🏒

Lesson 5 - Formation Play and Wing Strategy

Skills To Strategy

•

Year 5

•

Hockey

•

Big Question

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

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for damage before lesson, replace any with splinters or cracks

Alternative: Unihoc sticks for indoor use

Hockey balls

15 (1 per 2 students)

Use appropriate balls for surface - harder for astroturf, softer for indoor

Alternative: Softer training balls for safety

Cones

Use bright colours for visibility, ensure no sharp edges

Alternative: Markers or spots

Gates

8-10

Position randomly around warm-up area

Alternative: Two cones 1m apart

Goals

6 small goals

Secure goals to prevent tipping

Alternative: Cone goals 2m wide

Bibs

15 (5 different colours)

Clean bibs for hygiene

Alternative: Coloured bands or sashes

Shin Pads

30 pairs

Essential for safety - check fit before activity

Alternative: Foam padding

Key Vocabulary

Formation

The strategic arrangement of players on the pitch to optimize attacking and defensive play

Wing play

Using the wide areas of the pitch to stretch the opposition and create space

Numerical advantage

Having more players than the opposition in a particular area or situation

Overlap

A supporting run made outside and beyond the player with the ball

Underlap

A supporting run made inside and behind the player with the ball

Compact defending

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

Maintains position while adapting to game flow

Uses technical vocabulary confidently

Provides constructive feedback to peers

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