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Lesson 2 - Push Pass Technique and Control

Foundation Skills & Tactics

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Year 4

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Hockey

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Big Question

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

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check stick length is appropriate - should reach students' hip when standing

Alternative: Junior hockey sticks, pool noodles for beginners

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per pair)

Tennis balls recommended for safety and better control for beginners

Alternative: Hockey balls, foam balls for safety

Cones

Various sizes - large for area boundaries, small for gates

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, sports spots

Team bibs

Clearly distinguishable colours for team identification

Alternative: Coloured bibs, different coloured cones

Key Vocabulary

Push Pass

A controlled pass using the flat side of the stick without lifting it off the ground

Flat Side

The smooth, non-curved side of the hockey stick used for passing and hitting

Follow Through

The continued movement of the stick after making contact with the ball

Possession

When a team has control of the ball

Bully Off

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

Consistent contact with flat side of stick

Step pattern becomes automatic

Students choose appropriate passing moments

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