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Lesson 4 - Ball Control and Receiving in Space

Tactical Skills Foundations

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Year 3

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Hockey

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45 min

Big Question

How can precise ball control and movement into space help your team keep possession and create scoring opportunities?

Learning 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
Use control skills to work together as a team to score points

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved ball stopping technique using the flat face of the stick
Students will show awareness of space and move to receive passes effectively
Students will apply control skills in game situations to maintain possession

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for damage before lesson

Alternative: Unihoc sticks, modified wooden sticks

Hockey balls

1 per student + 5 spares

Distribute around pitch perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for beginners

Cones

20-25

Use for boundaries and skill station markers

Alternative: Markers, bean bags

Bibs

15 (one colour)

For team identification during games

Alternative: Coloured bands, pinnies

Key Vocabulary

Control

The ability to stop and manage the ball using your stick

Receiving

Moving to collect a pass from a teammate

Space

An area on the pitch where there are no opponents

Flat face

The front surface of the hockey stick used for stopping

Close control

Keeping the ball near your stick while moving

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic stick holding and grip
Simple dribbling with close control
Understanding of personal space

Current Skills

Stopping and controlling moving balls
Moving into space to receive passes
Basic positional awareness in games

Next Steps

Passing accuracy under pressure
Tactical awareness and positioning
Advanced ball control techniques

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball stopping with flat stick face

Successful movement into space before ball arrival

Improved team play and possession retention

Key Teaching Points

Stick must be on the ground with correct angle to prevent ball bouncing over
Watch the ball all the way onto the stick head for successful stopping
Move towards the ball to receive it rather than waiting stationary
Maintain stable base with feet shoulder-width apart during receiving
Use movement into space to create easier receiving opportunities for teammates
Apply gentle cushioning when stopping to bring ball under control
Keep head up regularly during dribbling to maintain awareness of space and others

Common Misconceptions

That harder hits equal better control - actually gentle touches provide more control
That stopping means staying still - movement to meet the ball improves success
That the stick can be held anywhere - specific grip and angle are crucial for effectiveness
That fast play is always better - controlled, thoughtful play is more effective
That only attackers need good receiving skills - all players benefit from quality ball control

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with movement breaks, clear boundaries and expectations, frequent positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, extra practice time, break skills into smaller steps, visual demonstrations

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routine, visual timetable of lesson phases, quiet area available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal cues for all demonstrations, buddy system for positioning

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, written instructions on cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Adapted sticks or tools for different grip needs, seated versions of activities, modified distances and targets

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Division problems during warm-up, spatial awareness and geometry through positioning, counting and scoring

Science

Forces and motion when stopping balls, body systems during exercise, understanding momentum and control

Geography

Direction and space awareness, understanding pitch layout and boundary concepts

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, respect for rules and fair play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around outside of groups during skill practice, position at side during games for full court vision

Observation Focus

Watch for correct stick angle and body position during stopping, note space awareness during games

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggling with basic technique, address safety issues immediately

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show stick angles clearly, demonstrate common mistakes as well as correct technique

Verbal Cues

•'Stick on the ground!'
•'Watch the ball onto your stick!'
•'Find the space!'
•'Soft hands for control!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear area for main activities, additional space for warm-up

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from holes or debris that could cause trips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All hockey sticks checked for splinters or damage before use
•Hockey balls inflated to correct pressure and not cracked
•Cones positioned safely away from playing areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

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

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing requirements between groups and individuals
•Emphasis on stick safety and low stick rule
•Progressive skill building before game application
•Modified rules reducing contact and dangerous play

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups during skill practice
•Close monitoring during game play for safety compliance
•Regular equipment checks throughout lesson

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if serious