Lesson 1 - Stick Handling and Basic Dribbling
Skills To Strategy
•Year 5
•Hockey
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can I control the ball effectively while being aware of everything happening around me?
Learning Objectives
- Develop correct stick grip and basic ball handling skills
- Master straight and loose dribbling techniques with head up
- Apply dribbling skills in competitive game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct stick grip and ball control
- Students will show improved dribbling technique with spatial awareness
- Students will apply skills confidently in game-like scenarios
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all sticks are right-handed and appropriate height
Alternative: Floor hockey sticks, unihoc sticks
Use softer balls for beginners or indoor play
Alternative: Tennis balls, soft plastic balls
Create clear playing areas and boundaries
Alternative: Markers, discs, chalk lines
Space evenly around activity area
Alternative: Marked circles, zones on ground
Key Vocabulary
Left hand at top of stick, right hand lower down for control
Keeping continuous contact with the ball while moving
Tapping the ball forward repeatedly while sprinting
The smooth surface of the hockey stick used for all ball contact
Using your body to protect the ball from opponents
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic hand-eye coordination activities
- Experience with ball games and equipment handling
- Understanding of personal space and movement
Current Skills
- Correct stick grip and posture
- Basic dribbling techniques
- Spatial awareness while moving with ball
Next Steps
- Passing and receiving skills
- Tackling and defensive play
- Small-sided game application
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Correct stick grip is fundamental - left hand top, right hand lower for control
- Head up awareness is crucial for safety and game application
- Straight dribbling for control, loose dribbling for speed
- Use body position to protect ball from opponents
- Safety first - sticks stay low, controlled contact only
- Build confidence through progression from simple to complex
- Encourage self-assessment and peer feedback for deeper learning
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking both dribbling techniques are the same - emphasise clear differences
- Believing you must always look at the ball - practice head up awareness
- Assuming hockey is only about hitting hard - focus on control and precision
- Thinking elimination from games is negative - frame as learning opportunities
- Believing only 'sporty' students can succeed - celebrate all improvements
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, regular positive reinforcement, movement breaks between instructions
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment initially, reduced complexity in multi-step activities, extra practice time for coordination
autism spectrum
- Clear routines and predictable structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and sticks, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written key points on display board
physical disability
- Adapted sticks or seated play options, modified games with shorter distances, focus on achievable skills
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting successful dribbles, measuring distances for passing, angles of stick position and ball direction
Science
Forces applied to ball, friction between stick and ball, momentum and acceleration during loose dribbling
Geography
Spatial awareness, directions and pathways, mapping movement patterns around area
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions during competition, resilience when eliminated from games
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position with ability to see all students, move around during activities
Observation Focus
Stick grip, head position during dribbling, spatial awareness, ball control
Intervention Points
Step in when safety at risk, technique needs correction, or students struggling
Demonstration Notes
Use clear contrasts between good and poor technique, involve students in demonstrations, repeat key points regularly
Verbal Cues
- •'Head up, eyes forward!'
- •'Soft touches on the ball!'
- •'Protect with your body!'
- •'Stick stays low!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area or large sports hall
Surface Check
Even surface free from holes, debris or wet patches
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all sticks for damage or sharp edges
- •Ensure appropriate stick length for students
- •Use soft balls for indoor or beginner sessions
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Stick contact between students
- •Collisions during competitive activities
- •Trips and falls during fast movement
Risk Mitigation
- •Establish and enforce stick height limits
- •Clear boundaries and adequate spacing
- •Progressive skill building before competition
- •Emphasis on controlled, safe contact
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students
- •Monitor stick work and contact levels
- •Watch for fatigue affecting safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, seek additional support if needed