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Lesson 6 - Tournament & Team Play

From Control to Team Play

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Year 4

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Hockey

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Big Question

How can we use all our hockey skills to compete fairly and effectively in a tournament whilst demonstrating the school games values?

Learning Objectives

To apply hockey skills effectively in competitive tournament situations
To work cooperatively as part of a team whilst demonstrating school games values
To understand the role of officials and make tactical decisions during game play

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate proficient hockey skills in tournament matches
Students will show excellent teamwork and sportsmanship throughout competition
Students will effectively officiate games and make tactical decisions

Equipment & Resources Required

Unihoc Sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for damage before distribution

Alternative: Quick sticks if gum shields and shin pads available

Hockey balls

15 (1 per pair for warm-up, 2 for games)

Ensure balls are appropriate weight for age group

Alternative: Foam balls for indoor use

Cones

20-30 mixed colours

Set up gates 1 foot apart, boundary markers for pitches

Alternative: Bean bags or markers

Bibs

5 different colours (6 bibs each)

Clearly distinguish teams for tournament play

Alternative: House colour bands

Stopwatch

For timing games and warm-up activities

Alternative: Mobile phone timer

Sun Markers

1 set

Display tournament fixture and results

Alternative: Paper and pen for scoring

Key Vocabulary

Conventional dribbling

Moving the ball using the flat side of the hockey stick in a forward direction

Indian dribbling

Moving the ball from side to side using both edges of the stick alternately

Tournament

A competition where multiple teams play against each other in organised matches

School games values

The six core values: passion, self-belief, respect, honesty, determination and teamwork

Officiating

Acting as a referee or umpire to ensure fair play and rule enforcement

Tactical awareness

Understanding when and how to use different skills and strategies during play

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hockey dribbling with one side of stick
Simple passing and receiving techniques
Understanding of basic hockey rules and positioning

Current Skills

Advanced dribbling techniques in competitive situations
Tournament play and tactical awareness
Officiating and fair play demonstration

Next Steps

Advanced tactical formations and strategies
Specialist positional play development
Leadership in school hockey teams

Milestone Indicators

Consistent skill application under pressure

Effective communication during team play

Fair and decisive officiating

Key Teaching Points

Tournament pressure reveals true skill mastery - maintain technique under competition stress
School games values are demonstrated through actions, not just words during competition
Effective officiating requires confidence, decisiveness and respect from all participants
Tactical awareness develops through experiencing different game situations and pressures
Team success depends on individual skill application combined with cooperative effort
Fair play and sportsmanship are as important as technical skill in hockey development
Self-reflection and peer recognition build understanding of personal and social learning

Common Misconceptions

Winning is more important than demonstrating values - correct by emphasising bonus points for values
Officials' decisions can be argued - establish that decisions are final and must be respected
Individual skill is more important than team play - highlight examples of successful teamwork
Fast play is always better - emphasise controlled speed and tactical decision-making
Only the best players can officiate - show that fair officiating comes from understanding, not skill level

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter game periods with regular breaks, clear focus on one task at a time, frequent positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier control, simplified officiating role initially, extra practice time with skills

autism spectrum

Clear tournament structure explained with visual schedule, quiet area available between games, predictable routines

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, clear verbal cues for all instructions, buddy system with sighted partner

hearing impairment

Visual officiating signals clearly demonstrated, written tournament fixture display, sign language support if available

physical disability

Modified equipment including lighter sticks or larger balls, seated officiating role, adapted pitch boundaries

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication during team play, explaining tactics and strategies, giving clear officiating decisions

Maths

Tournament scoring systems, calculating points and league tables, timing games and statistics

Science

Forces in hockey ball movement, energy transfer in stick contact, body systems during sustained exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness on pitch, understanding boundaries and territories, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with disappointment, respecting authority and decisions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between both pitches to observe all students, maintain central position during briefings

Observation Focus

Monitor skill application under pressure, values demonstration, and officiating quality

Intervention Points

Step in if disputes arise or safety concerns develop, support struggling officials

Demonstration Notes

Use students as positive examples throughout tournament, highlight excellent values demonstration immediately

Verbal Cues

•'Keep your stick low and controlled!'
•'Great decision by the official - respect that call!'
•'Show me those school games values in action!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Two marked hockey pitches minimum 15m x 20m each, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all hockey sticks for cracks or sharp edges before use
•Ensure balls are appropriate weight and not damaged
•Verify cone stability and safe placement

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact with other students
•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions during fast-paced tournament play
•Slips during quick direction changes

Risk Mitigation

•Clear guidelines on stick height during play
•Emphasis on controlled speed throughout tournament
•Regular breaks between games to maintain concentration
•Officials positioned for optimal safety monitoring

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of both pitches simultaneously
•Monitor high-activity areas near goals
•Watch for fatigue affecting safety during extended play

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact medical support if needed