Lesson 2 - Dribbling & Close Control
From Control to Team Play
•Year 4
•Hockey
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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
Check stick height reaches students' hip bone when standing upright
Alternative: Shorter sticks for students needing support
Distributed around perimeter of working area
Alternative: Foam balls for safety, larger balls for SEND students
Various colours for different circuit stations
Alternative: Sports markers, bean bags
For Cannonball Run activity
Alternative: Soft foam balls, bean bags
Key Vocabulary
Advanced technique rotating the stick to move ball left and right whilst progressing forward
Keeping the ball very near to the stick whilst moving
Using your body position to protect the ball from opponents
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
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