Lesson 5 - Possession & Ball Control
Defensive Tactics Progression
•Year 5
•Hockey
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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
Check all sticks are appropriate height (hip level)
Alternative: Unihoc sticks if hockey sticks unavailable
Distribute around perimeter before lesson
Alternative: Tennis balls for beginners, foam balls for SEND students
Sort into team sets before lesson starts
Alternative: Coloured bands or pinnies
Use to mark playing areas and scoring zones
Alternative: Spot markers or chalk lines
Position at ends of each playing area
Alternative: Portable goals if available
Key Vocabulary
Moving the ball from left to right using the open stick face to deceive defenders
Maintaining control of the ball within your team
When defenders are close and trying to win the ball
The front face of the hockey stick used for most skills
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
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