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Lesson 4 - Sweep Hit & Long Pass

Defensive Tactics Progression

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Year 5

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Hockey

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50 min

Big Question

How can we use the sweep hit to maintain possession and create attacking opportunities in hockey?

Learning Objectives

To develop the technique for performing a sweep hit with power and accuracy
To understand when and why to use long distance passes in game situations
To apply sweep hitting skills to clear danger and create space in defence

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct sweep hitting technique with increasing consistency
Students will make tactical decisions about when to use long distance passes
Students will successfully receive and control balls from longer distances

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check sticks are appropriate height (waist level when standing)

Alternative: Plastic/foam hockey sticks for beginners

Hockey balls

15-20 balls

Ensure balls are in good condition with no cracks

Alternative: Tennis balls or softer practice balls

Cones

20-30 cones

Use for marking zones, targets, and playing areas

Alternative: Markers, spots, or other boundary markers

Bibs

15 bibs in 2 colours

For team identification in games

Alternative: Coloured bands or sashes

Key Vocabulary

Sweep Hit

A powerful hockey stroke where the stick sweeps through in a horizontal motion to hit the ball

Open Stick

Playing with the flat face of the hockey stick facing the direction of play

First Time

Hitting the ball immediately as it arrives without stopping it first

Double V Grip

Hockey grip where both hands form a V shape down the stick handle

Clearing

Sending the ball away from dangerous areas, usually from defence

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hockey stick grip and handling
Simple push passing technique
Fundamental ball control and receiving skills

Current Skills

Sweep hitting technique with open stick
Long distance passing and receiving
Tactical awareness for when to clear or pass long

Next Steps

Advanced sweep variations (reverse stick sweep)
Combining sweep hits with movement patterns
Complex game strategies using long passes

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with ball on first attempt

Ball travels accurately over intended distance

Appropriate decision-making in game contexts

Key Teaching Points

Double V grip with hands wide apart on the stick handle
Weight forward on front foot during sweep motion
Stick horizontal and close to ground throughout swing
Contact ball with shaft of stick just above the toe
Hit ball 'first time' without stopping it first
Use sweep hits for clearing danger and long distance passing
Tactical awareness of when sweep hits are most effective

Common Misconceptions

Sweep hits are just harder push passes - actually require completely different technique
More power always means better results - timing and technique are more important than force
You should stop the ball before sweep hitting - actually works best with first-time contact
Sweep hits are only for shooting - they're equally valuable for passing and clearing
The harder you grip the stick the more powerful the shot - relaxed grip allows better technique

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts with regular changes, clear and immediate feedback, physical release through active warm-up

dyspraxia

Larger balls initially, extra practice time for technique, break down skills into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Clear routines and structure, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet space available for breaks if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide clear verbal descriptions of demonstrations, use buddy system for positioning

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations with clear hand signals, provide written key points on whiteboard, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Shorter hockey sticks or seated versions available, modified distances for passing, alternative roles such as coaching or officiating

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances for accurate passing, calculating angles for sweep hit direction, timing and counting in relay activities

Science

Understanding forces in the sweep motion, friction between stick and ball, momentum transfer from stick to ball

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of direction and distance in tactical play

PSHE

Teamwork and communication skills, resilience when learning challenging techniques, fair play and sportsmanship

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between practice groups during skill development, position at corner during games for full pitch visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for correct sweep technique, note tactical awareness during games, monitor safety compliance

Intervention Points

Step in when technique becomes unsafe, provide tactical guidance during game pauses, support struggling students

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion technique breakdowns, show common errors and corrections, highlight good examples from students during lessons

Verbal Cues

•'Sweep low and through the ball!'
•'Weight on your front foot!'
•'First time contact!'
•'Look for the space!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m playing area per group, with additional space for skill practice zones

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from holes or debris that could cause trips or affect ball movement

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Hockey sticks checked for cracks or damage before use
•Balls inspected for wear that could cause unpredictable movement
•Ensure stick heights are appropriate for individual students

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact with other students during swing motions
•Ball strikes from powerful sweep hits
•Slips and falls during quick direction changes

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spatial boundaries established between groups
•Students taught safe stick carrying and positioning
•Progressive skill building before applying power
•Constant awareness of others' positions

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple groups simultaneously
•Monitor high-activity areas during game play
•Watch for fatigue affecting safety awareness

Emergency Procedures

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