🏒

Lesson 3 - Refining Shooting Accuracy

Individual To Team Play

•

Year 5

•

Hockey

•

Big Question

How can we create and execute successful shooting opportunities in hockey?

Learning Objectives

Refine shooting technique with accuracy and power when pressure is applied
Develop understanding of where, when and why to shoot in game situations
Apply prior learning of passing and dribbling to create effective attacking opportunities

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate refined shooting technique with consistent accuracy
Students will make tactical decisions about optimal shooting positions and timing
Students will combine passing, moving and dribbling skills to create goal-scoring opportunities

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check stick length appropriate for each student - should reach between hip and waist

Alternative: Plastic hockey sticks, unihoc sticks for beginners

Hockey balls

11 balls

Have spare balls around pitch perimeter for quick restart

Alternative: Tennis balls, plastic airflow balls for safety

Posts

4 sets (8 cones minimum)

Goals should be 2-3 metres wide depending on skill level

Alternative: Tall cones, target nets, or marked areas on walls

Dish Cones

20 small cones

Use bright colours for visibility and place strategically in goals

Alternative: Plastic bottles, bean bags, or marked zones

Bibs

15 (for team identification)

Ensure clear colour distinction between teams

Alternative: Different coloured PE shirts or armbands

Key Vocabulary

Shooting accuracy

The ability to direct the ball precisely towards the target goal area

Shooting angle

The position relative to the goal that provides the best chance of scoring

Power vs placement

Balancing shot strength with accuracy to beat defenders and goalkeepers

Follow through

The continuation of stick movement after contact with the ball during shooting

Shooting opportunity

A moment when conditions are favourable for attempting a shot at goal

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hockey stick grip and control
Fundamental passing and receiving skills
Simple dribbling techniques
Understanding of attacking and defending roles

Current Skills

Refined shooting technique with accuracy focus
Tactical awareness of shooting positions
Combining skills under pressure
Creating shooting opportunities through teamwork

Next Steps

Advanced shooting techniques (flicks, deflections)
Complex tactical understanding of team attacks
Playing in larger team formations
Developing goalkeeper skills and tactics

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accuracy when shooting from stationary position

Successful shots while moving or under defensive pressure

Creating 3+ clear shooting opportunities in a 10-minute game

Demonstrating tactical awareness by choosing appropriate shooting positions

Key Teaching Points

Shooting accuracy is more important than power - emphasise placement over force
Body position (side-on) and follow-through determine shot direction and success
Creating shooting opportunities through movement and teamwork is as important as individual technique
Different angles require different tactical approaches and shooting adjustments
Zone hockey rules create natural opportunities to practice tactical decision-making
Quick transitions between attacking and defending are crucial in game situations
Encourage risk-taking and resilience when shots are unsuccessful

Common Misconceptions

Harder shots are always better - actually accuracy and placement are more effective
You should always shoot immediately when you get the ball - sometimes moving to better position is smarter
Shooting technique only matters for the person with the ball - actually team movement creates shooting opportunities
Zone defender should always stay in the zone - they need to make tactical decisions about positioning
Missing shots means you're not good at hockey - even professionals miss many shots and keep trying

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with movement breaks, clear and simple instructions, positive reinforcement for focus

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for coordination skills, larger targets and equipment, step-by-step skill breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear routines and structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, consistent rules and expectations

visual impairment

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

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written key points on display board

physical disability

Adapted stick grips, seated shooting positions, modified goals and distances, alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating shooting percentages, measuring distances and angles, scoring systems and number operations

Science

Forces and motion in shooting, trajectory and angles, energy transfer from stick to ball

Geography

Spatial awareness, understanding of angles and directions, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when shots miss, celebrating others' successes, leadership roles

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all groups, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct shooting technique, tactical decision-making, and safe play

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggling with technique, safety concerns arise, or game flow breaks down

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for shooting technique. Involve students in demonstrations to maintain engagement

Verbal Cues

•'Side on to target!'
•'Follow through to your target!'
•'Accuracy over power!'
•'Create the angle!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m for full game, smaller areas acceptable for skill practice

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for running and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check hockey sticks for cracks or splinters before use
•Ensure balls are appropriate hardness for age group
•Verify goals are securely positioned and won't tip

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Hockey stick contact with other students
•Ball strikes to body or face
•Collisions during competitive games
•Slips and falls during direction changes

Risk Mitigation

•Enforce strict rules about stick height and control
•Ensure adequate spacing during all activities
•Use softer balls appropriate for age group
•Teach safe tackling and defensive techniques
•Clear boundaries and rules for zone games

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all playing areas
•Monitor competitive games for appropriate intensity
•Pay special attention to tackling and physical contact

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, seek additional support if needed