Lesson 4 - Reverse Stick Dribbling and Control
Foundation Skills Development
•Year 3
•Hockey
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How can mastering both open stick and reverse stick dribbling help you become unpredictable and successful in hockey?
Learning Objectives
- To develop dribbling using the reverse stick technique (Indian dribble)
- To understand when and why to use reverse stick dribbling in game situations
- To combine open stick and reverse stick dribbling for effective ball control
Key Outcomes
- Students will perform reverse stick dribbling with increasing control and confidence
- Students will demonstrate understanding of when to use different dribbling techniques
- Students will apply reverse stick skills effectively in small-sided games
Equipment & Resources Required
Check stick length is appropriate - should reach hip bone when standing upright
Alternative: Foam hockey sticks for younger students, shortened sticks for better control
Tennis balls are softer and slower than hockey balls, ideal for skill development
Alternative: Foam balls, plastic hockey balls, bean bags for beginners
Use bright colours for visibility, ensure cones are stable and safe
Alternative: Dome markers, chalk marks, rope markers
Needed for 2v2 games and team activities
Alternative: Different coloured cones to identify teams
Key Vocabulary
Turning the hockey stick over by crossing hands to play the ball on the left side
Alternating between open stick and reverse stick to move the ball from side to side
The normal grip position with the stick face pointing forward
Keeping the ball close to your stick and moving it with purpose
To use skill and clever movement to get past an opponent
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic hockey stick grip and stance
- Open stick dribbling with control
- Simple ball stopping and starting
- Understanding of personal space and safety
Current Skills
- Reverse stick grip and hand positioning
- Pulling the ball side to side using reverse stick
- Combining open and reverse stick in continuous dribbling
- Using reverse stick tactically in game situations
Next Steps
- Advanced Indian dribbling at speed
- Reverse stick passing techniques
- Tactical awareness in competitive situations
- Integration with other hockey skills
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Reverse stick requires crossing hands over - right hand over left for right-handed players
- Maintain stick-ball contact throughout the pulling movement for best control
- Use reverse stick tactically to change direction and outwit opponents, not just for fun
- Weight transfer from foot to foot helps maintain balance during Indian dribbling
- Keep stick height below waist at all times for safety of self and others
- Practice slowly first to build confidence, then increase speed while maintaining technique
- Reverse stick is most useful when under pressure or need to change direction quickly
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking reverse stick is just turning the stick around - emphasise the hand crossover element
- Believing hitting the ball is better than pulling - stress the pulling motion for control
- Assuming reverse stick should be used all the time - teach tactical decision making
- Thinking speed is more important than control - emphasise technique first, speed second
- Believing only advanced players can do reverse stick - encourage all students to attempt with appropriate support
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent positive feedback, allow movement breaks, use high-energy activities to channel focus positively
dyspraxia
- Use larger, slower-moving balls, provide extra practice time for grip changes, break down movements into smaller steps, offer additional demonstrations
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule of lesson structure, establish quiet zones for breaks if needed, use consistent language and routines, warning before competitive elements
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured tennis balls for better visibility, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, use tactile guidance for stick grip, create clear audio cues for direction changes
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations extensively, provide written instruction cards, use hand signals for common instructions, ensure good visual contact during teaching
physical disability
- Seated version using shorter sticks and modified ball control, adapted distances for cone courses, larger playing areas, alternative grip methods if needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting passes in 2v2 games, measuring 8m x 8m playing areas, angles of movement around cones, timing and sequencing in relay activities
Science
Understanding of forces when pulling the ball, friction between stick and ball, balance and centre of gravity during weight transfer
Geography
Directional language (left, right, around), spatial awareness, mapping routes around cones, understanding of area and boundaries
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation in pairs, resilience when learning difficult skills, respect for opponents in competitive activities, communication and leadership
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Position at corner of activity area for maximum visibility, move closer during demonstrations and skill instruction
Observation Focus
Watch for correct reverse stick grip, safe stick height, tactical application in games, and positive interactions
Intervention Points
Step in immediately if safety issues arise, provide individual support for struggling students, mediate any conflicts during competitive activities
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Always show reverse stick grip change slowly and clearly. Use exaggerated movements for visibility. Include common mistakes in demonstrations to highlight correct technique.
Verbal Cues
- •'Cross your hands over like this!'
- •'Keep that stick touching the ball!'
- •'Use reverse stick to escape!'
- •'Head up, see the space!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large sports hall or playground area minimum 30m x 20m for full class activities, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for running and stick work
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check hockey sticks for cracks or splinters before use
- •Ensure tennis balls are in good condition
- •Verify cones are stable and have no sharp edges
- •Confirm stick length is appropriate for each student
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Stick contact with other students during practice
- •Slips and falls during dynamic movement
- •Ball strikes to body or face
- •Collisions during competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Maintain strict stick height rule (below waist at all times)
- •Ensure adequate spacing between students during individual practice
- •Use soft tennis balls instead of hard hockey balls
- •Implement one-defender rule in small games to reduce contact
- •Clear boundaries and playing areas to prevent collisions
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all activities
- •Monitor high-activity areas during competitive games
- •Maintain proximity during 1v1 and 2v2 activities
- •Watch for frustration levels during skill development
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if incident occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, ensure other students remain safe and engaged