Lesson 6 - Tournament & Team Play
From Control to Team Play
•Year 4
•Hockey
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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
Check all sticks for damage before distribution
Alternative: Quick sticks if gum shields and shin pads available
Ensure balls are appropriate weight for age group
Alternative: Foam balls for indoor use
Set up gates 1 foot apart, boundary markers for pitches
Alternative: Bean bags or markers
Clearly distinguish teams for tournament play
Alternative: House colour bands
For timing games and warm-up activities
Alternative: Mobile phone timer
Display tournament fixture and results
Alternative: Paper and pen for scoring
Key Vocabulary
Moving the ball using the flat side of the hockey stick in a forward direction
Moving the ball from side to side using both edges of the stick alternately
A competition where multiple teams play against each other in organised matches
The six core values: passion, self-belief, respect, honesty, determination and teamwork
Acting as a referee or umpire to ensure fair play and rule enforcement
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
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