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Lesson 6 - Team Play and Competition

Progressive Skills & Game Tactics

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Year 4

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Hockey

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Big Question

How can we use our hockey skills effectively in competitive team situations while supporting our teammates?

Learning Objectives

Use a range of passes (push, slap) to build attacking play
Apply tactics and teamwork to score goals in competitive situations
Evaluate and suggest improvements for own and others' gameplay

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate varied passing techniques in game situations
Students will work collaboratively to implement team tactics
Students will provide constructive feedback to improve team performance

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check stick height reaches students' hip bone

Alternative: Floor hockey sticks, shortened sticks for Reception/Year 1

Hockey balls

4-6 balls

Have spare balls available around pitch perimeter

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for indoor use

Cones

22 cones

Mark out multiple small pitches and goal areas

Alternative: Marker discs, chalk lines

Coloured Bibs

5 sets of different colours

Ensure clear colour distinction between teams

Alternative: Coloured bands, temporary tattoos

Sun Markers

1 set

For drawing tactics and recording scores

Alternative: Clipboard with paper

Stopwatch

For timing game periods

Alternative: Phone timer, classroom clock

Key Vocabulary

Round-robin

A tournament format where each team plays every other team once

Tactics

Planned strategies used by a team to gain advantage

Pacing

Managing energy throughout a game by varying running speed

Back stick

Illegal contact with the rounded back of the hockey stick

Free pass

Restart awarded when the opposing team commits an infringement

Goal difference

Goals scored minus goals conceded, used to separate teams on equal points

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Push pass technique and accuracy
Slap hit for power
Ball control and dribbling
Basic defensive positioning
Individual skill challenges

Current Skills

Combining skills in competitive situations
Team tactical awareness
Pacing effort throughout games
Providing constructive feedback
Leadership and communication

Next Steps

Advanced tactical systems
Set piece strategies
Tournament organisation
Peer coaching and officiating
Inter-school competition preparation

Milestone Indicators

Successful skill transfer to competitive situations

Effective communication during games

Sustained effort throughout matches

Quality of feedback given to peers

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise skill application under competitive pressure rather than just technique
Encourage effective communication and teamwork throughout tournament
Model and reinforce excellent sportsmanship in competitive situations
Help students understand the importance of pacing for sustained performance
Use competition as motivation while maintaining focus on learning and improvement
Celebrate effort, improvement, and positive attitudes alongside results
Connect individual skills learned to effective team play

Common Misconceptions

Competition means winning at all costs - correct by emphasising sportsmanship and learning
Only the winning team was successful - highlight improvements and positive behaviours from all teams
Individual skill is more important than teamwork - demonstrate how team tactics lead to success
Fast pace means constant sprinting - teach strategic pacing for game-long performance
Hockey is just about hitting the ball hard - emphasise control and accuracy over power

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break tournament into shorter game segments, provide clear role definitions, use movement and competition as positive energy outlets

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time with skills, modify equipment weight if needed, provide additional encouragement and patience

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine for tournament format, offer quiet space for breaks, prepare for potential sensory overload from excitement

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and bibs, provide verbal commentary during games, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for game starts/stops, provide written rules summary, ensure facing student when giving instructions

physical disability

Adapt to seated hockey with appropriate equipment, modify pitch size and rules as needed, consider alternative roles like coaching

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills during team talks, vocabulary development with hockey terminology, descriptive language for performance analysis

Maths

Tournament point calculations, goal difference calculations, time management, statistical analysis of team performance

Science

Understanding heart rate during exercise, effect of pacing on performance, forces in hockey hits and passes

Geography

Spatial awareness on hockey pitch, tactical positioning, understanding of field dimensions and areas

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, resilience in competition, respect for opponents and officials

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position allowing observation of all tournament games, move between pitches regularly

Observation Focus

Skill application under pressure, team communication, pacing strategies, sportsmanship

Intervention Points

Poor sportsmanship, unsafe play, students struggling with competitive pressure

Demonstration Notes

Highlight positive examples during games, intervene with brief tactical guidance, celebrate good sportsmanship publicly

Verbal Cues

•'Great team communication!'
•'Remember to pace yourselves!'
•'Choose your passes carefully!'
•'Support your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m for multiple small-sided pitches, clear boundaries marked

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check hockey sticks for correct height and no damage
•Ensure balls are properly inflated and suitable for surface
•Verify bibs are secure and not torn

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact between students
•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions during competitive play
•Fatigue leading to poor control
•Over-competitive behaviour

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise and enforce no-contact rule consistently
•Maintain adequate spacing between pitches
•Monitor energy levels and encourage appropriate pacing
•Position teacher for maximum visibility of all games
•Have clear signals for stopping play if needed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position centrally to observe multiple games simultaneously
•Move regularly between pitches to maintain presence
•Monitor for signs of fatigue affecting safety
•Watch for escalating competitive emotions

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, maintain calm environment