Lesson 5 - Formation Play and Wing Strategy
Skills To Strategy
•Year 5
•Hockey
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use formation and positioning to create scoring opportunities while maintaining defensive structure?
Learning Objectives
- Develop skills in different playing positions within a hockey formation
- Support teammates through effective communication and positioning
- Evaluate performance using correct technical language
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate understanding of positional play in hockey
- Students will effectively use width of pitch for attacking play
- Students will evaluate team and individual performance using appropriate technical vocabulary
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all sticks for damage before lesson, replace any with splinters or cracks
Alternative: Unihoc sticks for indoor use
Use appropriate balls for surface - harder for astroturf, softer for indoor
Alternative: Softer training balls for safety
Use bright colours for visibility, ensure no sharp edges
Alternative: Markers or spots
Position randomly around warm-up area
Alternative: Two cones 1m apart
Secure goals to prevent tipping
Alternative: Cone goals 2m wide
Clean bibs for hygiene
Alternative: Coloured bands or sashes
Essential for safety - check fit before activity
Alternative: Foam padding
Key Vocabulary
The strategic arrangement of players on the pitch to optimize attacking and defensive play
Using the wide areas of the pitch to stretch the opposition and create space
Having more players than the opposition in a particular area or situation
A supporting run made outside and beyond the player with the ball
A supporting run made inside and behind the player with the ball
Defenders staying close together to reduce space between them
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic stick control and dribbling skills
- Understanding of simple passing techniques
- Knowledge of basic hockey rules and safety procedures
Current Skills
- Positional awareness in formation play
- Using width of pitch for tactical advantage
- Communication skills during game situations
- Evaluation and feedback using technical language
Next Steps
- Advanced tactical formations (4-3-3, 3-5-2)
- Complex attacking patterns and set pieces
- Leadership roles in team management
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Wing play stretches the defence and creates central space for attacking opportunities
- Formation provides structure but must be flexible based on game situations
- Communication is essential for maintaining tactical discipline and team shape
- Numerical advantages must be exploited quickly through intelligent positioning
- Technical vocabulary helps players understand and discuss tactical concepts effectively
- Different positions require different skills but all contribute to team success
- Evaluation of performance should focus on tactical understanding as well as skill execution
Common Misconceptions
- That formation means players cannot move from their starting positions - formations are fluid
- That wing players should always stay wide - they need to move inside to support attacks
- That having more players automatically means winning - tactical organisation is crucial
- That only attacking players need to understand formation - defenders must maintain shape too
- That technical language is only for coaches - all players benefit from tactical vocabulary
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent position changes, clear and repeated instructions, immediate feedback on tactical decisions
dyspraxia
- Simplified tactical instructions, extra practice time for formation positioning, peer support during complex movements
autism spectrum
- Clear routine and structure, visual formation cards, quiet reflection time between intense activities
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, clear verbal descriptions of formations, buddy system for positioning guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual hand signals for tactical instructions, written formation diagrams, ensure visual contact during explanations
physical disability
- Modified stick grip or shorter sticks, seated goalkeeper position, adapted formation roles focusing on strengths
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary development, clear communication skills, giving and receiving feedback effectively
Maths
Angles of passes and shots, calculating numerical advantages (6v4), measuring distances for formations, timing of tactical movements
Science
Forces in ball movement, physics of stick impact, body position and balance, effects of exercise on heart rate
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, use of grid references for formations, understanding of directional language
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing numerical disadvantages, leadership in tactical situations
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Rotate between playing areas during games, central position during demonstrations for maximum visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for tactical understanding, appropriate use of technical language, and safe play throughout
Intervention Points
Step in when safety rules are broken, when tactical concepts need reinforcement, or when students need encouragement
Demonstration Notes
Use students as demonstrators when possible, exaggerate movements for clarity, ensure all can see and hear explanations
Verbal Cues
- •'Use the width!' when play becomes too central
- •'Communicate!' when teams are playing silently
- •'Where's your extra player?' during 6v4 games
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Full hockey pitch or equivalent space minimum 50m x 30m with clear run-off areas
Surface Check
Level surface free from holes, wet patches, and debris that could cause slips
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •All hockey sticks checked for splinters, cracks, or damage before use
- •Shin pads mandatory for all participants - check correct fit
- •Balls appropriate for surface type and skill level
- •Goals secured to prevent tipping during play
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Stick-related injuries from improper use or damaged equipment
- •Ball strikes to body, particularly face and lower legs
- •Collisions between players during fast-paced play
- •Slips and falls on inappropriate surfaces
Risk Mitigation
- •Strict enforcement of stick safety rules - no raising above knee height
- •Mandatory shin pad use and proper fitting checks
- •Clear boundaries and adequate space between playing areas
- •Progressive skill building to develop control before competitive play
- •Emergency action plan reviewed and accessible
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear sight lines across all playing areas
- •Monitor equipment condition throughout lesson
- •Watch for dangerous play or rule violations
- •Ensure injured players receive immediate appropriate care
Emergency Procedures
Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, emergency contacts available, clear procedure for serious injury management