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Lesson 4 - Reverse Stick Dribbling Mastery

Foundation Skills & Tactics

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Year 4

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Hockey

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Big Question

How can mastering the reverse stick technique help us outmanoeuvre opponents and create better scoring opportunities?

Learning Objectives

To develop dribbling using the reverse stick (Indian dribble) with increasing control
To understand when and why to use reverse stick techniques in game situations
To apply reverse stick dribbling effectively in competitive small-sided games

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate controlled reverse stick dribbling with improved hand coordination
Students will apply reverse stick techniques purposefully during game play
Students will explain the tactical advantages of using both open and reverse stick techniques

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks are appropriate height (waist level when standing upright)

Alternative: Shortened hockey sticks for smaller students, foam sticks for beginners

Tennis Balls

1 per pair (15)

Ensure balls are in good condition and bounce consistently

Alternative: Foam balls for indoor use, plastic hockey balls for outdoor advanced practice

Cones

60 total (various colours if available)

Distribute evenly around teaching area, keep spares readily available

Alternative: Dome markers, chalk lines, natural markers

Coloured Bibs

15 (for team identification in games)

Two contrasting colours for clear team identification

Alternative: Different coloured cones, arm bands, team cards

Key Vocabulary

Reverse stick

A hockey technique where the stick is turned over to control the ball on the opposite side

Indian dribble

Rapid side-to-side ball movement using alternating open and reverse stick techniques

Open stick

The standard hockey stick position with hands in natural grip

Ball control

Keeping the ball close to the stick and moving it with precision

Weight transfer

Shifting body weight from one foot to the other to maintain balance during movement

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hockey stick grip and ball control
Simple open stick dribbling in straight lines
Understanding of basic hockey rules and safety

Current Skills

Reverse stick (Indian dribble) technique development
Coordinated hand movements for stick turning
Tactical application of reverse stick in game situations

Next Steps

Advanced dribbling combinations and sequences
Reverse stick passing and shooting techniques
Complex tactical movements in larger game formats

Milestone Indicators

Students can turn stick over smoothly without losing ball control

Weight transfer from foot to foot becomes natural and balanced

Reverse stick technique is used purposefully rather than randomly during games

Key Teaching Points

Maintain stick contact with ball throughout reverse stick movement
Cross hands when turning stick over - right hand over left
Transfer weight from foot to foot to support direction changes
Use reverse stick tactically to escape defenders and change direction
Keep stick below waist height at all times for safety
Build technique gradually before adding speed or competition
Connect technique practice to game application consistently

Common Misconceptions

Thinking reverse stick is just for advanced players - emphasise it's a fundamental skill
Believing speed is more important than control - demonstrate that technique enables speed
Assuming only one stick technique is needed - show advantages of using both
Thinking reverse stick is too difficult - break down into manageable steps
Believing it's only useful in certain game situations - show versatility

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, leadership opportunities

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns initially, additional practice time, larger equipment, step-by-step instruction cards

autism spectrum

Clear activity sequences, visual schedule cards, quiet practice spaces available, consistent routines

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured cones and balls, provide tactile guidance for stick positioning, pair with sighted buddy

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards

physical disability

Adapted stick lengths, seated practice options, modified playing areas, peer support systems

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances for cone placement, counting passes and touches, angles of movement around cones

Science

Forces and motion in ball control, lever principles in stick techniques, balance and centre of gravity

Geography

Spatial awareness, direction changes, mapping movement patterns around obstacles

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, managing competitive emotions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move continuously around teaching area, position at corners for maximum visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for correct reverse stick technique, tactical application, and safety compliance

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for safety violations, provide technique support when students struggle

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate all techniques slowly first, then at game speed. Use students to demonstrate good examples.

Verbal Cues

•'Stick in contact with ball!'
•'Cross those hands to turn the stick!'
•'Use reverse stick to escape!'
•'Low sticks for safety!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear area, larger if possible for 2v2 games

Surface Check

Flat, non-slip surface free from holes, debris, or water patches

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Hockey sticks checked for damage or sharp edges
•Tennis balls inspected for good condition
•Cones stable and visible for boundary marking

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact between students
•Collisions during dynamic movement
•Ball strikes to head/body
•Trips and falls during direction changes

Risk Mitigation

•Enforce strict stick height rules (below waist)
•Maintain adequate spacing between activities
•Clear boundaries and controlled movement areas
•Progressive skill building before competitive elements

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all students during activities
•Move around teaching area during practice phases
•Monitor compliance with safety rules consistently

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injured student, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional help if required