinforcement, movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment for easier manipulation, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step instructions
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, consistent routines and predictable structure
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and cones, provide clear verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations, hand signals for key teaching points, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Seated version using adapted stick work, larger equipment, modified distances, alternative scoring systems
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting passes and consecutive attempts, measuring distances for passing practice, understanding angles for accurate passing direction
Science
Understanding forces - pushing vs hitting the ball, friction between stick and ball, body mechanics during stepping action
Geography
Spatial awareness and directions, understanding of area and space usage, mapping movement patterns around the playing area
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, celebrating others' success, managing emotions during competitive activities
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Position at edge of area with clear view of all students, move between groups during practice
Observation Focus
Watch for correct push pass technique, safe stick handling, and positive social interactions
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with technique, safety rules being broken, or conflicts arising
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate push pass from side view first, then front view. Exaggerate key movements. Use confident, skilled student for additional demonstrations.
Verbal Cues
- •'Stick on ball first!'
- •'Step and push!'
- •'Follow through to your target!'
- •'Find the space!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m clear area, ideally larger for multiple 3v3 games
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •All hockey sticks checked for cracks, splinters, or sharp edges
- •Tennis balls preferred over hockey balls for safety
- •Cones stable and not creating trip hazards
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Stick contact with other players
- •Ball strikes to face or body
- •Collisions during movement activities
- •Slips and falls on surface
Risk Mitigation
- •Strict stick height rule enforced (never above hip)
- •Adequate spacing maintained between activities
- •No tackling rule in games
- •Clear boundaries and organised movement patterns
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility during games
- •Monitor stick height constantly
- •Watch for appropriate physical contact levels
- •Ensure rules are followed consistently
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed