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Lesson 6 - Moving into Space After Passing

Foundation Skills & Tactics

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Year 4

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Hockey

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Big Question

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

Learning Objectives

To develop the ability to move into space after passing the ball
To understand tactical roles in attack and defence
To apply passing and moving skills in competitive game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective movement into space after passing
Students will show understanding of attacking and defending roles
Students will apply tactical awareness in small-sided games

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

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

Alternative: Shinty sticks, shortened floor hockey sticks

Tennis Balls

15 (1 between 2 for activities)

Tennis balls provide good visibility and appropriate weight for control practice

Alternative: Foam balls, street hockey balls

Cones

30 (various colours if available)

Use different colours to mark different areas - boundaries, goals, and drill markers

Alternative: Marker discs, pylons

Team bibs

16 (2 sets of 8)

Ensure contrast between teams for easy identification during games

Alternative: Coloured bibs, team shirts

Key Vocabulary

Pass and move

Passing the ball to a teammate then immediately moving to a new position to receive or support

Space

An area on the pitch that is not occupied by defenders where you can receive the ball safely

Support

Moving into a position where you can help the teammate with the ball by offering a passing option

Possession

When your team has control of the ball

Bully off

Method used to restart play - two players tap sticks on ground then against each other before playing the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hockey stick handling and grip
Fundamental passing technique
Simple dribbling skills
Understanding of personal space

Current Skills

Moving into space after passing
Tactical awareness in attack and defence
Quick decision-making under pressure
Communication with teammates

Next Steps

Advanced passing combinations
Creating overloads in attack
Defensive pressing and marking
Set piece strategies

Milestone Indicators

Consistently moves to new space after each pass

Anticipates where teammates will pass

Creates numerical advantages through movement

Demonstrates tactical understanding in games

Key Teaching Points

Pass and move are connected actions - one follows immediately after the other
Moving into space means going away from defenders, not towards them
Support your teammates by offering them passing options
Look up before passing to see where teammates have moved
Quick passing prevents defenders from getting into position to intercept
Space can be created through movement and clever positioning
Moving after passing helps your team keep possession of the ball

Common Misconceptions

Students think they can only move in straight lines - teach curved and angled runs
Belief that passing hard makes it better - emphasise accuracy over power
Assumption that space only exists far away - show close support positions
Thinking only the ball carrier needs to move - teach off-ball movement
Misconception that faster movement is always better - teach timing and patience

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with clear breaks, specific movement boundaries, regular praise and feedback, clear simple instructions

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, reduced complexity in movement patterns, extra practice time for coordination development

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedules showing lesson structure, designated quiet zones if needed, consistent routines and expectations

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of space and movement, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, written instruction cards, clear visual cues for game rules and scoring

physical disability

Seated versions of passing activities, modified equipment such as lighter sticks, adapted distances and smaller playing areas

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting passes in sequence, measuring distances for pitch setup, angles of passing, timing and rhythm in bully off sequence

Science

Forces involved in ball movement, friction between stick and ball, balance and coordination during movement, heart rate changes during exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of directions and movement patterns, mapping movement around areas

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when making mistakes, leadership roles in games, respect for opponents and rules

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand on outside edge of teaching area where all groups are visible, move frequently to support different activities

Observation Focus

Watch for pass and move technique, safe stick handling, positive team interactions, and tactical understanding development

Intervention Points

Step in if students not grasping pass and move concept, if safety issues arise, or if groups need additional challenge or support

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for visibility. Involve students in demonstrations. Show both correct technique and common mistakes for contrast.

Verbal Cues

•'Pass and move immediately!'
•'Look for the space away from defenders!'
•'Help your teammate by moving!'
•'Sticks down and safe!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m for class of 30, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Flat, dry surface free from holes, stones or debris that could cause trips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all hockey sticks for splinters, cracks or loose parts
•Ensure tennis balls are in good condition and not split
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or broken parts

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick-to-stick contact during challenges
•Collisions between students during movement
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Trips over equipment or other students

Risk Mitigation

•Clear rules about stick height - never above waist
•Adequate spacing between activities and groups
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•No physical contact or tackling allowed
•Clear boundaries and movement patterns established

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups simultaneously
•Monitor stick handling throughout lesson
•Watch for overcrowding in any areas
•Be alert during transition periods

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students are safe and supervised