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Lesson 1 - Dribbling and Ball Control

From Control to Team Play

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Year 4

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Hockey

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45 min

Big Question

How can I use the flat side of my hockey stick to control and move the ball like a professional player?

Learning Objectives

To develop confidence in dribbling a hockey ball using correct technique
To learn how to stop and control a ball effectively with a hockey stick
To understand the importance of proper stick grip and body positioning

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to dribble a ball confidently using the flat side of the stick
Students will demonstrate correct technique for stopping a ball
Students will show understanding of fundamental hockey grip and stance

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks are appropriate length - should reach student's hip bone

Alternative: Floor hockey sticks for indoor use, foam sticks for beginners

Hockey balls

1 per student (30)

Ensure balls are not too bouncy for control work

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for safety, bean bags for control practice

Coloured Cones

20-25

Distribute randomly around main activity area for obstacle course

Alternative: Marker spots, playground chalk circles

Hoops

12-15

Place at both ends of area for Dragon's Nest game collection points

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, marker spots

Coloured Bibs

30 (various colours)

Sort into team colours before lesson begins

Alternative: Coloured bands, house team identification

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Moving the ball forward whilst maintaining control using small pushes with the stick

Flat side

The smooth, flat surface of the hockey stick used for all ball contact

Reverse stick

Rotating the stick anti-clockwise to maintain flat side contact when ball crosses body

Trapping

Stopping the ball by placing the flat side of stick on top, like 'putting a hat on it'

Bridge

Positioning the stick over the ball with flat side facing down, creating a bridge shape

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills from football and basketball
Understanding of spatial awareness and moving in designated areas
Basic coordination skills from previous PE lessons

Current Skills

Correct hockey stick grip and stance
Ball control using flat side of stick only
Stopping and starting ball movement on command
Dribbling in straight lines and around obstacles

Next Steps

Passing the ball to a partner
Receiving passes from different angles
Basic shooting technique at targets
Understanding simple game tactics

Milestone Indicators

Consistent use of flat side of stick without reminders

Ability to maintain control whilst moving at moderate pace

Successful navigation around 3+ obstacles without losing control

Self-correction of grip and stance without teacher input

Key Teaching Points

Flat side of stick must always contact the ball - no exceptions to this rule
Correct grip: left hand at top, right hand halfway down shaft, relaxed but secure
Ball positioned to right side of body, never directly in front of feet
Small, controlled pushes keep ball within 1 metre of stick for optimal control
Low body position essential for effective ball stopping and control
Safety first: sticks carried low, awareness of others' space at all times
Reverse stick technique: right hand rotates while left hand remains stationary

Common Misconceptions

Students think hitting the ball hard will give them better control
Belief that both sides of the stick can be used equally
Assumption that grip should be very tight for better control
Thinking the ball should be kept directly in front of the body
Misconception that speed is more important than technique

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts with clear transitions, immediate positive feedback, movement breaks built into activities

dyspraxia

Simplified grip positions, larger equipment for easier handling, additional practice time for skill development

autism spectrum

Clear, predictable routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available if overstimulated

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide audio cues for direction changes, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for stop/start commands, demonstrate all instructions clearly, written instruction cards

physical disability

Seated hockey version available, modified stick length, larger/slower balls for easier control

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting balls collected in games, measuring distances for dribbling, timing activities with stopwatch

Science

Understanding forces when pushing ball, friction between stick and ground, body systems during exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness and mapping movement patterns, understanding directions and positioning

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when skills are challenging, managing emotions during competition

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corner of activity area for maximum visibility, move around to give individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for correct stick grip, flat side usage, spatial awareness, and cooperative behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for unsafe stick handling, provide support for struggling students

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate all skills slowly first, then at normal speed, emphasise key technique points clearly

Verbal Cues

•'Flat side only!'
•'Small pushes!'
•'Stick stays low!'
•'Eyes on the ball!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area or large sports hall, clear of obstacles and other classes

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas that could cause falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All hockey sticks checked for damage, splinters, or broken ends before use
•Balls inflated correctly - not over-inflated which causes unpredictable bouncing
•Cones and markers positioned to avoid trip hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact between students during close movement
•Balls travelling at speed toward other students
•Trips and falls due to rapid direction changes
•Collision between students during game activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and reinforced throughout lesson
•Stick safety rules emphasised - carry low, never above waist height
•Adequate spacing maintained between students during all activities
•Progressive skill building from stationary to moving activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
•Monitor high-activity areas during game applications closely
•Ensure adult supervision ratio appropriate for outdoor stick work

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately on safety command, assess any incidents appropriately, have first aid readily available for minor bumps and scrapes