Lesson 4 - Slap Pass Skills
Progressive Skills & Game Tactics
•Year 4
•Hockey
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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
Check stick length appropriate for each student
Alternative: Plastic hockey sticks for beginners
Use softer balls for safety in confined spaces
Alternative: Tennis balls for indoor use
Set in two parallel lines 5 metres apart
Alternative: Markers or spots
Positioned for modified game areas
Alternative: Cone goals or targets
Clear team identification for game play
Alternative: Coloured bands
Key Vocabulary
A hockey pass using a short backswing and hip rotation to generate power over longer distances
Wide hand position on hockey stick with hands separated for control and power
Turning the hips through the shot to generate power in the slap pass
A free hit awarded when the ball crosses the side boundary line
A free hit awarded when the ball crosses the back boundary line off an attacker
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
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