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Lesson 1 - Push Pass and Game Application

Progressive Skills & Game Tactics

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Year 4

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Hockey

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Big Question

How can accurate passing help a team work together to attack a goal successfully?

Learning Objectives

Perform a push pass with accuracy using correct technique
Work collaboratively as a team to attack and score goals
Explain how accurate passes create attacking opportunities

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate consistent push pass technique with partner
Students will show effective teamwork in small-sided games
Students will articulate how passing creates goal-scoring chances

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check stick length appropriate for each student

Alternative: Foam sticks for younger students or safety concerns

Hockey balls

1 per group of 3-4 (8-10 balls)

Distributed around area perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for indoor use

Cones

20-25

Mark playing areas, goals, and boundaries clearly

Alternative: Markers, bibs, chalk lines

Bibs

15 (for team identification)

Ensure clear team distinction for game scenarios

Alternative: Different coloured bands, house colours

Key Vocabulary

Push Pass

A hockey pass where the ball is pushed along the ground using the flat side of the stick

Basic Grip

Left hand at top of stick, right hand in middle, forming a 'V' shape

Side On Position

Standing with shoulder pointing towards target, feet wider than shoulder-width

Weight Transfer

Moving body weight from back foot to front foot during the pass

Closed Stick Face

Angling the stick face slightly towards the ground to keep ball low

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hockey stick grip and control
Understanding of team games concepts
Simple ball control with stick

Current Skills

Push pass technique development
Collaborative attacking play
Decision-making in possession

Next Steps

Receiving passes on the move
Advanced passing techniques
Defensive positioning and tackling

Milestone Indicators

Consistent stick grip throughout lesson

Successful pass completion in practice

Effective contribution to team attacking play

Key Teaching Points

Maintain correct grip throughout all activities - left hand top, right hand middle
Emphasise side-on position for push pass - shoulder pointing to target
No backswing required - stick rests against back of ball
Weight transfer from back to front foot provides power and accuracy
Keep stick face closed to maintain low ball trajectory
Collaborative attacking more effective than individual play
Pass, move, and support teammates for successful goal scoring

Common Misconceptions

Thinking a backswing is needed for power - correct with weight transfer focus
Believing hitting hard equals good passing - emphasise accuracy over power
Assuming individual play is better than teamwork - demonstrate collaborative success
Thinking stick face should be open - show closed face for control
Misconception that hockey is about winning ball every time - teach patience in 4v2

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback, movement breaks as needed

dyspraxia

Larger balls initially, simplified technique focus, extra practice time, step-by-step breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet reflection time available

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for support

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for game rules, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Seated hockey version possible, modified stick length, adapted distances for comfort

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances for passing, angles of approach, counting successful passes and goals

Science

Forces and motion in passing, weight transfer physics, ball trajectory

Geography

Directions and spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns across playing area

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration, resilience when learning new skills, respect for others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Corner position during warm-up for full area visibility, central during demonstrations, mobile during practice

Observation Focus

Grip quality, weight transfer in passing, collaborative behaviour in games, safety awareness

Intervention Points

Poor technique development, unsafe stick use, exclusion in team activities, frustration with skills

Demonstration Notes

Exaggerate key technique points, use students as positive examples, repeat demonstrations as needed

Verbal Cues

•'Side on position!'
•'Weight from back to front!'
•'Stick face closed!'
•'Pass and move!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m area, additional space around boundaries for safe play

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from debris, suitable for hockey stick use

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check hockey sticks for damage, splinters, or loose heads
•Ensure balls are appropriate weight and condition
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact with other students
•Ball strikes from wild shots or passes
•Slips and falls during movement
•Collisions during game play

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise controlled stick use throughout lesson
•Maintain adequate spacing between activities
•Progress skills gradually from static to dynamic
•Clear boundaries and rules for game situations
•Non-contact rule strictly enforced

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during all activities
•Monitor high-activity areas during games
•Intervene immediately for unsafe behaviour
•Maintain awareness of individual student needs

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if required