🏒

Lesson 1 - Block Tackle & Defence

Defensive Tactics Progression

•

Year 5

•

Hockey

•

45 min

Big Question

How can we work as a team to defend our goal and win possession back from attackers?

Learning Objectives

Explain the role of a defender in competitive hockey games
Perform the block tackle technique to dispossess attackers
Apply basic defensive positioning principles in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will understand defensive responsibilities and positioning
Students will execute block tackles with correct technique and timing
Students will demonstrate effective defensive teamwork in small-sided games

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check stick length reaches students' waist when standing upright

Alternative: Shortened sticks for smaller students, left-handed sticks available

Hockey balls

6-8 balls

Keep spare balls around pitch perimeter for quick retrieval

Alternative: Foam balls for beginners, tennis balls for skill practice

Coloured Bibs

15 (half class set)

Ensure easy removal for flag tag activity

Alternative: Fabric strips, coloured bands

Dish Cones

22 cones

Create clear pitch boundaries and D zones around goals

Alternative: Markers, corner flags

Goals

2 goals

Goals should be relatively large to encourage attacking play

Alternative: Cone goals 3m wide, wall targets

Key Vocabulary

Block tackle

A defensive technique where the stick creates a barrier at right angles to stop an attacking player

Defensive position

Positioning yourself between the attacker and your goal to prevent scoring opportunities

D zone

The semi-circular area around the goal where players must be positioned to score

Dispossess

To take the ball away from an opponent through legal tackling

Back stick

Illegal contact with the ball using the curved back of the hockey stick

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hockey stick grip and control
Understanding of attacking and defending concepts
Experience with invasion games and teamwork

Current Skills

Block tackle technique and timing
Defensive positioning principles
Basic defensive rules and strategies

Next Steps

Advanced defensive formations
Jab tackle and other defensive techniques
Counter-attacking from defensive positions

Milestone Indicators

Consistent two-handed grip in tackles

Waiting until last moment before tackling

Immediate ball clearance after successful tackles

Key Teaching Points

Block tackle uses the shaft of the stick, not the blade, creating a horizontal barrier
Timing is crucial - wait until the last moment before executing the tackle
Defensive positioning means staying between the attacker and your goal
Clear communication between defenders improves team defensive effectiveness
After a successful tackle, immediately look to clear the ball to safety or pass to a teammate
Maintain correct grip throughout all defensive movements for control and safety
Work as a defensive unit rather than individual defenders

Common Misconceptions

Using the blade instead of shaft for block tackles - explain and demonstrate the barrier principle
Tackling too early giving attackers time to dodge - emphasise last-moment timing
Thinking defence is only about tackling - highlight positioning and communication importance
Believing bigger is better in tackles - focus on technique over force
Assuming all players should rush to the ball - teach defensive shape and roles

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, regular movement breaks, clear and simple instructions, immediate feedback and praise

dyspraxia

Larger, lighter equipment options, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step technique breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet zones available, predictable game formats with consistent rules

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance, clear verbal boundary calls

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for instructions, written rule cards, vibrant visual cues for game situations

physical disability

Seated hockey adaptations, modified stick lengths, larger target areas, adapted tackle techniques for limited mobility

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring pitch dimensions, counting scores and time, calculating tackle success rates, understanding angles in defensive positioning

Science

Forces and friction in tackling, body mechanics and balance, physics of ball movement and stick contact

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of territory and boundaries, mapping movement patterns on pitch

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation in defence, resilience when tackled, fair play and respect for opponents, leadership in team situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter during games for full view, central position during demonstrations, close proximity during skill practice

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip and tackle timing, monitor rule adherence, assess defensive positioning and teamwork

Intervention Points

Step in for safety concerns, correct persistent technique errors, facilitate positive team dynamics

Demonstration Notes

Use students as positive examples, exaggerate key movements for clarity, repeat demonstrations as needed

Verbal Cues

•'Wait for it... now!' for tackle timing
•'Strong barrier!' for block tackle position
•'Get behind the ball!' for defensive positioning

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m for game play, clear of obstacles, additional space for skill practice

Surface Check

Even surface suitable for hockey, free from holes or debris, adequate grip for safe movement

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Hockey sticks appropriate length for students
•Check sticks for damage or splinters
•Balls inflated correctly and clean
•Bibs/tags secure but easily removable

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact with other students
•Collisions during game play
•Trips and falls
•Ball strikes

Risk Mitigation

•Reinforce no-contact rules consistently
•Maintain adequate spacing during activities
•Progressive skill building before full game play
•Clear boundaries and controlled areas

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Monitor stick safety during tackles
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required