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Lesson 2 - Push Pass Technique

Foundation Skills Development

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Year 3

•

Hockey

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1h 5min

Big Question

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

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for damage, ensure appropriate length for students

Alternative: Unihoc sticks, foam paddles for beginners

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per pair)

Tennis balls provide better control for beginners and are safer

Alternative: Foam balls, hockey balls for advanced groups

Cones

30 minimum

Use different colours for corners (bumps) and gates to aid visual recognition

Alternative: Spot markers, bean bags

Team bibs

15 (for 3v3 games)

Ensure contrasting colours for clear team identification

Alternative: Coloured bibs, pinnies

Key Vocabulary

Push pass

A pass made by pushing the ball with the flat side of the stick, without any backswing

Bully off

Method of restarting play where two players tap sticks alternately before competing for the ball

Intercept

To read the play and position yourself to win possession of a pass intended for an opponent

Space

Areas on the pitch that are not occupied by players, providing opportunities for movement

Possession

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

Ball stays in contact with flat side of stick during pass

Left foot steps forward during passing action

Students move to unmarked spaces without prompting

Successful completion of 3+ consecutive passes

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