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Lesson 1 - Refining Dribbling Control

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 master dribbling to keep possession and beat opponents in hockey?

Learning Objectives

Refine dribbling technique to maintain control and possession of the ball
Apply dribbling skills to beat opponents in game situations
Understand when, where and why to dribble effectively in hockey

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved dribbling control with correct hand positioning
Students will successfully change speed and direction whilst maintaining ball control
Students will apply dribbling skills effectively in competitive game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check stick length is appropriate - should reach student's hip bone

Alternative: Quicksticks hockey sticks for beginners

Hockey balls

25-30 balls

Have extra balls available around activity area perimeter

Alternative: Tennis balls or foam balls for safety indoors

Cones

20-25 cones

For marking boundaries and treasure chest areas

Alternative: Markers or spots

Hoops

1 per student (30)

Spread around outside of activity area as 'treasure chests'

Alternative: Marked squares using cones

Bibs

12.5 bibs

For identifying teams in Endzone Hockey activity

Alternative: Coloured bands or sashes

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Moving the ball forward with the hockey stick whilst maintaining close control

Grip

How we hold the hockey stick - left hand at top, right hand lower down

Ball Control

Keeping the ball close to your stick and under your command

Possession

Having control of the ball so the other team cannot take it

Change of Direction

Altering the path of movement whilst keeping the ball under control

Barrier

Using your body to protect the ball from opponents

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic stick handling and ball control from Year 3
Understanding of correct grip position on hockey stick
Simple dribbling in straight lines

Current Skills

Refined dribbling with improved control and consistency
Changing direction and speed whilst maintaining possession
Applying dribbling skills in competitive situations

Next Steps

Combining dribbling with passing and shooting
Advanced dribbling techniques including reverse stick
Tactical understanding of when to dribble vs pass

Milestone Indicators

Maintains ball control for 30+ seconds continuous dribbling

Successfully beats at least 2 out of 3 opponents in 1v1 situations

Demonstrates correct technique under pressure

Key Teaching Points

Left hand at top of stick provides direction control, right hand lower gives feel and sensitivity
Ball should stay within one stick length at all times during dribbling
Use small, frequent touches rather than large pushes to maintain control
Change of direction requires slowing down first, then multiple small touches around the turn
Dribble when you have space, when beating opponents, or creating better opportunities
Protect the ball with body positioning when under pressure from defenders
Build confidence through progressive challenges from stationary to dynamic pressure

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Faster dribbling is always better' - Correction: 'Control first, speed second - master technique before adding pace'
Misconception: 'I should dribble in all situations' - Correction: 'Sometimes passing is quicker and safer - read the game situation'
Misconception: 'Both hands should grip the stick tightly' - Correction: 'Left hand firm for control, right hand relaxed for feel'
Misconception: 'The ball can be anywhere around my body' - Correction: 'Ball stays to your right side where you can see and control it'
Misconception: 'Big touches cover ground faster' - Correction: 'Small touches keep the ball close and under your control'

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries and rules, regular positive feedback, movement breaks built into structure

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier control, additional practice time, simplified techniques, extra demonstration and support

autism spectrum

Clear, consistent routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, predictable structure throughout

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Ensure clear sight lines for demonstrations, use visual signals and gestures, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Seated versions using hands for dribbling, modified stick length, reduced area size, alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating success rates in treasure chest activity, measuring distances for dribbling challenges, angles for direction changes

Science

Understanding forces and motion in ball control, friction between stick and ball, momentum in direction changes

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of directions and pathways, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, respect for opponents and fair play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the outside of activities to maintain overview while being available for individual coaching

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip technique, ball control consistency, and appropriate decision-making in game situations

Intervention Points

Step in when students are struggling with basic technique, when activities become unsafe, or when competitive element overrides skill focus

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for technique, contrasting examples for decision-making, and positive student examples whenever possible

Verbal Cues

•'Ball close, head up!'
•'Soft touches, strong control!'
•'Think before you move!'
•'Protect that ball!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear space for main activities, smaller areas acceptable for skill practice

Surface Check

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

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all hockey sticks are appropriate length and in good condition
•Ensure balls are properly inflated and not cracked
•Verify cones and hoops have no sharp edges or damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick collisions during crowded activities
•Ball strikes to head or body
•Trips and falls during fast movement
•Overexertion in competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Maintain minimum 3m spacing during stick activities
•Emphasise low stick position and controlled movements
•Clear boundaries and movement patterns established
•Progressive skill building from stationary to dynamic

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all activities and potential hazards
•Monitor spacing and intensity levels throughout lesson
•Be ready to intervene if activities become too crowded or competitive

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, apply appropriate first aid and contact emergency services if required