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Lesson 6 - Level 1 Hockey Tournament

Advanced Skills Integration

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Year 4

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Hockey

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Big Question

How can we apply our hockey skills to win games and work as an effective team?

Learning Objectives

Apply understanding of passing, receiving, moving and dribbling in competitive game situations
Demonstrate effective defensive strategies including marking opponents and understanding blocking vs tackling
Work collaboratively in teams whilst competing against others respectfully

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully apply hockey techniques in tournament matches
Students will demonstrate tactical understanding through effective attacking and defending
Students will evaluate team performance and suggest improvements

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check stick height is appropriate - should reach hip height when student stands upright

Alternative: Unihoc sticks, shortened hockey sticks for smaller students

Hockey balls

6-8 balls

Have spare balls ready around pitch perimeter for quick retrieval

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for safety modification

Cones

22 cones

Mark out 3-4 small pitches approximately 20m x 15m each

Alternative: Markers, bibs as boundary markers

Goals

6-8 goals

Position goals at ends of each pitch, ensure stable and safe

Alternative: Cone goals, wall targets, hula hoops on sides

Bibs

2 sets per pitch (12-16 bibs)

Clearly distinguish teams - each team needs same colour

Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured equipment

Sun Markers

1 set

For recording results and displaying tournament progress

Alternative: Clipboard and paper, tournament chart

Stopwatch

For timing match duration and intervals

Alternative: Phone timer, classroom clock

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A competition where teams play multiple matches to determine a winner

Round Robin

A tournament format where each team plays every other team once

Marking

Staying close to an opponent to prevent them receiving the ball or making progress

Intercepting

Reading the game to get in the path of a pass and win possession

Blocking

Using your stick to prevent the ball going past you without making contact with opponent

Tackling

Actively challenging for the ball by moving your stick to win possession

Semi-circle

The curved area in front of the goal where special rules may apply

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hockey stick grip and ball control
Simple passing and receiving techniques
Understanding of attacking and defending concepts
Experience of small-sided games

Current Skills

Applying skills under competitive pressure
Making tactical decisions in game situations
Working effectively as a team unit
Self-managing games and evaluating performance

Next Steps

Advanced tactical formations
Specialist positions and roles
Complex game strategies
Leadership and coaching skills

Milestone Indicators

Consistent skill execution under pressure

Clear understanding of team roles

Effective communication during games

Ability to adapt tactics based on game flow

Key Teaching Points

Tournament format provides authentic context for skill application
Blocking technique is safer than tackling for this age group
Semi-circle scoring restriction adds tactical complexity for advanced students
Team reflection between rounds develops tactical understanding
Self-management of games builds independence and responsibility
Equal emphasis on skill development and competitive enjoyment
Sportsmanship and respect are as important as hockey skills

Common Misconceptions

Winning is more important than skill development - emphasise learning and improvement
Tackling is always better than blocking - teach when each technique is appropriate
Individual skill is more important than teamwork - highlight successful team examples
Tournament pressure means abandoning tactics - encourage teams to stick to their plans
Competition should eliminate cooperation - model respect and support for all teams
Results define success - celebrate effort, improvement, and sportsmanship equally

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent rotation keeps engagement high, clear boundaries and rules, regular positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger equipment options, simplified tactics, extra time for skill execution, reduced pressure situations

autism spectrum

Clear tournament structure, visual schedule of matches, quiet area available, consistent routines

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and equipment, buddy system for guidance, clear verbal descriptions of tournament progress

hearing impairment

Visual signals for game start/stop, written tournament charts, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Modify rules for wheelchair users, adapt goals and playing area, provide alternative roles such as coaching

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, following and giving instructions, team discussion and evaluation

Maths

Scoring systems, tournament calculations, time management, statistics recording

Science

Heart rate changes during exercise, forces in hockey actions, trajectory of ball flight

Geography

Spatial awareness, tactical positioning, understanding of playing areas and boundaries

PSHE

Teamwork, resilience, managing competition, respect for others, leadership development

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position allowing visual access to all pitches, rotate between games for closer observation

Observation Focus

Monitor skill application, team cooperation, safety, and fair play across all matches

Intervention Points

["Step in if dangerous play observed", "Support teams struggling with tactics", "Address any sportsmanship issues immediately", "Provide encouragement during difficult moments"]

Demonstration Notes

Be ready to stop games briefly to highlight excellent examples of skill or sportsmanship

Verbal Cues

•'Great teamwork!'
•'Remember to block, not tackle!'
•'Look for the pass!'
•'Well played both teams!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Multiple 20m x 15m areas for 3v3 games, minimum 2m between pitches

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, goals securely positioned

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check hockey sticks for damage, especially blade edges
•Ensure balls are appropriate weight and condition
•Verify goals are stable and safe
•Check bibs are in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact during tackles
•Collisions between competitive players
•Overexertion during tournament
•Poor sportsmanship leading to disputes

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise blocking over tackling throughout
•Clear boundaries between pitches
•Regular hydration breaks
•Strong emphasis on fair play and respect
•Teacher monitoring of all games simultaneously

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all pitches
•Move between games to monitor safety and fair play
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
•Ensure tournament spirit remains positive

Emergency Procedures

Stop all games immediately if incident occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, continue tournament only when safe