Tactical Skills Foundations
Hockey
•Year 3
•6 Lessons
This unit introduces Year 3 students to hockey through a tactical games approach, where technical skills develop naturally through problem-solving scenarios. Rather than isolated skill practice, students learn ball control, passing, and defensive positioning through engaging game situations that mirror real hockey challenges. The emphasis on spatial awareness and decision-making builds confident, thinking players who understand both the 'how' and 'why' of hockey skills.
Lessons in This Unit
6 lessons in this unit
Lesson 1
Big Question:
How can we keep the ball close to us while moving towards our target?
Key Objectives:
- • Recognise key features of a hockey stick, including correct grip technique
- • Control and move the ball using the flat side of the stick with close dribbling
Lesson 2
Big Question:
How can we use space cleverly to help our teammates and create scoring opportunities?
Key Objectives:
- • Control the hockey ball and send it into space where teammates can collect it safely
- • Work collaboratively to move the ball around using tactical awareness
Lesson 3
Big Question:
How can smart positioning help us win the ball back without even touching it?
Key Objectives:
- • Use defensive body position in preparation for tackling
- • Apply defensive positioning to force mistakes and regain possession
Lesson 4
Big Question:
How can precise ball control and movement into space help your team keep possession and create scoring opportunities?
Key Objectives:
- • Control the ball and pass consistently to stop a moving ball ready to pass or shoot
- • Move into space to receive the ball effectively
Lesson 5
Big Question:
How can quick changes of direction help you beat opponents and defend in hockey?
Key Objectives:
- • To practise and develop agility skills through specific drills and activities
- • To identify when and why agility is needed in hockey game situations
Lesson 6
Big Question:
How can we use the skills we've learned to play exciting hockey games while following the rules?
Key Objectives:
- • Grasp and use some of the basic rules of the game
- • Play avoiding controlling the ball with your feet