Lesson 4 - Ball Control and Receiving in Space
Tactical Skills Foundations
•Year 3
•Hockey
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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
Check all sticks for damage before lesson
Alternative: Unihoc sticks, modified wooden sticks
Distribute around pitch perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for beginners
Use for boundaries and skill station markers
Alternative: Markers, bean bags
For team identification during games
Alternative: Coloured bands, pinnies
Key Vocabulary
The ability to stop and manage the ball using your stick
Moving to collect a pass from a teammate
An area on the pitch where there are no opponents
The front surface of the hockey stick used for stopping
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
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