Foundation Skills & Tactics Unit

This unit builds Year 4 students' confidence with hockey sticks through a progressive skills-based approach that develops both individual technique and team understanding. The emphasis is on mastering fundamental stick skills in isolation before applying them in increasingly complex game situations. Through systematic skill development and tactical awareness activities, students develop the coordination and decision-making needed for successful hockey participation whilst building respect for equipment safety and fair play.

Lessons in This Unit

8 lessons in this unit

Lesson 1

Open Stick Dribbling Control

Big Question:

How can we develop ball control that allows us to move confidently and safely in hockey?

Key Objectives:

• To be able to dribble a ball using an open stick with increasing control
• To demonstrate proper hockey stick handling and safety awareness

Lesson 2

Push Pass Technique and Control

Big Question:

How can we use push passes to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities in hockey?

Key Objectives:

• To develop accurate push pass technique with increasing control
• To apply push passing skills in game situations to maintain possession

Lesson 3

Receiving and Trapping the Ball

Big Question:

How can controlling the ball with our stick help our team keep possession and create scoring opportunities?

Key Objectives:

• To develop the technique for receiving and trapping the ball using a hockey stick
• To understand how effective ball control helps maintain team possession

Lesson 4

Reverse Stick Dribbling Mastery

Big Question:

How can mastering the reverse stick technique help us outmanoeuvre opponents and create better scoring opportunities?

Key Objectives:

• To develop dribbling using the reverse stick (Indian dribble) with increasing control
• To understand when and why to use reverse stick techniques in game situations

Lesson 5

Dribbling to Beat Defenders

Big Question:

How can I use my dribbling skills to outsmart defenders and create scoring opportunities?

Key Objectives:

• To develop controlled dribbling skills to beat defenders
• To apply simple tactics to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities

Lesson 6

Moving into Space After Passing

Big Question:

How can moving into space after passing help your team maintain possession and create scoring opportunities?

Key Objectives:

• To develop the ability to move into space after passing the ball
• To understand tactical roles in attack and defence

Lesson 7

Open Stick Tackle Techniques

Big Question:

How can we effectively defend without fouling to prevent the attacking team from scoring?

Key Objectives:

• To master the open stick (block) tackle technique with proper timing and positioning
• To apply defensive tactics effectively in small-sided games

Lesson 8

Hockey Tournament Skills

Big Question:

How can we use tactics and teamwork to succeed in competitive hockey matches?

Key Objectives:

• To apply defending and attacking principles in competitive hockey situations
• To demonstrate understanding of hockey rules and use them consistently

Foundation Skills & Tactics

In This Unit

Lessons in This Unit

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