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Lesson 3 - Receiving and Trapping the Ball

Foundation Skills Development

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Year 3

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Hockey

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Big Question

How can we use our hockey stick like a wall to stop and control the ball effectively?

Learning Objectives

To be able to receive and trap the ball with increasing control
To understand when and where to move into space to help the team
To apply trapping skills in game situations with some success

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct trapping technique with stick low to ground
Students will move their feet to get in line with the ball before trapping
Students will successfully trap and control the ball in practice and game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for damage, ensure appropriate length for each student

Alternative: Adapted sticks for left-handed students, shorter sticks for accessibility

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per pair)

Use tennis balls for safety - softer than hockey balls but good for skill development

Alternative: Foam balls for less confident students, heavier balls for advanced

Cones

Use to mark playing areas, passing distances, and safety zones

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, or rope for boundaries

Team bibs

15 (for game activities)

Ensure clear team identification for Kings and Queens game

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts or pinnies

Key Vocabulary

Trapping

Stopping and controlling the ball using your hockey stick as a barrier

Barrier

Using your stick flat on the ground to block the ball's path

Cushioning

Moving the stick backwards slightly when the ball hits to soften the impact

In line

Positioning your body and stick directly behind where the ball is travelling

Bully off

Method to restart play with two players facing each other, tapping sticks before competing for ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hockey stick grip and stance
Simple dribbling with a hockey stick
Basic push pass technique

Current Skills

Trapping the ball with stick as barrier
Moving feet to get in line with ball
Cushioning ball on contact

Next Steps

Trapping while moving
One-touch passing after trapping
Advanced ball control under pressure

Milestone Indicators

Stick remains low throughout trapping motion

Student moves feet to position before ball arrives

Ball stops within one stick length of student

Key Teaching Points

Keep hockey stick flat on ground to create effective barrier for trapping
Move feet to position body behind the ball's path before attempting to trap
Use gentle cushioning motion backwards when ball contacts stick
Look at target before passing to help teammate succeed
Maintain controlled passing speeds for safety and success
Apply trapping technique consistently even under game pressure
Communicate effectively with teammates during game situations

Common Misconceptions

Students think stick should be angled upward - emphasise completely flat position
Believing they can trap any ball by reaching with stick - teach moving feet first
Thinking harder passes are better - emphasise accuracy over power
Assuming trapping is just stopping the ball - highlight importance of control after contact
Expecting immediate success - reinforce that skill development takes practice and patience

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, regular positive feedback, clear boundaries and expectations

dyspraxia

Larger equipment options, simplified movements initially, extra practice time, step-by-step instruction cards

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured tennis balls, verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for positioning guidance

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for key instructions, written rule cards available

physical disability

Seated trapping practice, shorter sticks if needed, modified distances for comfort, alternative roles in games

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances (3m, 5m spacing), counting successful passes, angles of ball movement, shape recognition in formation activities

Science

Forces in ball movement, friction between stick and ground, momentum and control, body systems during physical activity

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions and positioning, mapping movement patterns around playing area

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, fair play and sporting behaviour, supporting others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of activities for maximum visibility, position where you can see all students

Observation Focus

Stick position during trapping attempts; Foot movement and body positioning; Ball control after successful traps; Safety awareness and controlled play

Intervention Points

["Step in if passing becomes too aggressive", "Correct technique immediately if safety concerns", "Support students who are struggling with confidence", "Manage game intensity during Kings and Queens"]

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show stick position clearly Demonstrate common mistakes then correct technique Show technique in slow motion for clarity Use student volunteers to demonstrate good examples

Verbal Cues

•'Stick flat to the ground!'
•'Move your feet to get behind the ball!'
•'Cushion it backwards gently!'
•'Look at your target before passing!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m outdoor area or large sports hall, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Level playing surface, free from holes or debris, suitable for running movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all hockey sticks for splinters or damage
•Ensure tennis balls are in good condition
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes from hard passes
•Collisions between students during game
•Stick contact during close play
•Slips during quick direction changes

Risk Mitigation

•Use tennis balls instead of hockey balls for safety
•Enforce no tackling rule strictly
•Maintain adequate spacing between groups
•Emphasise controlled passing speeds
•Keep sticks low to ground throughout

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Monitor game intensity to prevent over-competitive play
•Watch for students becoming tired and losing concentration

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately on teacher signal, appropriate first aid for any injuries, emergency contact information accessible