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Lesson 4 - Slap Pass Skills

Progressive Skills & Game Tactics

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Year 4

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Hockey

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use power and accuracy together to make our hockey passes more effective over longer distances?

Learning Objectives

To develop the slap pass technique with increased power and accuracy
To apply slap passing skills in competitive game situations
To understand and apply basic hockey rules including side-line and back-line decisions

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved slap pass technique over longer distances
Students will make appropriate decisions about when to use slap passes in games
Students will apply hockey rules correctly during modified games

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check stick length appropriate for each student

Alternative: Plastic hockey sticks for beginners

Hockey balls

15 (1 per pair plus spares)

Use softer balls for safety in confined spaces

Alternative: Tennis balls for indoor use

Cones

Set in two parallel lines 5 metres apart

Alternative: Markers or spots

Goals

2-3 sets

Positioned for modified game areas

Alternative: Cone goals or targets

Bibs

14 (two teams)

Clear team identification for game play

Alternative: Coloured bands

Key Vocabulary

Slap Pass

A hockey pass using a short backswing and hip rotation to generate power over longer distances

Basic Grip

Wide hand position on hockey stick with hands separated for control and power

Hip Rotation

Turning the hips through the shot to generate power in the slap pass

Side-line Hit

A free hit awarded when the ball crosses the side boundary line

Back-line Hit

A free hit awarded when the ball crosses the back boundary line off an attacker

Ready Position

Athletic stance with knees bent, weight on toes, stick ready for action

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hockey grip and ready position
Simple push pass technique
Reverse stick stopping from previous session
Basic ball control with hockey stick

Current Skills

Slap pass technique development
Power generation through hip rotation
Distance passing accuracy
Game rule application

Next Steps

Advanced slap pass under pressure
Combination passing sequences
Tactical game play development
Tournament-style competitive play

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball contact in slap pass

Visible hip rotation during execution

Passes reaching target over 10+ metres

Correct rule decisions in game context

Key Teaching Points

Wide grip with hands separated provides power and control for slap passes
Ball positioned inside front foot creates optimal angle for power generation
Hip rotation is the key to generating power - hips lead, stick follows
Control the ball first before attempting to slap in practice situations
Technique must be maintained even under competitive game pressure
Teamwork and communication are essential for game success
Rules understanding enhances game enjoyment and fairness

Common Misconceptions

Students think arm strength creates power rather than hip rotation - demonstrate and practice isolated hip movement
Belief that faster swing equals more power - emphasise technique and timing over speed
Assumption that slap pass is just a harder push pass - clearly distinguish the different techniques
Thinking ball position doesn't matter - show how different positions affect shot outcome
Believing they must hit the ball immediately in games - teach control then slap sequence

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with movement breaks, clear, simple instructions, regular positive feedback, movement-based roles in games

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for technique, simplified movement patterns initially, visual guides for ball position and stance

autism spectrum

Clear, consistent routines, visual game rules cards, designated quiet space if overwhelmed, predictable partner arrangements

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for support

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, written rule cards, ensure student can see teacher's lips clearly

physical disability

Seated slap pass practice, lighter balls or modified equipment, adapted game roles focusing on strategy

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances for slap passes, counting passes in game, calculating team scores and timing

Science

Forces and energy transfer in slap pass, friction and ball movement, body mechanics during hip rotation

Geography

Spatial awareness and direction, mapping movement patterns around cone courses

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with challenge and frustration, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly between groups during practice, position at corner of game area for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Monitor slap pass technique quality, teamwork during games, appropriate challenge level for each student

Intervention Points

Step in if technique deteriorating, provide individual coaching during partner work, clarify rules during game confusion

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate, repeat key points multiple times throughout lesson

Verbal Cues

•'Wide grip for power!'
•'Hip rotation drives the shot!'
•'Control first, then slap!'
•'Communicate in your teams!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m, clear of obstacles with defined boundaries

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for quick movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check hockey sticks for damage, ensure appropriate length
•Verify balls are regulation weight, not too hard for age group
•Ensure cones are visible and stable

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick collisions during warm-up movements
•Ball strikes from slap passes
•Collisions during team running game
•Falls during quick direction changes

Risk Mitigation

•Adequate spacing during all activities
•All students hitting in same direction during practice
•Clear boundaries and traffic flow patterns
•Progressive skill building before game application

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during game play
•Monitor high-activity areas closely
•Be aware of fatigue affecting technique and safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, clear space if needed