🏒

Lesson 1 - Open Stick Dribbling Control

Foundation Skills & Tactics

•

Year 4

•

Hockey

•

Big Question

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

Learning Objectives

To be able to dribble a ball using an open stick with increasing control
To demonstrate proper hockey stick handling and safety awareness
To apply dribbling skills in varied movement patterns and directions

Key Outcomes

Students will control the ball consistently using the open side of the stick
Students will demonstrate correct stick grip and body positioning
Students will navigate around obstacles while maintaining ball control

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for damage, ensure appropriate length for students

Alternative: Use shorter sticks for smaller students or unihoc sticks if available

Tennis Balls

1 per student (30)

Softer balls reduce injury risk and are easier to control

Alternative: Foam balls for indoor use, or appropriate hockey balls for outdoor

Cones

15 sets

Use different colours for different activities - blue and red for directional tasks

Alternative: Markers, spots, or other visible markers

Key Vocabulary

Open stick

The flat side of the hockey stick that is used to contact the ball

Dribbling

Moving the ball forward whilst maintaining control using the hockey stick

Flat side rule

Only the flat side of the hockey stick may be used to play the ball

Bully off

A method of restarting play where two players face each other and tap sticks before playing

Control

Keeping the ball close and managing its movement with precision

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic spatial awareness and movement patterns
Understanding of following instructions and safety rules
Experience with equipment handling in other sports

Current Skills

Correct hockey stick grip and handling
Open stick dribbling technique
Ball control whilst moving in different directions
Safety awareness around equipment and others

Next Steps

Passing the ball to a partner using push pass technique
Receiving and controlling passes from others
Simple game situations with defending and attacking

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball contact during movement

Natural body positioning with bent knees and head up

Smooth navigation around obstacles

Confident application of the flat side rule

Key Teaching Points

Stick safety is paramount - never above hip height in any circumstance
Open stick rule - only flat side of stick can contact the ball
Correct grip - left hand at top for control, right hand halfway for stability
Ball positioning - slightly to front and right side of body for optimal control
Progressive skill development - walk before running, control before speed
Spatial awareness - head up, eyes scanning for obstacles and direction
Positive reinforcement - celebrate effort and improvement over perfection

Common Misconceptions

Thinking both sides of the stick can be used - emphasise flat side only rule
Believing speed is more important than control - reinforce control first principle
Assuming hockey is dangerous - highlight safety measures and controlled environment
Thinking dribbling is just hitting the ball - emphasise maintaining contact and guidance
Believing you need to be strong - focus on technique and timing over power

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and structure, use movement breaks and varied activities

dyspraxia

Use larger, softer balls for easier control, reduce complexity of movements, provide extra practice time and encouragement

autism spectrum

Provide clear, consistent routines and instructions, use visual schedules showing lesson progression, allow quiet space if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, pair with sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher's face during instructions

physical disability

Adapt stick length and ball type as needed, allow seated play where appropriate, modify distances and activity requirements

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Understanding clockwise and anticlockwise directions, measuring distances for relay races, counting touches and successful passes

Science

Forces and motion - how the stick applies force to move the ball, friction between ball and ground affecting control

Geography

Directional awareness using compass points (North, East, South, West), spatial navigation and map-reading skills

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation in partner activities, resilience when learning new skills, respect for equipment and others' safety

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of activity area to maintain visual contact with all students, positioning near areas of highest activity

Observation Focus

Primary focus on stick safety and height, secondary focus on ball control development and spatial awareness

Intervention Points

Intervene immediately for stick safety violations, provide technique feedback during natural breaks in activity

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate from position where all students can see clearly, use exaggerated movements to show correct technique, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Stick stays low, like a metal detector!'
•'Flat side only - wrong side gives the ball away!'
•'Ball close, head up, knees bent!'
•'Control first, then add speed!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area or large gymnasium with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Dry, level surface free from holes, debris, or other hazards that could cause trips or falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all hockey sticks for cracks, splinters, or damaged handles before use
•Ensure tennis balls are in good condition and appropriate for activity level
•Verify all cones are stable and free from sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick-related injuries from incorrect handling or lifting above hip height
•Collisions between students during movement activities
•Slips and falls on wet or uneven surfaces
•Eye injuries from balls or stick contact

Risk Mitigation

•Enforce strict rule about stick height never exceeding hip level
•Establish clear boundaries and ensure adequate spacing between students
•Progress activities gradually from static to dynamic movement
•Provide clear safety instructions before each new activity
•Use softer tennis balls instead of hard hockey balls for safety

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
•Monitor stick handling technique continuously throughout lesson
•Pay particular attention during competitive activities when control may deteriorate
•Ensure immediate intervention for any unsafe behaviour

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if incident occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid if trained, seek additional support if needed