Lesson 1 - Dribbling and Control
Possession Skills Progression
•Year 3
•Hockey
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How can we use hockey sticks to control the ball and keep possession from opponents?
Learning Objectives
- To introduce and develop basic hockey dribbling technique with correct stick grip
- To understand when, where and why to dribble in invasion games
- To maintain control and possession while changing direction and speed
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct stick grip with left hand at top and right hand lower
- Students will dribble using flat side of stick while maintaining control
- Students will show understanding of dribbling tactics in game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all sticks for damage, ensure appropriate height
Alternative: Shorter plastic sticks for younger students
Distribute around area perimeter before lesson starts
Alternative: Softer foam balls, larger balls for easier control
Mark out 6 practice areas, 4-5 cones per area
Alternative: Markers, quoits, or chalk marks
One colour per practice group for easy identification
Alternative: Team bands, coloured cones for identification
Key Vocabulary
Moving the ball along the ground while maintaining control using the hockey stick
The smooth side of the hockey stick blade used for ball control
How we hold the hockey stick - left hand at top, right hand lower
Having control of the ball with your team
When the defending team gains possession of the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball control with hands in previous invasion games
- Understanding of personal space and spatial awareness
- Basic movement patterns - running, stopping, changing direction
Current Skills
- Correct hockey stick grip and stance
- Basic dribbling technique using flat side of stick
- Control and possession in static and moving situations
Next Steps
- Passing the ball to teammates
- Receiving passes while moving
- Shooting at goal with accuracy
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Correct grip is fundamental - left hand at top, right hand lower on stick
- Always use flat side of stick blade for ball control and dribbling
- Keep ball close to body using small, controlled touches
- Head up for spatial awareness and safety - avoid looking down at ball
- Bend knees and stay balanced for better control and movement
- Use body to protect ball when under pressure from defenders
- Change direction by adjusting stick angle, not just running differently
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking you need to hit the ball hard to dribble effectively - correct with emphasis on soft, controlled touches
- Believing you can only dribble in straight lines - teach that changing direction is key to beating opponents
- Assuming the rounded edge of stick can be used - consistently reinforce flat side only rule
- Thinking dribbling is only about speed - emphasise control and decision making over pace
- Believing you should always dribble when you have the ball - introduce concept of when dribbling is appropriate
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments with clear transitions, movement breaks, fidget tools available during instruction
dyspraxia
- Larger/softer balls for easier control, simplified movements focusing on one skill at a time, extra practice time
autism spectrum
- Clear visual routine schedule, quiet zones available for breaks, consistent language and expectations
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and audible balls, provide verbal cues for direction, assign buddy for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, use visual start/stop signals
physical disability
- Seated hockey version using hands if needed, modified lighter sticks, adjust area size for mobility aids
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting gate passes, measuring distances for activities, understanding angles for direction changes
Science
Forces and motion when moving ball, friction between stick and ball, body systems during exercise
Geography
Directional language - left, right, forward, backward, spatial awareness concepts
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when making mistakes, respect for others and equipment
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at corner of area for maximum visibility, move between groups during activities
Observation Focus
Watch for correct grip, ball control, safe spacing, and positive interactions
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for unsafe stick use, provide technique support during skill breakdown
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate with exaggerated movements for visibility, contrast correct vs incorrect technique, use students as positive examples
Verbal Cues
- •'Flat side only!'
- •'Soft touches, keep it close!'
- •'Head up, find space!'
- •'Knees bent, ready position!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m, clear of obstacles with non-slip surface
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from stones, leaves or other hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all hockey sticks for cracks, splinters or loose grips before use
- •Ensure balls are appropriate size and not over-inflated
- •Cones should have no sharp edges or cracks
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Stick contact with other students during swinging motions
- •Ball strikes to head, face or body
- •Collisions during movement activities
- •Slips and falls on outdoor surfaces
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and maintained throughout lesson
- •Adequate spacing between students during all activities (minimum 3 metres)
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
- •Emphasis on controlled movements and awareness of others
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all students at all times, particularly during game activities
- •Move around groups during activities to monitor technique and safety
- •Monitor fatigue levels and provide rest breaks as needed
Emergency Procedures
Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation route planned