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Lesson 3 - Shooting Accuracy & Attack

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, dribbling and movement to create the perfect shooting opportunity in hockey?

Learning Objectives

To combine passing and dribbling skills to create shooting opportunities
To understand when and where to shoot effectively in hockey
To apply correct shooting technique with accuracy and consistency

Key Outcomes

Students will create successful attacks leading to shooting opportunities
Students will demonstrate improved shooting accuracy using correct technique
Students will understand tactical decisions about when and where to shoot

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for damage before lesson starts

Alternative: Wooden spoons or mini-hockey sticks for beginners

Hockey balls

1 per pair + 6 spares (18 total)

Use bright coloured balls for better visibility

Alternative: Tennis balls or foam balls for safety adaptation

Posts

2 sets

Secure goals firmly to prevent movement during play

Alternative: Cones 2 metres apart or wall markings

Dish Cones

22.5 (various colours)

Use different colours for boundaries, targets and obstacles

Alternative: Plastic bottles or bean bags

Bibs

15 (3 different colours)

Ensure clear team identification for game activities

Alternative: Coloured bands or team markers

Key Vocabulary

Shooting accuracy

The ability to direct the ball precisely towards the target goal area

Attack creation

Working as a team to move the ball forward and create scoring opportunities

Semi-circle

The curved area around the goal where shots are most effective

Shooting technique

Proper body position, stick grip and striking method for accurate shots

Tactical decision

Choosing the best action (pass, dribble, or shoot) based on the game situation

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 techniques with stationary and moving targets
Basic dribbling skills around cones and obstacles
Understanding of invasion game principles

Current Skills

Combining passing and dribbling in fluid sequences
Shooting technique with accuracy and power
Creating space and opportunities in attacking play
Tactical decision-making under pressure

Next Steps

Advanced shooting techniques including deflections
Complex passing combinations with multiple players
Defensive strategies and pressing techniques
Game management and tactical awareness

Milestone Indicators

Smooth transition between passing and dribbling without losing ball control

Consistent shooting accuracy from within the scoring area

Quick decision-making about when to shoot versus continue attacking

Effective communication and support play with teammates

Key Teaching Points

Shooting accuracy is more important than power - emphasise controlled, aimed shots
Combination play of passing and dribbling creates the best shooting opportunities
Positioning within the semi-circle significantly improves chances of scoring
Proper grip and stance are fundamental to consistent shooting technique
Quick decision-making about when to shoot versus continue attacking is crucial
Teamwork and communication enhance individual shooting opportunities
Safety through low stick control must be maintained throughout all activities

Common Misconceptions

Harder shots are always better - teach controlled accuracy first
Individual skills are more important than team play - emphasise combination attacking
Shooting from anywhere is effective - focus on positioning importance
Technique doesn't matter if you score - emphasise consistent good technique
Only the best players should shoot - encourage all students to attempt shots when in position

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback, movement-based learning opportunities

dyspraxia

Larger equipment, simplified technique stages, extra practice time, physical guidance for technique

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available, consistent rules and expectations

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written technique reminders on display

physical disability

Seated hockey version with modified sticks, larger targets, reduced playing area as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating shooting accuracy percentages, measuring distances for semi-circle, analysing game statistics

Science

Forces and motion in shooting, angles of approach, energy transfer from stick to ball

Geography

Spatial awareness, understanding angles and directions, mapping attacking routes

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with competitive pressure, setting personal goals for improvement

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around outside of activities to observe all students, position near goal during shooting practice

Observation Focus

Watch for correct technique, safety compliance, and teamwork during attacking play

Intervention Points

Step in to correct dangerous stick use, provide technique guidance, and facilitate team discussions

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate technique slowly first, then at normal speed. Use students as positive examples when appropriate.

Verbal Cues

•'Low sticks, safe play!'
•'Head up, see the space!'
•'Pass and move!'
•'Aim for the corners!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m area with clear boundaries and goal areas

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from debris and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all hockey sticks for damage, splinters or loose heads
•Ensure balls are appropriate weight and hardness
•Secure goals firmly to prevent tipping
•Remove any damaged cones or equipment

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact with other students
•Ball strikes to body or head
•Collisions during game play
•Slips and falls on playing surface

Risk Mitigation

•Enforce low stick rule at all times
•Maintain adequate spacing between activities
•Clear communication about boundaries and safe areas
•Progressive skill building before competitive games

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activities
•Monitor stick height during all activities
•Watch for over-competitive behaviour in games
•Be alert to fatigue affecting safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if safety issue occurs. Assess situation and provide appropriate first aid. Remove any damaged equipment.