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Lesson 1 - Dribbling and Passing in Attack

Individual To Team Play

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Year 5

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Hockey

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45 min

Big Question

How can we combine dribbling and passing skills to create successful attacking opportunities in hockey?

Learning Objectives

Combine dribbling and passing skills to create attacking opportunities
Apply decision-making skills to choose when to dribble or pass
Work collaboratively as a team to maintain possession and create scoring chances

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate fluent combination of dribbling and passing skills
Students will make effective tactical decisions about when to dribble or pass
Students will create and convert shooting opportunities through teamwork

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check stick length is appropriate - should reach student's hip when standing upright

Alternative: Floor hockey sticks or adapted sticks for different heights

Hockey balls

1 per 2 students (15)

Ensure balls are regulation weight and bounce appropriately

Alternative: Foam balls or tennis balls for safety modifications

Cones

20-30 mixed colours

Use different colours to mark goals, boundaries, and tactical areas

Alternative: Dome markers or boundary markers

Bibs

15 in two colours

Ensure clear team distinction for tactical understanding

Alternative: Coloured bands or team identification markers

Goals

4-6 small goals

Position goals to create multiple scoring opportunities

Alternative: Cone goals (2 cones 1 metre apart)

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Moving the ball with the hockey stick while maintaining close control

Attacking opportunity

A situation where the team with possession can advance towards the goal to create a scoring chance

Decision-making

Choosing the best option (dribble, pass, or shoot) based on the game situation

Possession

Having control of the ball as a team

Space

Areas on the field not occupied by opponents where attacking moves can develop

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic dribbling technique with stick and ball
Simple passing and receiving skills
Understanding of basic hockey rules

Current Skills

Combining dribbling and passing in fluid movements
Making tactical decisions under pressure
Creating space and shooting opportunities

Next Steps

Advanced tactical play including set pieces
Defensive positioning and transition play
Tournament play with complex strategies

Milestone Indicators

Maintains possession for extended periods

Creates 3+ shooting opportunities per game

Demonstrates consistent decision-making accuracy

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise decision-making over just skill execution - help students understand when to dribble versus pass
Use questioning to develop tactical awareness - ask 'why' not just 'what' during activities
Create multiple opportunities for success through differentiated challenges and support
Celebrate teamwork and collaboration as much as individual skill development
Maintain high activity levels while ensuring safety through clear rules and expectations
Build confidence through progressive challenges that match student ability levels
Link all activities back to the main objective of creating attacking opportunities

Common Misconceptions

That dribbling is always better than passing - help students understand situational decision-making
That individual skill is more important than teamwork - emphasise collaborative attacking play
That speed is more important than control - teach measured pace and timing
That attacking means always moving forward - show value of switching play and patience
That hockey is only about hitting hard - emphasise accuracy and placement over power

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use movement breaks, offer specific roles and responsibilities to maintain focus

dyspraxia

Allow additional practice time, use larger equipment where appropriate, provide step-by-step instruction cards, focus on accuracy before speed

autism spectrum

Provide clear, structured routines and visual schedules, offer quiet zones for breaks, use consistent language and expectations, prepare for transitions in advance

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of activities, establish buddy system with sighted partner, use tactile markers for boundaries

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher's face for lip reading, use visual timers

physical disability

Provide adapted sticks or seated play options, modify playing area size, allow additional touches or time, focus on tactical understanding over physical execution

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating angles for passing, measuring distances for tactical positioning, timing and pace calculations, statistical analysis of successful attacks

Science

Forces and motion in stick and ball contact, understanding friction and momentum, body systems during exercise, energy transfer in movement

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of directions and movement patterns, map reading skills through tactical diagrams

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration, resilience when facing challenges, leadership development, respect and fair play, communication skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between activity areas to provide optimal supervision and feedback. Position to see multiple groups simultaneously.

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical decision-making, skill execution quality, collaboration, and safety compliance throughout activities.

Intervention Points

Step in when safety is compromised, provide tactical prompts during games, offer encouragement for effort over outcome.

Demonstration Notes

Use freeze technique to highlight good practice. Demonstrate skills clearly with emphasis on safety. Invite students to demonstrate good examples.

Verbal Cues

•'Head up, scan the field!'
•'Great decision-making!'
•'Work together as a team!'
•'Keep your stick low and safe!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m clear area, free from obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Flat, dry surface with good grip - check for holes, wet patches or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all hockey sticks for cracks, loose joints or sharp edges
•Ensure balls are regulation weight and not damaged
•Verify cones are stable and visible
•Check bibs are clean and in good repair

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact injuries from improper technique
•Collisions between students during fast-paced games
•Ball strikes to body or head
•Slips and falls on playing surface

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear rules about stick height and safe play
•Maintain adequate spacing between game areas
•Teach proper falling and collision avoidance techniques
•Progressive skill building to ensure control before speed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all playing areas
•Monitor stick technique and safety compliance
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safety
•Be alert for any aggressive or unsafe play

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, alert senior staff if serious injury occurs