🏒

Lesson 3 - Receiving and Trapping the Ball

Foundation Skills & Tactics

•

Year 4

•

Hockey

•

Big Question

How can controlling the ball with our stick help our team keep possession and create scoring opportunities?

Learning Objectives

To develop the technique for receiving and trapping the ball using a hockey stick
To understand how effective ball control helps maintain team possession
To apply trapping skills within game situations with increasing control

Key Outcomes

Students will consistently trap the ball using correct technique with stick low to the ground
Students will demonstrate movement to get in line with the ball before trapping
Students will apply trapping skills effectively within team game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for damage, ensure appropriate length for each student

Alternative: Shorter junior sticks for smaller students, left-handed sticks available

Tennis Balls

15 (1 between 2 students)

Tennis balls are safer and slower for skill development

Alternative: Foam balls for beginners, hockey balls for advanced groups

Cones

Use for marking boundaries, queues, and target areas

Alternative: Markers, spots, or other boundary markers

Team bibs

15 (2 different colours)

Clearly distinguish teams during game activities

Alternative: Bibs, coloured bands, or team markers

Key Vocabulary

Trapping

Stopping and controlling the ball using the hockey stick to maintain possession

Barrier

Using the stick positioned low to the ground to block and stop the ball

Cushioning

Moving the stick backwards on contact to soften the ball's impact and maintain control

Bully off

Method to restart play where two players alternately touch sticks then compete for the ball

First touch

The initial contact and control of the ball when receiving a pass

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hockey stick handling and grip
Understanding of pushing and passing technique
Knowledge of basic hockey rules and safety

Current Skills

Receiving and trapping technique with stick barrier
Moving feet to align with incoming ball
Cushioning the ball on contact
Applying trapping in game situations

Next Steps

Trapping while under pressure from opponents
First touch control to set up immediate passes
Advanced receiving techniques at different angles

Milestone Indicators

Stick consistently held low creating effective barrier

Quick foot movement to get in line with ball

Smooth cushioning action on ball contact

Successful traps in game situations under pressure

Key Teaching Points

Stick must be held low to the ground creating an effective barrier
Active foot movement is essential to align body with the approaching ball
Cushioning action with backward stick movement prevents ball bouncing away
Looking up and communicating with teammates improves team play
Trapping technique must be maintained even under game pressure
Three-pass rule in games encourages teamwork and thoughtful play
Body position behind stick provides stability and control during trapping

Common Misconceptions

Thinking the stick should be lifted to meet the ball - actually needs to stay on ground
Believing you can trap effectively while standing still - foot movement is crucial
Assuming harder contact makes better traps - gentle cushioning is more effective
Focusing only on the ball rather than body positioning relative to its path
Expecting immediate success without practice - trapping requires repetition to master

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries and expectations, additional movement breaks, positive reinforcement systems

dyspraxia

Slower demonstrations, additional practice time, simplified movement patterns, peer buddy support system

autism spectrum

Clear visual routine cards, consistent structure, quiet space available if overwhelmed, advance warning of activity changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, allow closer positioning for activities

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and gestures, provide written instruction cards, ensure clear line of sight for demonstrations

physical disability

Shorter sticks for wheelchair users, seated trapping practice, modified game rules for different mobility levels

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, descriptive language for technique analysis, communication skills in team situations

Maths

Measuring distances for practice activities, counting successful passes in games, calculating team scores and statistics

Science

Forces and motion when cushioning the ball, friction between stick and ground, angles of ball movement and rebound

Geography

Directions and spatial awareness during game play, mapping movement patterns around the playing space

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when skills are challenging, leadership during peer coaching activities

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during practice, position at corner of game area for full visibility during Kings and Queens

Observation Focus

Watch for stick positioning, foot movement, and cushioning technique during trapping activities

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with basic technique, safety concerns during game play, or team dynamics issues

Demonstration Notes

Use slow motion demonstrations for technique, emphasise stick position with exaggerated movements, show common mistakes followed by correct technique

Verbal Cues

•'Stick low like a barrier!'
•'Move your feet to the ball!'
•'Cushion it gently!'
•'Look before you pass!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m clear space with additional zones for different activities

Surface Check

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

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all hockey sticks for cracks, splinters, or loose grips before use
•Inspect tennis balls for damage that could affect bouncing or control
•Ensure cones are stable and not cracked

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick-to-stick contact during bully offs
•Collisions during game play
•Trips over equipment or other students
•Ball strikes to body or head

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained throughout
•No tackling rule strictly enforced in game situations
•Adequate spacing between activities and groups
•Proper bully off technique taught and supervised
•Controlled ball speed appropriate for skill level

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Move between groups during practice activities
•Monitor game play for dangerous stick use
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal practiced, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation route, immediate assessment of any injuries