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Lesson 3 - Push Passing and Ball 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 different parts of my stick to control and pass the ball accurately to help my team succeed?

Learning Objectives

To develop accurate push passing technique using the flat side of the stick
To improve ball control skills when receiving passes from different angles
To apply passing and control skills effectively in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved push passing accuracy through target practice
Students will show better ball control with cushioned first touches
Students will apply skills successfully in competitive game scenarios

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check stick length appropriate for each student

Alternative: Foam sticks for beginners, left-handed sticks available

Hockey balls

15 (1 per pair)

Ensure balls are suitable for surface being used

Alternative: Tennis balls for indoor use, foam balls for safety

Cones

Different colours for different activities

Alternative: Markers, bean bags

Hoops

Space hoops around central area

Alternative: Marked circles on ground

Key Vocabulary

Push pass

A passing technique where the stick pushes the ball along the ground using the flat side

Ball control

Stopping and managing the ball when it comes to you, cushioning its movement

Cushioning

Absorbing the ball's energy with a soft touch to bring it under control

Target

A specific area or object you aim to pass the ball towards

Follow through

Continuing the stick movement after making contact with the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic stick holding and dribbling techniques
Understanding of personal space and safety with sticks
Simple ball control with hockey stick

Current Skills

Push passing technique with accuracy
Ball control and cushioning skills
Application of skills in game contexts

Next Steps

Passing under pressure from defenders
Quick passing combinations in small games
Tactical awareness in team play

Milestone Indicators

Consistent push pass accuracy over 5 metres

Controlled first touch that sets up next action

Successful skill application in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Push pass technique: side-on stance, stick stays with ball, follow through to target
Ball control: soft hands, cushion the ball, get low for better control
Safety first: stick always below waist height, awareness of others around
Progressive challenge: master technique before adding pressure or speed
Game application: use skills learned in practice within competitive situations
Self-assessment: honest reflection helps improvement and goal-setting
Teamwork: support others and communicate effectively during activities

Common Misconceptions

Thinking hitting the ball hard makes better passes - actually control and accuracy matter more
Believing you need to watch the ball constantly - head up awareness is crucial for game play
Assuming game success means not following safety rules - safety enables better performance
Thinking only naturally skilled students can improve - everyone can develop with practice and effort
Believing competition means being mean to others - best competition includes supporting teammates

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries and expectations, regular movement breaks, immediate feedback

dyspraxia

Extra practice time, larger equipment, simplified movement patterns, step-by-step verbal instructions

autism spectrum

Clear routines and structure, visual timetable of activities, quiet spaces available if needed, consistent verbal cues

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, use audio cues for direction changes

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, provide written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Adapted equipment available (shorter sticks, larger balls), modified distances and targets, seated versions where appropriate

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting passes in sequence activities, measuring distances for passing, angles of approach to targets

Science

Forces in pushing the ball, friction between stick and ball, momentum and control

Geography

Directional awareness (clockwise/anti-clockwise), spatial understanding, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when skills don't work first time, fair play and honesty in games

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all students, position centrally for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for technique development, safety compliance, and engagement levels

Intervention Points

Step in when safety compromised, technique breaking down, or students struggling significantly

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, slow demonstrations with key points highlighted, involve skilled students as models

Verbal Cues

•'Stick low, push through!'
•'Soft hands for control!'
•'Side-on to target!'
•'Follow through to your target!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor space, larger for game activities

Surface Check

Even surface free from holes, not slippery, suitable for hockey

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check hockey sticks for splinters or damage
•Ensure balls appropriate for surface and weather
•Verify hoops and cones have no sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact with other students
•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions during competitive activities
•Slips on wet or uneven surfaces

Risk Mitigation

•Enforce stick below waist height rule consistently
•Maintain adequate spacing between activities
•Clear rules about one runner at a time in games
•Progressive skill building before competitive elements

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all students during activities
•Monitor competitive games for safety breaches
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional help if needed