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Lesson 4 - Passing, Receiving and Dribbling

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 combine passing and dribbling to create space and keep possession?

Learning Objectives

To develop passing accuracy and timing in game situations
To improve receiving skills under pressure with good first touch
To understand when to dribble versus when to pass for maximum effectiveness

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved passing accuracy in 3v1 possession games
Students will show better ball control when receiving passes at speed
Students will make tactical decisions about when to pass or dribble in game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check for correct length - stick should reach student's hip when standing upright

Alternative: Unihoc sticks, rounders bats for adapted version

Hockey balls

15 (1 per 2 students)

Distribute around perimeter of playing area

Alternative: Soft play balls, tennis balls for beginners

Cones

Use for boundaries and target areas

Alternative: Markers, bean bags

Bibs

15 (3 different colours)

For team identification in games

Alternative: Coloured bands, team cards

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Moving the ball forward with your stick using small, controlled touches

Passing

Sending the ball accurately to a teammate using your stick

Receiving

Controlling the ball when it comes to you from a pass

First Touch

The first contact you make with the ball when receiving it

Possession

Having control of the ball as a team

Creating Space

Moving away from defenders to give yourself more room to play

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic stick holding technique
Simple ball pushing and stopping
Understanding of personal space and boundaries

Current Skills

Accurate passing over 5-10 metres
Receiving with good first touch control
Dribbling with changes of direction and speed

Next Steps

Passing under defensive pressure
One-touch passing combinations
Advanced dribbling skills and feints

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball control during movement

Quick decision making between pass and dribble

Fluid transitions between attack and defence

Key Teaching Points

Always emphasise safety through proper stick handling and no-tackling rules
Focus on accuracy before power in all passing activities
Encourage looking up during dribbling to develop game awareness
Use positive reinforcement to build confidence in skill development
Connect individual skills to team success in game situations
Provide clear demonstrations of all key techniques before practice
Adapt challenges to individual ability levels throughout the lesson

Common Misconceptions

Students think harder passes are always better - emphasise accuracy and appropriate power
Belief that dribbling is always better than passing - teach decision making about when each is appropriate
Assumption that only the receiver can score - explain how team play creates opportunities
Thinking hockey is just about individual skills - highlight importance of teamwork and communication
Misconception that mistakes mean failure - emphasise learning through practice and improvement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent positive feedback, use clear visual boundaries for activities

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment for better control, allow extra practice time, break skills into smaller steps with more repetition

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of activities, establish quiet zones if needed, maintain consistent routines throughout

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and sticks, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for key instructions, position where student can see teacher clearly

physical disability

Adapt to seated hockey version, use larger lighter sticks, modify distances and playing area size as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances for passing accuracy, timing activities, counting successful passes and calculating percentages

Science

Understanding forces in passing power, friction between stick and ball, body mechanics during movement

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions and movement patterns, mapping team positions and movements

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, leadership skills during team activities

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corners of activities for maximum visibility, move around during games to monitor all players

Observation Focus

Watch for correct stick technique, spatial awareness, and safe movement patterns throughout

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe stick use occurs, if no-tackling rule is broken, or if students show signs of frustration

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for key teaching points, demonstrate both correct and incorrect technique for clarity, involve students in demonstrations when safe

Verbal Cues

•'Soft hands for receiving!'
•'Pass when under pressure!'
•'Look up when dribbling!'
•'Move to space to help your team!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m indoor space or equivalent outdoor area, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Non-slip surface suitable for hockey activities, check for loose equipment or hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check hockey sticks for damage or splintering
•Ensure balls are in good condition without cracks
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick collisions during close play
•Ball strikes to body or face
•Slips and falls during quick direction changes
•Collisions between students during games

Risk Mitigation

•Enforce no tackling rule consistently
•Maintain adequate spacing between activities
•Teach safe stick handling throughout
•Clear boundaries for all activities
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Monitor high-activity areas during games
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety
•Ensure no tackling rule is followed

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or call for medical support as needed