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Lesson 2 - Dribbling & Close Control

From Control to Team Play

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Year 4

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Hockey

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Big Question

How can I use close control and shielding to keep possession of the ball when under pressure?

Learning Objectives

Develop advanced dribbling technique including Indian dribble
Demonstrate effective shielding using body position
Evaluate peer performance using technical hockey language

Key Outcomes

Students will show improved close control when dribbling at speed
Students will use their body effectively to shield the ball from opponents
Students will provide constructive feedback using hockey terminology

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check stick height reaches students' hip bone when standing upright

Alternative: Shorter sticks for students needing support

Hockey balls

1 per student (30)

Distributed around perimeter of working area

Alternative: Foam balls for safety, larger balls for SEND students

Cones

55 (mixed colours)

Various colours for different circuit stations

Alternative: Sports markers, bean bags

Game Balls

6-8

For Cannonball Run activity

Alternative: Soft foam balls, bean bags

Key Vocabulary

Indian Dribble

Advanced technique rotating the stick to move ball left and right whilst progressing forward

Close Control

Keeping the ball very near to the stick whilst moving

Shielding

Using your body position to protect the ball from opponents

Technical Language

Specific hockey terminology used to describe skills and techniques

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hockey grip and stance
Simple dribbling in straight lines
Understanding of ball control concept

Current Skills

Advanced dribbling techniques including Indian dribble
Directional changes whilst maintaining control
Shielding techniques using body position
Peer evaluation using technical language

Next Steps

Applying dribbling skills in small-sided games
Combining dribbling with passing techniques
Using shielding in competitive situations

Milestone Indicators

Maintains close control at increased speed

Changes direction smoothly without losing possession

Shields effectively against active opponent

Uses technical vocabulary accurately when evaluating

Key Teaching Points

Keep the ball close to your stick at all times for maximum control
Use your body as a shield when protecting the ball from opponents
Indian dribble requires left wrist rotation with right hand supporting
Heads up position essential for awareness and game reading
Wide base stance provides stability for effective shielding
Technical vocabulary improves quality of peer feedback
Progressive skill development from static to dynamic practice

Common Misconceptions

Faster dribbling always means better control - emphasise control before speed
Shielding means turning your back completely - teach dynamic body positioning
Indian dribble is just moving the ball side to side - stress forward progression
Looking at the ball is safer - develop peripheral vision and heads up play
Physical contact is allowed in hockey - reinforce no-contact rules
Only skill matters in games - highlight tactical awareness and decision making

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with movement breaks, clear boundaries and rules, regular positive feedback and refocusing

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, extra practice time at each station, simplified movement patterns initially

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, predictable rotation system with timers

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear hand signals, written instruction cards at stations, peer signing support

physical disability

Adapted sticks or seated versions, modified distances and areas, alternative ball sizes for easier control

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting rotations in Indian dribble, measuring distances in circuit, calculating success rates at stations

Science

Forces and motion in ball control, momentum and direction changes, friction between stick and ball

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, directions and movement patterns, mapping circuit layouts

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, fair play and respect for others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around outside of activities to observe all groups, position for maximum visibility during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct body positioning in shielding, technique development in dribbling, appropriate competitive behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with basic techniques, unsafe play developing, or negative peer interactions

Demonstration Notes

Use student demonstrations wherever possible, exaggerate key teaching points for clarity, break down complex skills into steps

Verbal Cues

•'Keep it close!' for ball control
•'Body in the way!' for shielding
•'Heads up!' for awareness
•'Soft hands!' for stick control

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m for circuit activities, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for hockey activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check hockey sticks are appropriate length for each student
•Ensure all balls are in good condition without cracks
•Verify sponge balls are soft and safe for throwing activities
•Confirm cones are visible and stable

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact between students during activities
•Collisions during fast-paced games
•Trips over equipment or other students
•Overexertion during intense activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Adequate spacing between students and groups
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•No stick contact rules clearly established
•Regular rest periods during intense activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during circuit activities
•Monitor high-activity areas like King of the Ring
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety
•Ensure students follow no-contact rules

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, contact school office if needed