Lesson 2 - Push Pass Technique and Control
Foundation Skills & Tactics
•Year 4
•Hockey
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How can we use push passes to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities in hockey?
Learning Objectives
- To develop accurate push pass technique with increasing control
- To apply push passing skills in game situations to maintain possession
- To understand tactical movement to support teammates in attack
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved push pass technique with correct body positioning
- Students will successfully complete passes through targets with 70% accuracy
- Students will show understanding of tactical movement in small-sided games
Equipment & Resources Required
Check stick length is appropriate - should reach students' hip when standing
Alternative: Junior hockey sticks, pool noodles for beginners
Tennis balls recommended for safety and better control for beginners
Alternative: Hockey balls, foam balls for safety
Various sizes - large for area boundaries, small for gates
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, sports spots
Clearly distinguishable colours for team identification
Alternative: Coloured bibs, different coloured cones
Key Vocabulary
A controlled pass using the flat side of the stick without lifting it off the ground
The smooth, non-curved side of the hockey stick used for passing and hitting
The continued movement of the stick after making contact with the ball
When a team has control of the ball
A method to restart play where two players compete for the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic hockey grip and stance
- Simple dribbling with ball control
- Understanding of personal space and movement
Current Skills
- Push pass technique development
- Passing accuracy under pressure
- Tactical awareness in possession games
Next Steps
- Receiving and controlling passes on the move
- Defending and tackling techniques
- Advanced game strategies and positioning
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Push pass technique requires stick contact with ball throughout the movement
- Left foot steps forward to provide power and direction in passing
- Follow through action determines accuracy and ball direction
- Stick must never exceed hip height for safety in all hockey activities
- Flat side of stick provides best control and accuracy for passing
- Movement into space is crucial for maintaining possession in team games
- Quick decision-making improves with practice and tactical awareness
Common Misconceptions
- Students think they need to swing the stick for power - emphasise push action instead
- Some believe any side of stick can be used - reinforce flat side only rule
- Students may try to lift stick high for power - maintain hip height safety rule
- Assumption that speed is more important than accuracy - teach controlled technique first
- Belief that passing is individual skill - emphasise teamwork and communication aspects
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, offer regular feedback and movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Use larger equipment for easier handling, reduce complexity of movements, provide extra practice time and step-by-step guidance
autism spectrum
- Establish clear routines and visual schedules, provide quiet zones for breaks if needed, use consistent language and signals
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, implement buddy system for guidance and support
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure students can see teacher clearly during instructions
physical disability
- Adapt passing distances and target sizes, allow seated passing practice, provide modified equipment like larger balls or shorter sticks
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances for gates and playing areas, counting consecutive passes, timing challenges and calculating improvement rates
Science
Understanding forces in pushing actions, exploring friction between stick and ball, investigating motion and direction in passes
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and movement patterns, mapping tactical movements
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation skills, building resilience when facing challenges, developing leadership qualities and communication
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter for visibility of all groups, central position during demonstrations, close proximity during games for quick interventions
Observation Focus
Monitor stick height constantly, watch for correct technique development, observe student engagement and cooperation
Intervention Points
Step in immediately if safety rules broken, provide individual support for struggling students, facilitate positive team interactions
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate techniques slowly first, then at normal speed, exaggerate key points for visibility, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate
Verbal Cues
- •'Stick stays low!'
- •'Step and push together!'
- •'Find the space!'
- •'Use the flat side!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m clear area, suitable for multiple 8x8m game areas plus movement space
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas that could cause falls
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all hockey sticks for damage - no splinters or cracks
- •Ensure stick length appropriate for each student (hip height when standing)
- •Verify cones have no sharp edges or damage
- •Tennis balls properly inflated and not split or damaged
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Stick contact between players or with body parts
- •Ball strikes to face or body
- •Collisions during movement activities
- •Slips and falls on playing surface
Risk Mitigation
- •Strict enforcement of hip-height stick rule
- •Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activities
- •Non-contact game rules with 1-metre distance requirement
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
- •Use of tennis balls instead of hockey balls for increased safety
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
- •Monitor stick height constantly during all activities
- •Stay mobile during games to observe interactions closely
- •Be particularly vigilant during transitions between activities
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately on 'STOP' command, assess any injury appropriately, apply first aid as needed, complete accident forms if required