Lesson 5 - Shooting Technique and Application
Possession Skills Progression
•Year 3
•Hockey
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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
Check stick height - should reach student's hip bone when standing
Alternative: Shorter sticks for smaller students, plastic training sticks
Distribute around area perimeter, extras behind goals
Alternative: Tennis balls for beginners, foam balls for indoor use
Position goals at opposite ends of playing area
Alternative: Cones 2m apart, benches on their side, wall markings
Mark boundaries, shooting zones, and target areas
Alternative: Spots, bean bags, playground markings
Ensure teams are clearly distinguishable
Alternative: Team bands, different coloured PE kit
Key Vocabulary
Striking the ball with the stick towards the goal to score
How we hold the hockey stick - left hand at top, right hand lower for power
Continuing the stick movement after hitting the ball towards the target
A moment when you have space, time and a clear path to goal
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
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