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Lesson 2 - Passing and Receiving with Control

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 accurate passing and receiving to keep possession of the ball?

Learning Objectives

To develop accurate passing technique using the hockey stick
To control and receive the ball with increasing confidence
To understand when and where to pass to maintain possession

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct grip and passing technique
Students will receive passes with control using their stick
Students will make tactical decisions about when to pass in game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check appropriate length - stick should reach student's hip

Alternative: Large plastic hockey sticks, unihoc sticks

Hockey balls

15 (1 between 2)

Use softer balls indoors, regulation balls on suitable surfaces

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for safety

Coloured Cones

Different colours for gates and targets

Alternative: Markers, bean bags

Bibs

15 (half class)

For team identification in games

Alternative: Coloured bands, teams by clothing

Key Vocabulary

Grip

How we hold the hockey stick - left hand at top, right hand lower down

Push pass

Sliding the ball along the ground using the flat side of the stick

Control

Stopping and keeping the ball close to your stick

Space

An empty area where you can move to receive a pass safely

Possession

When your team has control of the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball control with hands and feet from other sports
Understanding of working with a partner
Basic spatial awareness and movement

Current Skills

Hockey stick grip and basic technique
Accurate passing to stationary and moving targets
Receiving and controlling with the stick
Moving into space to receive passes

Next Steps

Passing under pressure from defenders
Creating and using space in small-sided games
Combining passing with dribbling skills

Milestone Indicators

Consistent correct grip without reminders

80% pass accuracy to partner at 3-metre distance

Smooth receive-control-pass sequence

Key Teaching Points

Correct grip is fundamental - left hand at top controls direction
Push pass technique - step forward and follow through low
Receiving requires soft contact to cushion the ball
Moving into space helps the team keep possession
Communication makes passing more effective
Practice accuracy before adding speed or pressure
Safety first - sticks stay low and controlled at all times

Common Misconceptions

Harder passes are better - actually control and accuracy matter most
Only the best players should get the ball - everyone should be involved
Hockey is just about hitting the ball hard - passing and control are key skills
You can't play hockey without running fast - good positioning is more important
Defending means taking the ball away - intercepting passes is equally valuable

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive reinforcement, movement opportunities

dyspraxia

Larger equipment initially, reduced complexity of tasks, extra practice time, step-by-step breakdowns

autism spectrum

Clear routines and structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations emphasised, hand signals for instructions, written/pictorial instructions available

physical disability

Seated hockey variations, modified stick lengths, adapted distances, alternative ways to participate

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting passes and scores, measuring distances, understanding angles for passing

Science

Forces and motion in passing, friction between ball and surface, body systems during exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions and positioning, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, communication and leadership

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for optimal viewing angles, central position for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip, ball control, spatial awareness, and safe play

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for safety issues, provide technique support during practice

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, demonstrate from multiple angles, use confident students for peer demonstration

Verbal Cues

•'Left hand at top, right hand lower!'
•'Push, don't hit the ball!'
•'Move into space to help your team!'
•'Soft touches for control!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m for full lesson, adaptable to hall space

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from debris and obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Hockey sticks appropriate length for each student
•Check sticks for damage or splinters
•Use softer balls indoors or for beginners
•Ensure adequate stick to student ratio

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact with other students
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Collisions during movement activities
•Trips and falls from equipment

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Minimum 2-metre spacing during individual practice
•Sticks kept low at all times
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Clear rules about stick carrying and usage

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Monitor high-activity areas during games
•Intervene immediately for unsafe stick use
•Ensure understanding of safety rules before activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required