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Lesson 5 - Shooting Technique and Application

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, moving and dribbling to create the perfect shooting opportunity?

Learning Objectives

To understand when, where and why to shoot in hockey
To apply correct shooting technique with proper grip and body position
To combine prior learning of passing, moving and dribbling to create shooting opportunities

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct shooting technique with appropriate grip and follow-through
Students will identify optimal shooting positions and opportunities during game play
Students will successfully combine movement skills to create and take shooting chances

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check stick height - should reach student's hip bone when standing

Alternative: Shorter sticks for smaller students, plastic training sticks

Hockey balls

15-20 balls

Distribute around area perimeter, extras behind goals

Alternative: Tennis balls for beginners, foam balls for indoor use

Goals

3 goals

Position goals at opposite ends of playing area

Alternative: Cones 2m apart, benches on their side, wall markings

Cones

20-30 cones

Mark boundaries, shooting zones, and target areas

Alternative: Spots, bean bags, playground markings

Coloured Bibs

15 bibs (2 colours)

Ensure teams are clearly distinguishable

Alternative: Team bands, different coloured PE kit

Key Vocabulary

Shooting

Striking the ball with the stick towards the goal to score

Grip

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

Follow-through

Continuing the stick movement after hitting the ball towards the target

Shooting opportunity

A moment when you have space, time and a clear path to goal

Attack

When your team has the ball and is trying to score

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hockey grip and stick handling
Simple dribbling with control
Basic passing to stationary targets
Understanding of attacking and defending roles

Current Skills

Correct shooting grip and technique
Shooting from different positions
Combining movement skills to create shots
Understanding of optimal shooting opportunities

Next Steps

Shooting under defensive pressure
Advanced shooting techniques (flicks, deflections)
Creating shooting opportunities for teammates
Tactical awareness in shooting situations

Milestone Indicators

Consistent correct grip when shooting

Shooting attempts from appropriate positions

Successful combination of skills leading to shots

Understanding of when not to shoot

Key Teaching Points

Correct shooting grip with left hand at top, right hand lower for power
Left foot forward stance with knees bent for balance and power generation
Smooth pendulum swing motion with follow-through pointing towards goal
Shot selection - understanding when and where to shoot for success
Combining dribbling, passing, and shooting skills in game situations
Following up shots for rebound opportunities and maintaining possession
Team communication and support to create better shooting opportunities

Common Misconceptions

Shooting is just about hitting the ball as hard as possible - correct: technique and accuracy are more important than power
You should shoot whenever you get the ball - correct: shot selection and timing are crucial for success
The grip for shooting is the same as for dribbling - correct: shooting requires specific hand positioning for power
You can shoot from anywhere on the field - correct: positioning and angle affect shooting success significantly
Missing a shot means you failed - correct: shots create opportunities and learning experiences

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear visual boundaries and immediate feedback

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment for easier handling, reduce complexity of combined skills, provide extra practice time for technique development

autism spectrum

Provide clear routines and visual schedules, offer quiet zones for breaks, use consistent language and structure

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of shooting positions, implement buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for shooting cues, written instruction cards for reference

physical disability

Adapt to seated shooting position, use modified equipment for easier handling, adjust distances and targets appropriately

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring shooting distances, calculating scoring percentages, angles of shots and goal geometry

Science

Forces applied during shooting, trajectory and motion of ball, body mechanics during skill execution

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of directions and field layout, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration, resilience after missed shots, respect for opponents and fair play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corner of area for visibility of all students, move around during practice to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for correct shooting grip, safe movement with sticks, good decision making in game situations

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with basic technique, if unsafe stick handling observed, or if game becomes too physical

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Exaggerate technique points for visibility, use slow motion for complex skills, show common mistakes and corrections

Verbal Cues

•'Grip and stance!'
•'Smooth swing!'
•'Follow through!'
•'Look for the opportunity!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 25m x 30m outdoor space or large sports hall, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas that could cause falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check hockey sticks for splinters, cracks, or damaged ends
•Ensure balls are in good condition without cracks
•Verify goal posts are stable and have no sharp edges
•Confirm cones and markers are visible and positioned safely

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body during shooting practice
•Collisions between students running in same area
•Slips and falls on uneven or wet surfaces
•Stick contact with other students during movement
•Overexertion during high-intensity activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear shooting lanes established with adequate spacing
•Students positioned safely behind shooters during practice
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
•Clear boundaries and movement patterns communicated
•Regular breaks and hydration opportunities provided

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
•Monitor shooting areas for safe ball collection
•Watch for dangerous stick handling during movement
•Ensure adequate spacing maintained during games

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required, inform school office and parents as necessary