🏒

Lesson 6 - Game Rules & Application

Tactical Skills Foundations

•

Year 3

•

Hockey

•

45 min

Big Question

How can we use the skills we've learned to play exciting hockey games while following the rules?

Learning Objectives

Grasp and use some of the basic rules of the game
Play avoiding controlling the ball with your feet
Implement skills learned throughout the unit in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will apply basic hockey rules during competitive games
Students will demonstrate foot avoidance when playing hockey
Students will transfer previously learned skills into game contexts

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check stick length appropriate for each student

Alternative: Plastic floor hockey sticks for beginners

Hockey balls

6-8 balls

Ensure balls are regulation size and weight

Alternative: Foam balls for indoor play

Small Goal

6 small goals

Position goals securely to prevent tipping

Alternative: Cones or markers to create goal areas

Large Goals

2 large goals

Ensure goals are stable and safe

Alternative: Netball posts or marked areas on wall

Coloured Bibs

15 per team colour (2 colours minimum)

Distribute before teams are formed

Alternative: Coloured bands or pinnies

Sun Markers

12-16 cones

Create clear, visible pitch boundaries

Alternative: Rope or chalk lines for boundaries

Clipboards

1 per pitch

Designate scorekeepers for each game

Alternative: Laminated score sheets

Key Vocabulary

Free pass

A restart given to the opposing team when a rule is broken

Back stick

When the ball touches the curved back of the hockey stick

Sideline ball

Restart when ball goes out of play at the side

Goal difference

The difference between goals scored and goals conceded

Round-robin

Tournament format where every team plays every other team once

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic stick handling and ball control
Simple passing and receiving techniques
Understanding of hockey grip and stance

Current Skills

Applying rules in competitive situations
Avoiding foot contact under pressure
Combining skills in game contexts

Next Steps

Advanced tactical awareness
Complex rule applications
Leadership roles in games

Milestone Indicators

Consistent rule application without reminders

Natural foot avoidance during fast play

Effective skill transfer between practice and games

Key Teaching Points

Feet must stay away from the ball at all times - use only the stick
Free pass awarded to opposition where rule violations occur
3v2 format balances competition - team of 3 has multiple small goals, team of 2 has one large goal
Fair play and sportsmanship are more important than winning
Apply skills learned throughout the unit in competitive game situations

Common Misconceptions

That using feet is acceptable under pressure - reinforce stick-only rule consistently
That 3v2 format is unfair - explain the goal advantage balancing system
That winning is the only measure of success - emphasise effort and skill development
That rules don't matter in competitive games - maintain standards throughout
That individual play is better than teamwork - encourage passing and cooperation

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback and movement breaks

dyspraxia

Simplified stick grip aids, larger balls for easier control, additional practice time for skill development

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of tournament format, quiet area available, predictable routine structure

visual impairment

Brightly coloured balls and equipment, verbal commentary during games, buddy system with sighted partner

hearing impairment

Visual signals for game start/stop, written rule reminders, demonstration-based learning

physical disability

Seated hockey variation, modified stick length, adapted goal sizes and distances

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Scoring systems, points calculation, tournament statistics, goal differences, time management

Science

Forces in ball movement, friction on different surfaces, balance and coordination

Geography

Spatial awareness, field positioning, direction and movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork skills, leadership roles, fair play, managing competition emotions, respect for others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Circulate between games, position at corners for maximum visibility of multiple pitches

Observation Focus

Watch for rule compliance, skill application, safety issues, and fair play behaviours

Intervention Points

Step in for safety concerns, rule clarifications, team balance issues, or unsporting behaviour

Demonstration Notes

Use student examples during play, pause games for teaching moments, model positive sportsmanship

Verbal Cues

•'Sticks down, feet away!'
•'Great passing - use your teammates!'
•'Play fair, play hard!'
•'Watch the ball, not your feet!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large sports hall or outdoor area minimum 30m x 20m for multiple pitches

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from water or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Hockey sticks appropriate size and condition
•Balls properly inflated and not cracked
•Goals securely positioned and stable
•Bibs and boundaries clearly visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact with other students
•Falls during competitive play
•Ball strikes to body or head
•Collisions between players

Risk Mitigation

•Clear rules about stick height and use
•Adequate spacing between playing areas
•Controlled game format with teacher supervision
•Progressive skill building before competition

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all playing areas
•Move between games to monitor safety
•Immediate intervention for unsafe play

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school procedures if needed