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Lesson 4 - Passing & Dribbling Skills

Advanced Skills Integration

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Year 4

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Hockey

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45 min

Big Question

How can we combine passing and dribbling to outwit defenders and create shooting opportunities?

Learning Objectives

To develop passing and dribbling skills to create space for attacking opportunities
To understand when to pass versus when to dribble based on game situations
To apply tactical knowledge of creating and using space in hockey invasion games

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved passing accuracy and dribbling control under pressure
Students will make effective decisions about when to pass or dribble in game situations
Students will work collaboratively to create and execute attacking opportunities

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check sticks are appropriate height for students (waist level)

Alternative: Unihoc sticks, mini hockey sticks

Hockey balls

15 (1 per 2 students)

Use softer balls if students lack confidence

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for safety

Cones

For marking playing areas and goals

Alternative: Spots, markers

Goals

4-6

Various sizes for different difficulty levels

Alternative: Cone goals, bench goals

Bibs

15 (various colours)

Different colours for teams and jokers

Alternative: Bands, pinnies

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Moving the ball forward while maintaining close control using the hockey stick

Creating Space

Moving to areas where there are fewer defenders to receive a pass or make progress

Support

Positioning yourself to help a teammate by offering a passing option

Possession

When your team has control of the ball

Attacking Opportunity

A situation where your team can advance towards goal or attempt to score

Intercepting

When a defender takes possession of the ball from an opponent's pass

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hockey stick control and ball manipulation
Understanding of passing using push pass technique
Simple dribbling in straight lines
Basic rules of hockey including direction of play

Current Skills

Passing accurately to moving targets under pressure
Dribbling with changes of pace and direction
Creating space through movement and positioning
Decision-making between passing and dribbling options

Next Steps

Advanced tactical combinations and team strategies
Defending techniques and transition play
Set plays and corner situations
Tournament play with consistent application of skills

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accurate passing in dynamic situations

Confident dribbling past static and moving defenders

Clear understanding of when to pass versus dribble

Effective creation and utilisation of space

Key Teaching Points

Decision-making between passing and dribbling based on game situation and defender position
Scanning and awareness while in possession to identify teammates and threats
Creating space through purposeful movement away from defenders and into attacking areas
Supporting teammates by positioning to offer viable passing options
Accurate passing to feet of moving teammates with appropriate weight and timing
Maintaining possession under pressure through close ball control and quick decision-making
Team attack building through patient passing and movement to create shooting opportunities

Common Misconceptions

Dribbling is always better than passing - correct by showing when quick passing beats defenders
Good players never lose the ball - explain that losing possession is part of learning and improvement
You must always pass to nearest teammate - demonstrate passing to best positioned player
Creating space means running away from play - show moving to useful attacking positions
Hockey is only about scoring goals - emphasise team play and creating opportunities
Defending players are opponents to avoid - explain defenders help create realistic practice

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and rules, offer leadership responsibilities

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment, reduce complexity of movements initially, provide additional practice time

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet zones if overstimulated, use visual schedule of activities

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of movements, assign buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure clear sight lines

physical disability

Modify equipment size and weight, allow seated play options, adjust playing area size as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting consecutive passes, measuring distances for passing practice, angles of movement and passing

Science

Understanding forces when striking ball, friction effects on ball movement, body systems during exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions and positioning, mapping movement patterns around playing area

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when losing possession, leadership during attacking plays

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at corner of main playing area for visibility of all students, move regularly during activities

Observation Focus

Watch for application of passing and dribbling skills, team cooperation, and safe play

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggle with decision-making, safety concerns arise, or groups need tactical guidance

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for skill demonstrations. Position all students for optimal viewing angles.

Verbal Cues

•'Head up!'
•'Support your teammate!'
•'Look for space!'
•'Pass or dribble?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m for main games, clear run-off areas around boundaries

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, appropriate for hockey ball use

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check hockey sticks for splits or damage
•Ensure stick height appropriate for each student
•Balls properly inflated and not damaged
•Goals stable and appropriately positioned

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact with other students
•Ball strikes to body or face
•Collisions during game play
•Slips during directional changes

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained
•Appropriate spacing between games and groups
•Progressive skill building before competitive play
•Continuous monitoring of contact levels
•Use of softer balls for lower confidence groups

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all playing areas
•Monitor high-activity areas like goals closely
•Circulate regularly during small group work
•Maintain awareness of student energy and fatigue levels

Emergency Procedures

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