Lesson 3 - Reverse Stick Control and Stopping
Progressive Skills & Game Tactics
•Year 4
•Hockey
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can mastering reverse stick technique give us more control and options when the ball is on the far side of our body?
Learning Objectives
- Keep possession of the ball in small groups using reverse stick control when the ball is on the far side of the body
- Use the reverse stick technique to stop and control a ball effectively
- Maintain possession and progress consistently through improved ball control
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate accurate reverse stick technique with correct grip and body positioning
- Students will successfully stop and control balls using reverse stick in game-like situations
- Students will maintain possession for longer periods through improved technique
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all sticks are appropriate size for Year 4 students
Alternative: Unihoc sticks, or improvised sticks for basic technique
Place extra balls in central hoops for starter activity
Alternative: Tennis balls for safer practice, or foam balls for beginners
4-5 team hoops around perimeter, 2-3 central 'nest' hoops
Alternative: Cones to mark circular areas, or chalk circles
Mark boundaries, goals, and practice areas
Alternative: Markers, spots, or improvised markers
Create small goal approximately 2 metres wide
Alternative: Cones, benches, or painted lines on wall
Key Vocabulary
A technique where the stick is turned over the top of the ball to control it while still using the correct side of the stick
When the ball is positioned on the opposite side of your body from where you would naturally play it
Body position where you have good balance and control to pass, shoot, or dribble effectively
Having control of the ball and being able to keep it within your team
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic hockey stick grip and ball control
- Simple dribbling using correct side of stick
- Understanding of basic hockey rules and safety
Current Skills
- Reverse stick technique for stopping balls on far side of body
- Quick decision making about when to use reverse stick
- Improved possession and control in game situations
Next Steps
- Combining reverse stick with different types of passes
- Using reverse stick in more complex game situations
- Developing reverse stick technique for shooting and tackling
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Right hand controls the stick rotation for reverse stick technique
- Use reverse stick when ball is positioned on the far side of the body
- Gentle touch with reverse stick for control, not power
- Move feet to reposition into strong position after stopping ball
- Look for reverse stick opportunities in game situations for tactical advantage
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking reverse stick means using the back of the stick - emphasise it's still using the correct flat side
- Believing reverse stick is only for emergencies - show how it's a tactical choice for better control
- Assuming the technique is too difficult - break down into simple grip change and gentle touch
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter practice segments with frequent changes, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Slower technique introduction, larger equipment for easier handling, additional practice time with support
autism spectrum
- Clear routine for practice structure, visual schedule showing lesson progression, quiet zone available
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and clear verbal descriptions of technique, provide tactile guidance for grip change
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations with exaggerated movements, written instruction cards for technique points
physical disability
- Adapted reverse stick technique for wheelchair users, modified equipment sizing, seated practice options
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting successful attempts out of 10 for percentage calculations, measuring distances for practice areas, angles of stick rotation
Science
Forces and motion in ball control, leverage and mechanics of stick rotation, body mechanics and balance
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning on the playing field, understanding of relative position concepts
PSHE
Perseverance when learning challenging new skills, supporting others during practice, teamwork in game situations
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand where all students can see demonstrations clearly, move around during practice to provide individual feedback
Observation Focus
Watch for correct grip change, timing of reverse stick use, and safe stick handling throughout
Intervention Points
Step in when students struggle with grip change, use unsafe stick technique, or become frustrated with new skill
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate technique slowly multiple times, emphasise grip change clearly, show common mistakes and corrections
Verbal Cues
- •'Right hand turns the stick over the ball!'
- •'Gentle touch, don't hit it hard!'
- •'Quick feet to get back into strong position!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m for full class, clear of obstacles and with safe boundaries marked
Surface Check
Dry, even surface suitable for running with hockey sticks, free from hazards or slippery areas
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all hockey sticks for damage, splinters, or loose parts before use
- •Ensure balls are in good condition and appropriate for age group
- •Verify cones and markers are stable and visible
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Stick contact between students during practice and games
- •Ball strikes to body, particularly when learning new technique
- •Collisions during competitive game situations
- •Loss of control during reverse stick practice
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for all activities with adequate spacing
- •Emphasis on controlled practice before progressing to game speed
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic practice
- •Constant reinforcement of stick safety and awareness of others
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility during stick technique instruction
- •Monitor high-activity areas during competitive games
- •Intervene immediately if unsafe stick handling observed
- •Ensure adequate space maintained between practice groups
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if required