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Lesson 3 - Jab Tackle and Pass Under Pressure

Skills To Strategy

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Year 5

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Hockey

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Big Question

How can we time defensive tackles perfectly while maintaining possession under pressure?

Learning Objectives

To execute a jab tackle with correct timing and technique
To pass accurately and move effectively under pressure
To apply hockey skills effectively in competitive game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate controlled jab tackles during defensive play
Students will show quick passing and immediate movement to space
Students will apply learned skills effectively in game-like scenarios

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check sticks are appropriate height - should reach hip bone when standing upright

Alternative: Unihoc sticks, short plastic sticks for beginners

Hockey balls

1 per student + 10 spares (40 total)

Have extras around area perimeter for quick replacement

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for safety

Coloured Bibs

15 (3 sets of 5)

Sort into team sets before lesson starts

Alternative: Different coloured cones to identify teams

Cones

50 mixed colours

Pre-set circular arrangements for passing practice

Alternative: Markers, dome cones, or spots

Small Goal

6 (2m wide maximum)

Position at opposite ends of each playing area

Alternative: Cone goals, bench goals, or marked areas

Stopwatch

For timing 30-second game periods

Alternative: Phone timer, countdown timer

Key Vocabulary

Jab tackle

A defensive technique where the left foot steps forward and the stick jabs out to dislodge the ball when it's loose from opponent's stick

Under pressure

When defenders are close and trying to win possession, requiring quick decision-making

Pass and move

The fundamental principle of immediately moving to a new position after making a pass

Shielding

Using body position to protect the ball from defenders while maintaining possession

Space invasion

Moving quickly into areas where you can receive the ball effectively

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hockey grip and stance
Simple push passing technique
Dribbling with stick control

Current Skills

Jab tackle timing and execution
Passing under defensive pressure
Movement patterns after passing
Reading game situations

Next Steps

Block tackles and defensive positioning
Advanced passing techniques
Team tactical awareness
Small-sided game strategies

Milestone Indicators

Consistently times jab tackles to ball separation

Maintains possession when under pressure

Automatically moves to space after passing

Makes effective decisions in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Jab tackle timing is crucial - only attempt when ball is loose from opponent's stick
Pass and move is the fundamental principle - never stand and watch your pass
Body positioning for shielding - keep yourself between defender and ball
Quick decision-making under pressure improves with practice and experience
Teamwork and communication are as important as individual skills
Different situations require different approaches - adapt tactics accordingly
Learning from mistakes and observations makes you a better player

Common Misconceptions

Thinking jab tackles can be attempted any time - correct timing is essential
Believing speed is the only factor in success - skill and tactics matter more
Assuming you should always try to score - sometimes shielding is better
Thinking individual skills don't matter in team games - both are important
Believing mistakes mean failure - they are learning opportunities

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use movement breaks and immediate feedback

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment for easier handling, provide extra practice time for motor skills, break down complex movements into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure with visual timetables, allow processing time for instructions, create quiet zones for breaks if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, assign buddy support for spatial orientation

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals and demonstrations, provide written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication for instructions

physical disability

Adapt jab tackle to seated position using arm movements, modify goals for wheelchair access, adjust distances for mobility limitations

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating points in games, measuring distances, understanding angles of passes, timing 30-second periods

Science

Forces in stick work, friction between ball and surface, reaction times, energy transfer through movement

Geography

Spatial awareness, understanding of zones and boundaries, directional movement, map-like game strategies

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, respect for opponents, celebrating diverse achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position allowing 360-degree view of all activities, move to groups needing support

Observation Focus

Watch for correct jab tackle timing, effective passing under pressure, and positive team interactions

Intervention Points

Step in if safety concerns arise, jab tackles poorly timed, or students showing frustration

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for jab tackle technique, exaggerate correct body positions, involve students in demonstrations where safe

Verbal Cues

•'Left foot steps, stick jabs!'
•'Pass and move immediately!'
•'Wait for the perfect moment!'
•'Shield with your body!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m outdoor area or large sports hall, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, even surface suitable for running and stick work, no loose stones or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Hockey sticks appropriate height and in good condition
•Balls properly inflated and undamaged
•Goals stable and securely positioned
•Cones visible and not creating trip hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact between players during jab tackles
•Collisions during competitive games
•Balls travelling at face height
•Slips and falls on playing surface

Risk Mitigation

•Clear demonstrations of safe jab tackle technique
•Enforced spacing during all activities
•Controlled stick work rules throughout
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Clear boundaries and movement rules

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor jab tackle attempts for safety
•Watch for over-competitive behaviour
•Ensure adherence to game rules and boundaries

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, contact emergency services if required