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Lesson 4 - Advanced Dribbling Skills

Skills To Strategy

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Year 5

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Hockey

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use different dribbling techniques and partnership skills to outwit defenders in hockey?

Learning Objectives

To work effectively with a partner to get past a defender using various attacking strategies
To develop and apply a range of advanced dribbling techniques including straight, loose and Indian dribbling
To understand tactical decision-making in attack - when to pass versus when to dribble

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved hockey dribbling techniques with better ball control and stick handling
Students will show effective partnership work in attacking situations against defenders
Students will make appropriate tactical decisions about when to pass and when to maintain possession through dribbling

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks are right-handed design, appropriate length for students

Alternative: Quick sticks for beginners, different lengths available

Hockey balls

1 per student + 35 spares

Ensure balls are appropriate weight and bounce for surface

Alternative: Foam balls for indoor work, tennis balls for skill practice

Cones

20-30 cones

Use bright colours for visibility, various sizes for different activities

Alternative: Spots, markers, or small goals

Small Goal

6 goals

Position securely, appropriate size for space available

Alternative: Cone goals, target areas marked with cones

Key Vocabulary

Indian Dribbling

Moving the ball from left to right in front of the body using both sides of the stick

Straight Dribbling

Moving forward with the ball staying in constant contact with the stick

Reverse Stick

Using the back of the stick blade to move the ball, typically when going to the left

Jockeying

Defensive technique of staying between attacker and goal whilst moving backwards

Closing Space

Defensive movement to reduce time and space available to attackers

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hockey stick grip and stance
Simple ball pushing and stopping
Understanding of hockey safety rules

Current Skills

Advanced dribbling techniques - straight, loose, Indian
Reverse stick technique
Partnership attacking play
Defensive positioning and jockeying

Next Steps

Small-sided hockey games with multiple attackers and defenders
Set piece situations like penalty corners
Advanced passing combinations and through balls

Milestone Indicators

Can maintain ball control whilst changing direction at speed

Shows awareness of space and defender positioning

Communicates effectively with partner during attacking moves

Key Teaching Points

Correct stick grip with left hand at top, right hand low for control
Ball control through different dribbling techniques - straight, loose, Indian, reverse stick
Tactical awareness - reading the game to decide when to pass vs when to dribble
Partnership working in attacking situations with good communication
Defensive principles - closing space quickly then jockeying to maintain position
Progressive skill development from static control to dynamic game application
Safety through controlled technique and spatial awareness

Common Misconceptions

Thinking faster is always better - control comes before speed in hockey skills
Believing individual skill is more important than teamwork - partnership work often beats solo efforts
Assuming one dribbling technique works for all situations - different techniques suit different scenarios
Thinking defending means standing still - active defending requires movement and positioning
Believing advanced skills should be perfect immediately - all skills require practice and progression

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with clear transitions, movement-based activities, clear boundaries and expectations

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, slower progressions, additional practice time, simplified instructions

autism spectrum

Clear routine structures, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones if overwhelmed, predictable role rotations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for instructions, written key points on display board, clear hand signals for game starts/stops

physical disability

Adapted stick lengths, seated hockey options, modified distances and targets, focus on upper body control

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting rhythms in Indian dribbling, measuring distances in cone courses, calculating scores in numbers game

Science

Forces and friction in ball control, momentum and acceleration in direction changes, balance and stability in hockey stance

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, mapping movement patterns, understanding of areas and boundaries

PSHE

Partnership working and communication, perseverance through challenging skills, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around area perimeter during practice to observe all students, central position for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct stick grip, ball control development, spatial awareness, and tactical understanding

Intervention Points

Step in when technique is unsafe, when students struggle with concepts, or when competitive elements become too intense

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for skill demonstrations, involve students in demos where appropriate, explain thinking behind tactical decisions

Verbal Cues

•'Stick and ball are best friends - they should never be apart!'
•'Show me those soft hands - gentle control!'
•'Eyes up - see the space, see your partner!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m area, clear of obstacles, suitable for running and direction changes

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate for hockey stick use

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all hockey sticks for damage, splinters or loose grips
•Ensure balls are appropriate weight and in good condition
•Verify cones are stable and have no sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick collisions during close dribbling work
•Slips and falls during direction changes
•Ball strikes from poor control
•Overexertion during competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear spacing rules for stick work
•Emphasise controlled movements before adding speed
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Clear boundaries and rules for competitive elements

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during dispersed activities
•Monitor closely during cone course work for collisions
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students are safely managed