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Lesson 8 - Tournament Application

Foundation Skills Development

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Year 3

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Hockey

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Big Question

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

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check stick height is appropriate (waist level)

Alternative: Pool noodles or unihoc sticks for beginners

Tennis Balls

3 (1 per pitch)

Keep spare balls ready for quick game restarts

Alternative: Foam balls for safety, hockey pucks for advanced

Cones

Mark pitch boundaries and goals clearly

Alternative: Markers or chalk lines

Team bibs

30 (5 teams of 6)

Distribute 6 different colours for team identification

Alternative: Coloured pinnards or t-shirts

Score Sheets

1 per teacher

Pre-prepared tournament fixtures and scoring table

Alternative: Clipboard with blank paper

Whistles

3 (1 per pitch)

Give to student referees for each game

Alternative: Voice commands if whistles unavailable

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A series of games where teams compete against each other to find a winner

Referee

The person who makes sure the rules are followed during a game

Bully Off

A way to start or restart a hockey game where two players contest for the ball

Free Pass

A penalty awarded when rules are broken, giving possession to the non-offending team

Tactics

Plans and strategies used by teams to win games

Sportsmanship

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

Students consistently apply rules without prompting

Teams show tactical awareness during games

Students demonstrate leadership and fair play

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