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Lesson 6 - Team Play and Competition

Defensive Tactics Progression

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Year 5

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Hockey

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Big Question

How can we work together as a team to successfully attack and defend in hockey?

Learning Objectives

To work cooperatively as a team to defend and attack effectively
To use simple hockey skills to maintain possession during game play
To explain and evaluate effective passages of play in hockey

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective teamwork in attack and defence
Students will apply basic hockey skills to keep possession under pressure
Students will analyse and explain successful team strategies

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for damage before use

Alternative: Pool noodles or short sticks for adaptation

Hockey balls

4-6 balls

Use softer balls if students are inexperienced

Alternative: Foam balls or tennis balls for safety

Goals

2-4 depending on pitch setup

Goals should be proportionally large for pitch width

Alternative: Cones or markers to create goal areas

Cones

20-30 cones

Used for pitch boundaries and D zones

Alternative: Markers or chalk lines

Coloured Bibs

4 sets of different colours

Ensure teams can easily identify each other

Alternative: Coloured bands or pinnies

Stopwatch

For timing game periods and activities

Alternative: Phone timer or clock

Competition Planner

Track scores and points throughout tournament

Alternative: Simple paper scoring system

Key Vocabulary

One-handed dribble

Moving the ball while maintaining control using only one hand on the stick

Open side

The side of your body where you can see the field clearly and dribble safely

Possession

Having control of the ball as a team

Back stick

When the ball touches the curved back of the hockey stick, which is against the rules

Free pass

A restart given to the opposing team when a rule is broken

D zone

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

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic stick handling and ball control
Understanding of attacking and defending concepts
Simple passing and receiving skills

Current Skills

One-handed dribbling technique on open side
Team coordination in attack and defence
Game understanding and rule application

Next Steps

Advanced dribbling under pressure
Complex team formations and strategies
Tactical decision-making in competitive situations

Milestone Indicators

Consistent one-handed dribbling with control

Effective communication during team play

Strategic thinking about team positioning

Key Teaching Points

One-handed dribbling requires constant stick-ball contact on the open side
Teamwork in hockey means supporting each other in both attack and defence
Good hockey players keep their heads up to see teammates and space
Tournament play requires understanding rules and applying them fairly
Effective team communication helps everyone know their role
Sportsmanship is as important as skill development in competitive situations

Common Misconceptions

Thinking hockey is just about individual dribbling skills - correct by emphasising team play
Believing you can score from anywhere - reinforce D zone rule consistently
Using both hands on stick automatically - practice one-handed grip regularly
Assuming contact with opponents is allowed - maintain strict no-contact policy
Focusing only on winning rather than skill development and fair play

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter game periods with frequent breaks, clear boundaries and rules, regular positive feedback

dyspraxia

Simplified stick handling, larger balls, reduced game complexity, extra practice time for skills

autism spectrum

Clear routines for tournament format, visual schedule of games, quiet zone available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, verbal descriptions of play, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of rules and tactics, hand signals for game management, written rule reminders

physical disability

Adapted sticks or seated play options, modified pitch sizes, alternative roles in team management

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication during team play, listening skills, vocabulary development

Maths

Counting goals and points, calculating goal differences, tournament statistics and standings

Science

Forces in ball movement, reaction times, cardiovascular effects during competition

Geography

Spatial awareness, positioning strategies, understanding of pitch boundaries and zones

PSHE

Leadership skills, teamwork, dealing with winning and losing, respect for opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position to oversee multiple games, rotate between pitches regularly

Observation Focus

Team cooperation, skill application under pressure, rule understanding

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe play, rule clarification, or team cooperation issues

Demonstration Notes

Show examples of good team play during games, highlight positive rule following

Verbal Cues

•'Use your one-handed dribbling!'
•'Work as a team!'
•'Remember the rules!'
•'Great teamwork!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Multiple 30m x 20m areas or adapted to available space

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards and suitable for running

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all sticks for cracks or splintering
•Ensure balls are in good condition
•Goals securely positioned and stable

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact between players
•Collisions during fast play
•Trips and falls during direction changes

Risk Mitigation

•Clear no-contact rules enforced
•Adequate spacing between game areas
•Progressive skill building before competition
•Continuous supervision of all games

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to view multiple games simultaneously
•Move between games to monitor rule compliance
•Immediate intervention for unsafe play

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or seek additional support as needed