Lesson 4 - Passing and Receiving on the Move
From Control to Team Play
•Year 4
•Hockey
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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
Check all sticks for damage before lesson, ensure correct size for students
Alternative: Foam sticks for students needing modified equipment
Have spare balls available around playing area perimeter
Alternative: Foam balls or tennis balls for differentiation
Use for marking boundaries, stations, and target areas
Alternative: Spot markers or bean bags
Position around area for collecting games and target practice
Alternative: Chalk circles or rope rings
For team identification during game play
Alternative: Coloured bands or pinnies
Key Vocabulary
A controlled pass using a pushing motion with hands close together on the stick
A longer, more powerful pass using a short backswing with stick parallel to ground
Controlling a pass whilst moving towards or away from the ball
The smooth, flat surface of the hockey stick used for all ball contact
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
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