Lesson 8 - Tournament Application
Foundation Skills Development
•Year 3
•Hockey
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How can we apply all our hockey skills fairly and tactically in a competitive tournament?
Learning Objectives
- To apply defending and attacking principles and skills in a hockey tournament
- To demonstrate understanding of hockey rules and fair play
- To work effectively as a team using simple tactics
Key Outcomes
- Students will apply hockey skills in tournament games
- Students will referee games fairly using correct rules
- Students will demonstrate good sportsmanship and teamwork
Equipment & Resources Required
Check stick height is appropriate (waist level)
Alternative: Pool noodles or unihoc sticks for beginners
Keep spare balls ready for quick game restarts
Alternative: Foam balls for safety, hockey pucks for advanced
Mark pitch boundaries and goals clearly
Alternative: Markers or chalk lines
Distribute 6 different colours for team identification
Alternative: Coloured pinnards or t-shirts
Pre-prepared tournament fixtures and scoring table
Alternative: Clipboard with blank paper
Give to student referees for each game
Alternative: Voice commands if whistles unavailable
Key Vocabulary
A series of games where teams compete against each other to find a winner
The person who makes sure the rules are followed during a game
A way to start or restart a hockey game where two players contest for the ball
A penalty awarded when rules are broken, giving possession to the non-offending team
Plans and strategies used by teams to win games
Playing fairly, honestly and with respect for opponents and rules
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic hockey stick control and ball handling
- Understanding of attacking and defending roles
- Knowledge of basic hockey rules
Current Skills
- Applying skills under pressure in tournament format
- Tactical awareness in game situations
- Refereeing and rule application
Next Steps
- Advanced tactical formations
- Complex game strategies
- Leadership in team sports
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise fair play and sportsmanship throughout tournament
- Support student referees with authority and confidence building
- Celebrate tactical thinking and teamwork over individual skill
- Ensure all students get equal game time and opportunities
- Use positive language to maintain competitive spirit while promoting learning
- Connect tournament experience to real-world sport and competition
- Reinforce rule application through consistent enforcement
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking that winning is more important than fair play - emphasise sportsmanship
- Believing only high scorers contribute to team success - highlight different roles
- Assuming rules can be bent in competitive situations - reinforce consistent application
- Thinking referees should always favour their friends - promote impartial decision making
- Believing that losing means failure - celebrate effort and improvement
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter games with frequent breaks, clear role definitions, immediate feedback and celebration of good play
dyspraxia
- Larger ball for easier tracking, simplified stick handling, extra time for skill execution, supportive teammates
autism spectrum
- Clear tournament structure displayed visually, quiet spaces available between games, consistent referee routines
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, clear verbal descriptions of game situations, buddy system for navigation
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for referee decisions, written game rules displayed, clear hand signals for team communication
physical disability
- Modified stick length and weight, seated playing options, adapted goals and playing areas, alternative roles like scorer
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication during team discussions, explaining tactical decisions, giving constructive feedback
Maths
Tournament scoring systems, calculating points totals, understanding fixtures and results tables
Science
Understanding forces in striking the ball, effects of exercise on heart rate during competitive play
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning on the pitch, understanding directions and movement patterns
PSHE
Leadership skills through refereeing, conflict resolution, teamwork and cooperation under pressure
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position between playing areas for maximum visibility of all games
Observation Focus
Watch for rule application, tactical development, and sportsmanship
Intervention Points
Step in if disputes arise, support struggling referees, celebrate good play
Demonstration Notes
Use live examples from games to highlight good practice, demonstrate referee signals clearly
Verbal Cues
- •'Great tactical thinking!'
- •'Remember to spread out!'
- •'Excellent sportsmanship!'
- •'Support your referee!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Multiple playing areas minimum 15m x 20m each, clear separation between pitches
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, no overhanging branches or obstacles
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check hockey sticks for damage or splinters
- •Ensure tennis balls are not too hard or damaged
- •Verify cones are visible and securely placed
- •Check team bands are not too tight or loose
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Stick contact between players
- •Collisions during competitive play
- •Ball strikes to face or body
- •Disputes escalating during tournament
Risk Mitigation
- •Reinforce stick safety rules constantly
- •Adequate space between playing areas
- •Student referees trained in rule application
- •Teacher circulation to monitor all games
- •Clear boundaries and safe zones marked
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all playing areas
- •Monitor competitive intensity levels
- •Watch for fatigue in players
- •Ensure referee decisions are respected
Emergency Procedures
Stop all games immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, have clear access to first aid kit