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Lesson 4 - Passing and Receiving on the Move

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 we use different types of passes to keep possession and create scoring opportunities in hockey?

Learning Objectives

To develop passing technique using push passes and slap passes
To improve receiving skills whilst moving and under pressure
To apply passing and receiving skills in competitive game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved accuracy in push and slap passing
Students will successfully receive passes whilst on the move
Students will make tactical decisions about when to use different passing techniques

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for damage before lesson, ensure correct size for students

Alternative: Foam sticks for students needing modified equipment

Hockey balls

20-25

Have spare balls available around playing area perimeter

Alternative: Foam balls or tennis balls for differentiation

Dish Cones

20-30

Use for marking boundaries, stations, and target areas

Alternative: Spot markers or bean bags

Hoops

12-15

Position around area for collecting games and target practice

Alternative: Chalk circles or rope rings

Bibs

15 (two different colours)

For team identification during game play

Alternative: Coloured bands or pinnies

Key Vocabulary

Push Pass

A controlled pass using a pushing motion with hands close together on the stick

Slap Pass

A longer, more powerful pass using a short backswing with stick parallel to ground

Receiving on the Run

Controlling a pass whilst moving towards or away from the ball

Flat Side

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

Ball Control

Keeping the ball close to the stick whilst moving or stationary

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic stick handling and ball control
Understanding of using flat side of stick only
Simple stationary passing between partners

Current Skills

Push passing with accurate placement
Slap passing for longer distances
Receiving passes whilst moving
Applying skills under game pressure

Next Steps

Advanced passing combinations
Shooting techniques and goal scoring
Defensive positioning and tackling
Team formations and strategies

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accuracy in passing over 10 metres

Ability to receive and control passes without stopping

Making quick decisions about pass selection

Demonstrating good spatial awareness in games

Key Teaching Points

Only the flat side of the hockey stick should contact the ball at all times
Push pass uses hands together at top of stick for accuracy and control
Slap pass uses hands apart (6 inches) for power and distance
Keep stick parallel to ground for both passing techniques
Receiving players should move towards the ball to maintain control
Good communication between teammates creates better passing opportunities
Safety first - controlled movements and spatial awareness at all times

Common Misconceptions

Thinking hockey sticks can be used like golf clubs with high backswings
Believing harder hits always result in better passes
Assuming the same grip works for all types of passes
Thinking ball control means hitting it far ahead
Believing only attackers need good passing skills
Assuming speed is more important than accuracy in passing

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear movement boundaries, use high-energy activities positively

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment initially, reduce complexity of movements, provide extra practice time for grip changes

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine and structure, use visual timetable for station rotations, offer quiet space if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal cues for all demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, provide written station instructions, ensure clear line of sight to teacher

physical disability

Modify grip requirements, allow seated play where appropriate, use shorter passing distances

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting passes in activities, measuring distances for passing accuracy, angles of ball movement

Science

Forces and motion in different passing techniques, friction between stick and ball

Geography

Spatial awareness and directional movement, mapping team positions and tactics

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, managing emotions in competition

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between circuit stations to observe all students, position at corner for game oversight

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip and passing technique, note students applying skills under pressure

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe stick use observed, support students struggling with grip changes

Demonstration Notes

Exaggerate grip positions for clear visibility, use slow motion for technique demonstration

Verbal Cues

•'Flat side only!'
•'Hands together for push pass!'
•'Short backswing, keep it low!'
•'Look for space!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all hockey sticks for cracks or damage before use
•Ensure balls are appropriate size and not too hard
•Verify no sharp edges on cones or markers

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact with other students
•Ball strikes to body or head
•Collisions during fast-paced activities
•Slips and falls on playing surface

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise flat side of stick use only
•Maintain adequate spacing between activities
•Use lightweight plastic sticks rather than wood
•Progressive skill building before competitive play
•Clear boundaries and movement patterns established

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all three circuit stations
•Monitor high-activity areas like Bull in the Ring
•Watch for students losing control of equipment
•Ensure rotation between activities is calm and controlled

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, appropriate first aid available, clear access routes maintained