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Lesson 2 - Indian Dribble and Push Pass

Skills To Strategy

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Year 5

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Hockey

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Big Question

How can we use the Indian dribble and push pass to maintain possession and create attacking opportunities in hockey?

Learning Objectives

To develop proficiency in the Indian dribble technique for changing direction
To execute accurate push passes with correct technique and timing
To demonstrate effective receiving skills by cushioning ball impact

Key Outcomes

Students will perform the Indian dribble with control and fluidity
Students will execute push passes with accuracy over 5-metre distances
Students will receive balls using correct cushioning technique consistently

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check stick length - should reach hip bone when standing upright

Alternative: Unihoc sticks for beginners or indoor use

Hockey balls

15 (1 between 2 for most activities)

Store in equipment bags around perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Tennis balls for skill development, foam balls for safety

Cones

20-30

Set up gates 2-3 metres apart around activity area

Alternative: Dome markers, witches hats

Bibs

15 in different colours

Required for game situations and team identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, team identifiers

Key Vocabulary

Indian Dribble

A hockey technique where the ball is pushed alternately left and right while moving forward, using both sides of the stick

Push Pass

A controlled passing technique where the stick stays in contact with the ball throughout the movement

Cushioning

Absorbing the impact of a received ball by softening the hands and angling the stick

Reverse Stick

Using the back of the hockey stick blade (toe pointing down) for ball control

Backhand Side

The left side of a right-handed player, typically weaker for receiving and controlling

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball and stick control from Unit 1 Lesson 1
Understanding of using flat side of stick only
Basic dribbling in straight lines

Current Skills

Indian dribble technique for direction changes
Push pass execution and receiving
Game application under pressure

Next Steps

Advanced passing techniques (hit and sweep)
Tactical understanding of space and positioning
Combining skills in small-sided games

Milestone Indicators

Smooth transition between left and right in Indian dribble

Push passes reaching target consistently

Confident receiving without losing control

Key Teaching Points

Indian dribble requires 180-degree stick rotation with left hand control
Push pass maintains stick-ball contact throughout the movement
Receiving requires soft hands and bent knees to cushion ball impact
Tactical understanding: target backhand side for defensive advantage
Technical language essential for effective peer assessment
Safety priority: stick control and spatial awareness at all times
Progressive skill development builds confidence before game application

Common Misconceptions

Thinking Indian dribble is just hitting ball left and right without proper stick rotation
Believing push pass is same as hitting - missing the continuous contact element
Assuming receiving is passive - not understanding active cushioning required
Thinking speed is more important than control in skill development
Believing that game success doesn't require technical accuracy
Misunderstanding that peer assessment should only focus on what's wrong

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, movement opportunities throughout, specific role responsibilities

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier control, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step skill breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear routines and signals, visual schedule of lesson structure, quiet zone available if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear gestures, written instruction cards, tap shoulder for attention

physical disability

Adapt stick length and weight, seated versions of skills, modified distances and targets

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, peer assessment communication, tactical discussion language

Maths

Measuring 5-metre distances, calculating success rates in passing, angles of ball movement and stick rotation

Science

Forces and motion in ball control, friction between stick and ball, Newton's laws in cushioning impact

Geography

Directional language (left/right), spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns around area

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for visibility, position diagonally opposite during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct stick use, ball control development, and safe spacing between students

Intervention Points

Step in when technique breaks down completely, safety issues arise, or students become frustrated

Demonstration Notes

Use large, exaggerated movements for visibility, break complex skills into clear steps, involve students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Stick stays low!'
•'Push, don't hit!'
•'Soft hands for receiving!'
•'Find the space!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Even grass or artificial surface, free from holes or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check hockey sticks for damage before use
•Ensure balls are appropriate hardness for Year 5
•Inspect cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact between students
•Ball strikes to body or head
•Collisions during movement activities
•Trips over equipment

Risk Mitigation

•Clear 'stick down' signals established
•Adequate spacing maintained during all activities
•Progressive skill building prevents overwhelming students
•Clear boundaries and traffic patterns

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during stick work
•Monitor high-activity areas during games
•Intervene quickly if unsafe stick use observed

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately with whistle, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if required