Lesson 3 - Receiving and Trapping the Ball
Foundation Skills & Tactics
•Year 4
•Hockey
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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
Check all sticks for damage, ensure appropriate length for each student
Alternative: Shorter junior sticks for smaller students, left-handed sticks available
Tennis balls are safer and slower for skill development
Alternative: Foam balls for beginners, hockey balls for advanced groups
Use for marking boundaries, queues, and target areas
Alternative: Markers, spots, or other boundary markers
Clearly distinguish teams during game activities
Alternative: Bibs, coloured bands, or team markers
Key Vocabulary
Stopping and controlling the ball using the hockey stick to maintain possession
Using the stick positioned low to the ground to block and stop the ball
Moving the stick backwards on contact to soften the ball's impact and maintain control
Method to restart play where two players alternately touch sticks then compete for the ball
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
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