🏒

Lesson 5 - Dribbling to Beat Defenders

Foundation Skills & Tactics

•

Year 4

•

Hockey

•

Big Question

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

Learning Objectives

To develop controlled dribbling skills to beat defenders
To apply simple tactics to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities
To understand and demonstrate effective attacking play

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved ball control when dribbling under pressure
Students will successfully use change of direction and speed to beat defenders
Students will apply dribbling skills effectively in small-sided games

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check stick height is correct for each student - should reach hip level

Alternative: Can use shorter sticks for smaller students

Tennis Balls

10 (1 per 3 students)

Tennis balls provide better control for skill development

Alternative: Foam balls for beginners, hockey balls for advanced groups

Cones

Use bright colours for clear visibility

Alternative: Markers or spots if cones unavailable

Team bibs

15 (enough for half the class)

Distribute before game activities to avoid confusion

Alternative: Different coloured cones or markers

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Moving the ball with small touches while maintaining control

Pull technique

Dragging the ball from left to right (or right to left) to change direction

Spin around

Turning your back to the defender and spinning off to either side

Defender

The player trying to stop the attacker from progressing with the ball

Bully off

Method to restart play where two players touch sticks alternately before striking the ball

Acceleration

Increasing speed quickly after beating a defender

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic stick handling and ball control
Understanding of hockey safety rules
Simple passing and receiving skills
Basic game awareness and positioning

Current Skills

Pull technique to change direction
Spin around technique to beat defenders
Varying speed when approaching defenders
1v1 attacking situations

Next Steps

Combining dribbling with passing decisions
Advanced dribbling techniques under pressure
Reading defender movements
Team attacking strategies

Milestone Indicators

Can execute pull technique consistently

Shows confidence when approaching defenders

Makes good decisions about when to dribble

Demonstrates improved game understanding

Key Teaching Points

Master the pull technique with stick turn and acceleration
Develop spin around technique with low body position
Vary approach speed to confuse defenders
Apply techniques under defensive pressure
Transfer skills effectively to game situations
Show resilience when techniques don't work first time
Support teammates' learning and development

Common Misconceptions

That speed alone will beat defenders (need technique and timing)
That the same technique works every time (need variety)
That mistakes mean they're not good at hockey (mistakes are part of learning)
That dribbling is always the best option (sometimes passing is better)
That defenders are the enemy (they help attackers improve)

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, clear boundaries and expectations, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Use larger, slower balls initially, extra time for skill development, break techniques into smaller steps, peer support system

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available if overwhelmed, consistent verbal cues

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and cones, provide clear verbal instructions for all movements, assign sighted buddy for support

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, hand signals for stop/start, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Adapt techniques for seated players, modify distances as needed, use larger/lighter equipment where appropriate

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances between cones, counting successful attempts, calculating success rates, understanding angles of movement

Science

Forces and motion in stick-ball contact, friction between ball and surface, acceleration and deceleration principles

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of directions and movement patterns, mapping player movements

PSHE

Resilience when facing challenges, teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions during competition, respect for opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position centrally during demonstrations, circulate between groups during practice, maintain overview during games

Observation Focus

Watch for technique quality, safety awareness, engagement levels, and skill transfer to game situations

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with technique, safety concerns arise, or group dynamics need support

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstration; involve confident students in demonstrations; repeat key points multiple times

Verbal Cues

•'Turn your stick to change direction!'
•'Accelerate after beating the defender!'
•'Keep the ball close to your stick!'
•'Read the defender's movement!'
•'Change your speed to confuse them!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m for warm-up running area, plus additional space for multiple small-group activities

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for running and hockey stick work

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all hockey sticks for damage or splinters
•Ensure tennis balls are in good condition
•Verify cones are stable and free from sharp edges
•Check team bands are appropriate size and not damaged

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact during close work
•Collisions during running warm-up
•Trips over cones or equipment
•Ball strikes to face or body

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Adequate spacing between groups maintained
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Constant reinforcement of stick safety rules
•Use of tennis balls rather than hockey balls for safety

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor high-activity areas during games
•Circulate between groups during skill practice
•Watch for fatigue or frustration that might affect safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, clear area if necessary