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Lesson 3 - Dribbling and Passing Skills

Possession Skills Progression

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Year 3

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Hockey

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use dribbling and passing together to outsmart our opponents and keep possession in hockey?

Learning Objectives

To combine dribbling and passing skills to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities
To understand when, where and why to choose between dribbling and passing
To work effectively as a team to create space and support teammates

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate fluid combination of dribbling and passing in game situations
Students will make tactical decisions about when to dribble versus when to pass
Students will show understanding of space creation and team support play

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check appropriate length - stick should reach student's hip bone

Alternative: Unihoc sticks, shortened hockey sticks

Hockey balls

15 (1 per 2 students initially)

Store in mesh bag, distribute around area perimeter

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for beginners

Coloured Cones

40 (10 each of red, green, yellow, blue)

Set up in pairs to create gates throughout playing area

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, hoops

Goals

4-6

Position around perimeter of playing area

Alternative: Cone goals, marked areas on walls

Bibs

15 (for team identification)

Different colours for different teams in tournament

Alternative: Coloured bands, team identifiers

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Moving the ball along the ground using short controlled touches with the hockey stick

Passing

Moving the ball from one player to another using the hockey stick

Creating Space

Moving into areas away from opponents to receive the ball or draw defenders away

Possession

When your team has control of the ball

Combination Play

Using both dribbling and passing skills together to beat opponents

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hockey stick grip and ball control
Simple passing to stationary targets
Understanding of personal space and boundaries

Current Skills

Combining dribbling and passing in sequence
Creating and using space effectively
Making tactical decisions under pressure

Next Steps

Defending and tackling techniques
Advanced shooting and goal scoring
Full game strategy and positioning

Milestone Indicators

Students maintain possession for 5+ consecutive passes

Students create clear scoring opportunities through combination play

Students demonstrate tactical awareness in decision making

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise decision-making between dribbling and passing based on game situation
Highlight the importance of communication and movement off the ball
Focus on creating and using space effectively through intelligent positioning
Stress that possession is more valuable than individual skill demonstration
Celebrate tactical awareness and team play over individual success
Reinforce safety through controlled stick work and spatial awareness
Connect skills practice to game application throughout the lesson

Common Misconceptions

Students often think dribbling is always better than passing - correct by showing when passing creates better opportunities
Many believe they must always try to score individually - emphasise that team goals are more important than personal glory
Some think faster movement always equals better play - teach that controlled movement with good decisions is more effective
Students may assume static positioning is sufficient - demonstrate the importance of constant movement to create options
Many think only the player with the ball needs to think tactically - show how off-ball movement creates space for everyone

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with frequent changes, clear and simple instructions, provide movement breaks as needed

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment for easier handling, break skills into smaller steps, provide extra practice time and encouragement

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet zones for breaks, use visual schedules for activity sequence

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of playing area layout, implement buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and hand gestures for instructions, provide written rule summaries, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Adapt to seated play where appropriate, use larger/lighter equipment, modify playing areas and distances

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills during team play, descriptive language for tactics and movement

Maths

Scoring systems and point calculations, spatial awareness and angles, data collection from tournament results

Science

Forces applied through hockey stick to ball, friction between ball and surface, physics of ball movement

Geography

Directional language and spatial concepts, mapping movement patterns around playing area

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, respect for others and fair play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during activities to provide individual coaching, position centrally during demonstrations for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical decision-making, effective communication between students, safe stick control and positive team dynamics

Intervention Points

Step in if safety rules are broken, if students become frustrated with challenges, or if tactical understanding needs clarification

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstrations, involve students in tactical demonstrations, celebrate good examples during activities

Verbal Cues

•'Head up, look for space!'
•'Talk to your teammate!'
•'Soft touches with the stick!'
•'Where's the best pass?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m playing area, preferably larger for multiple game zones

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, debris or slippery patches

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Hockey sticks checked for damage - no splits, sharp edges or loose joints
•Balls properly inflated and in good condition
•Cones stable and not cracked
•Goals secure and appropriately sized

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact with other students
•Ball strikes to face/body
•Collisions during dynamic play
•Trips and falls on equipment

Risk Mitigation

•Strict rules about stick height - never above waist
•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activities
•Progressive skill building before competitive play
•Emphasis on controlled movement and spatial awareness

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups during multi-activity phases
•Monitor stick control throughout lesson
•Watch for dangerous play during tournament games
•Ensure defensive play remains non-contact

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, apply appropriate first aid, seek additional support if required