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Lesson 5 - Possession & Ball Control

Defensive Tactics Progression

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Year 5

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Hockey

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use the drag technique to keep possession when defenders are putting us under pressure?

Learning Objectives

To keep possession as a team with pressure from defenders
To use dragging skills to move the ball away from defenders
To apply simple control and sending skills under pressure

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate ball control techniques when under pressure
Students will execute the drag technique to beat defenders
Students will maintain possession through tactical passing decisions

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks are appropriate height (hip level)

Alternative: Unihoc sticks if hockey sticks unavailable

Hockey balls

1 per student (30)

Distribute around perimeter before lesson

Alternative: Tennis balls for beginners, foam balls for SEND students

Coloured Bibs

6-8 different colours

Sort into team sets before lesson starts

Alternative: Coloured bands or pinnies

Dish Cones

20-30

Use to mark playing areas and scoring zones

Alternative: Spot markers or chalk lines

Markers

6-8 cones

Position at ends of each playing area

Alternative: Portable goals if available

Key Vocabulary

Dragging

Moving the ball from left to right using the open stick face to deceive defenders

Possession

Maintaining control of the ball within your team

Pressure

When defenders are close and trying to win the ball

Open stick

The front face of the hockey stick used for most skills

Dominant side

The defender's stronger side they prefer to defend on

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic stick grip and ball control
Simple passing and receiving
Understanding of space and movement

Current Skills

Ball dragging technique left to right
Possession under pressure
Decision making when challenged

Next Steps

Advanced dragging techniques
3v2 and 4v3 game situations
Set piece situations

Milestone Indicators

Students maintain possession for extended periods

Students use drag technique instinctively

Students make quick decisions under pressure

Key Teaching Points

Drag technique requires convincing fake movement followed by quick ball transfer
Ball position should be close to feet but not so close to cause tripping
Head up awareness is crucial for spotting both threats and opportunities
Possession is about smart decision making not just individual ball skills
Safe stick work means stick to ball contact only, never stick to body
Team communication helps maintain possession under pressure
Confidence with ball control develops through progressive challenge levels

Common Misconceptions

Thinking dragging is just moving the ball sideways - it requires deception
Believing possession means keeping the ball as long as possible - sometimes quick passing is better
Assuming drag technique only works when stationary - it's more effective with movement
Thinking head down ball watching improves control - actually reduces game awareness
Believing stronger players always win possession - technique beats strength

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries and rules, regular positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Break skills into smaller steps, extra practice time, larger/softer equipment options

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routine, quiet spaces available, advance warning of activity changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for key instructions, written or pictorial rule cards

physical disability

Seated version using adapted equipment, modified drag technique using hands, shorter distances

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting passes to reach target numbers, calculating success rates in possession games

Science

Forces and motion in ball movement, friction between stick and ball

Geography

Spatial awareness and understanding directions (left/right movement)

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, fair play and respect

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during activities, central position for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct drag technique, safe stick work, positive team interactions

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe play occurs, provide individual technique support as needed

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate drag technique slowly first, then at game speed, use students to show good examples

Verbal Cues

•'Drag away from the defender!'
•'Head up, look for space!'
•'Keep your ball close!'
•'Fake one way, go the other!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m for warm up, multiple 15m x 10m areas for games

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from debris and obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all hockey sticks for damage or splinters
•Ensure balls are properly inflated and undamaged
•Verify cone markers are stable and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick to player contact during close play
•Ball striking players during possession games
•Collisions in confined spaces during King of the Ring

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise stick to ball contact only
•Clear rules about safe tagging in warm up
•Adequate spacing between playing areas
•Progressive skill introduction from unopposed to opposed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups during multi-area activities
•Monitor for safe stick work throughout lesson
•Ensure fair play and sporting behaviour

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation route identified