Lesson 1 - Dribbling and Ball Control
From Control to Team Play
•Year 4
•Hockey
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
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
Check all sticks are appropriate length - should reach student's hip bone
Alternative: Floor hockey sticks for indoor use, foam sticks for beginners
Ensure balls are not too bouncy for control work
Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for safety, bean bags for control practice
Distribute randomly around main activity area for obstacle course
Alternative: Marker spots, playground chalk circles
Place at both ends of area for Dragon's Nest game collection points
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, marker spots
Sort into team colours before lesson begins
Alternative: Coloured bands, house team identification
Key Vocabulary
Moving the ball forward whilst maintaining control using small pushes with the stick
The smooth, flat surface of the hockey stick used for all ball contact
Rotating the stick anti-clockwise to maintain flat side contact when ball crosses body
Stopping the ball by placing the flat side of stick on top, like 'putting a hat on it'
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
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