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Lesson 8 - Hockey Tournament Skills

Foundation Skills & Tactics

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Year 4

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Hockey

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Big Question

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

Learning Objectives

To apply defending and attacking principles in competitive hockey situations
To demonstrate understanding of hockey rules and use them consistently
To work effectively as a team using simple tactics to score and defend

Key Outcomes

Students will use hockey rules correctly and consistently during tournament play
Students will demonstrate tactical awareness in both attacking and defending roles
Students will show improved teamwork and communication during competitive matches

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for damage before lesson begins

Alternative: Foam hockey sticks for safety, or short tennis rackets

Tennis Balls

3 (1 per pitch plus spare)

Ensure balls are in good condition and visible colour

Alternative: Foam balls, hockey balls (if surface suitable)

Cones

Mark pitch boundaries and goal areas clearly

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines

Team bibs

30 (6 different colours)

Ensure each team has clearly identifiable colours

Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured tops

Score Sheets

1 (Four or Six Team Tournament sheet)

Prepare tournament brackets and scoring system

Alternative: Whiteboard, clipboard with paper

Whistles

2-3 for student referees

Brief referees on when and how to use whistles

Alternative: Hand signals only if whistles unavailable

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A series of competitive matches between multiple teams

Bully Off

Method of restarting play where two players touch sticks before competing for the ball

Tactics

Planned strategies used by teams to score goals or prevent opponents from scoring

Free Pass

Awarded when rules are broken, allowing uncontested possession

Referee

Person who enforces rules and makes decisions during matches

Sportsmanship

Playing fairly, honestly, and with respect for opponents and rules

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hockey stick handling and ball control
Understanding of attacking and defending roles
Knowledge of fundamental hockey rules
Experience with passing and receiving

Current Skills

Applying tactical knowledge in competitive situations
Using rules consistently during tournament play
Demonstrating leadership and teamwork
Refereeing and scoring matches fairly

Next Steps

Advanced tactical formations
Complex attacking patterns
Defensive strategies and positioning
Tournament organisation and leadership

Milestone Indicators

Consistent application of hockey rules

Clear tactical decision-making

Effective communication during matches

Fair play and sportsmanship throughout

Key Teaching Points

Consistently enforce the three main hockey rules throughout tournament play
Encourage tactical thinking with players positioned in both halves of the pitch
Develop referee skills through clear decision-making and fair play
Promote excellent sportsmanship and respect for opponents
Build teamwork through regular tactical discussion breaks
Link competitive play to real-world hockey understanding and application
Celebrate effort and improvement as much as tournament success

Common Misconceptions

Thinking hockey is just about individual skill rather than team tactics
Believing that winning is more important than following rules and fair play
Assuming all players should chase the ball rather than maintaining positions
Misunderstanding that referees are enemies rather than essential for fair play
Thinking that only goal scorers contribute to team success
Believing hockey rules are arbitrary rather than designed for safety and fairness

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter match periods with more frequent breaks, clear role definitions, provide fidget tools during discussion time

dyspraxia

Use larger, lighter equipment where possible, provide extra encouragement with stick handling, allow longer practice time

autism spectrum

Provide clear tournament structure and schedule, offer quiet space during breaks, use visual timetable for match rotations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide clear verbal descriptions of play, assign sighted partner for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for rule decisions, provide written tournament brackets, demonstrate all instructions visually

physical disability

Modify stick length if needed, allow seated play where appropriate, adjust pitch size and goal targets

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills during team discussions, giving clear explanations for rule decisions and tactical choices

Maths

Tournament scoring systems, calculating points totals, understanding number patterns in match rotations

Science

Understanding forces in hitting and stopping balls, body systems during physical exertion, teamwork dynamics

Computing

Tournament bracket systems, data recording and analysis

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning on pitch, understanding of boundaries and areas

PSHE

Teamwork, leadership, fair play, handling competition pressure, conflict resolution

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position between two pitches for maximum visibility, move between matches to provide support

Observation Focus

Monitor rule adherence, tactical development, team cooperation, and referee performance

Intervention Points

Step in for safety concerns, rule disputes, or unsporting behaviour

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when showing techniques, involve students in demonstrations where safe

Verbal Cues

•'Keep your stick low!'
•'Spread out - don't all chase the ball!'
•'Well done referee - clear decision!'
•'Great teamwork!'
•'Remember the 3-metre rule!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m for two parallel pitches, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Even, dry surface suitable for running and stick use, free from debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All hockey sticks checked for damage before use
•Tennis balls in good condition with no cracks
•Cones properly positioned and stable
•Team bibs clean and in good repair

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact injuries from incorrect use
•Collisions between players during competitive play
•Ball strikes to players
•Trips and falls on playing surface
•Overexertion during tournament matches

Risk Mitigation

•Strict enforcement of stick height rule (below waist)
•Clear pitch boundaries to prevent collisions
•Adequate space between playing areas
•Regular reminders about safe tackling techniques
•Hydration breaks built into match rotations

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of both pitches simultaneously
•Monitor referee decisions and player behaviour
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
•Ensure continued adherence to safety rules

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required