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Lesson 6 - Tournament Skills & Play

Skills To Strategy

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Year 5

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Hockey

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Big Question

How can we apply our hockey skills effectively in competitive game situations while demonstrating fair play?

Learning Objectives

Apply hockey skills effectively in competitive game situations
Demonstrate understanding of hockey rules and fair play
Evaluate performance and adapt tactics during games

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully apply push passes, receiving, and jab tackles in game contexts
Students will officiate games fairly and understand all hockey rules
Students will demonstrate school games values throughout competitive play

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Ensure all sticks are in good condition with no damage

Alternative: Unihoc sticks (check condition before use)

Softballs

15-20

Use softer balls for safety during tournament games

Alternative: Tennis balls for skill practice

Bibs

20 (4 different colours)

Distribute for teams and sharks activity

Alternative: Coloured cones for team identification

Cones

20-30

Set up grids, pitch boundaries, and assessment stations

Alternative: Markers or spots

Shin Pads

Mandatory for Quick Sticks games

Alternative: None - essential for safety

Gum Shield

Recommend for all competitive games

Alternative: None - essential for safety

Goals

Set up two pitches with clear goal areas

Alternative: Cones to mark goal areas

Key Vocabulary

Jab Tackle

A defensive technique where the defender steps forward with their left foot and jabs their stick forward to dislodge the ball

Tournament

A competitive event where multiple teams play against each other in organised games

Officiating

Acting as a referee to ensure games are played fairly according to the rules

Tactics

Strategic decisions made during a game to improve team performance

School Games Values

Passion, self-belief, respect, honesty, determination, and teamwork

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic push passing and receiving techniques
Understanding of jab tackle mechanics
Knowledge of fundamental hockey rules
Experience with competitive games

Current Skills

Applying skills under competitive pressure
Making tactical decisions in real-time
Officiating games fairly and confidently
Demonstrating school games values consistently

Next Steps

Advanced tactical awareness and team strategies
Leadership roles in organising tournaments
Mentoring younger students in hockey skills
Participating in inter-school competitions

Milestone Indicators

Consistent skill application under pressure

Fair and decisive refereeing

Positive leadership during games

Constructive feedback to teammates

Key Teaching Points

Jab tackle timing is crucial - wait for ball to run clear of opponent's stick
Tournament games require application of all skills under competitive pressure
School games values are as important as technical skills in hockey
Refereeing fairly requires knowledge of rules and decisive decision-making
Tactical awareness includes knowing when to pass, dribble, or defend
Self-assessment and reflection lead to improved performance
Hockey skills transfer to many other sports and life situations

Common Misconceptions

Thinking you can jab tackle at any time - timing when ball is clear is essential
Believing winning is more important than fair play and skill development
Assuming refereeing is easy - it requires concentration and rule knowledge
Thinking tactics don't matter in hockey - positioning and strategy are crucial
Believing hockey is only about individual skills - teamwork is fundamental
Assuming you can't improve if you're not naturally good - practice and reflection lead to progress

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break tournament into shorter games, clear role definitions, regular position changes, immediate feedback and praise for positive behaviour

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for stick skills, simplified game rules initially, focus on one skill at a time, larger equipment if helpful

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure for tournament format, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if overwhelmed, consistent routines

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of tactical setups, assign sighted partner for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for starts/stops, written rule cards, visual demonstrations of techniques, hand signals for communication

physical disability

Modify grip on stick if needed, allow seated play where appropriate, adapt distances for individual capabilities, focus on achievable skills

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development (officiating, tactics, tournament), communication during team discussions, giving and receiving feedback

Maths

Timing games (4-5 minutes), counting passes in 5-4-3-2-1 sequence, measuring 5-yard retreat distances, scoring and tournament mathematics

Science

Understanding forces in push passing, friction between stick and ground, impact and momentum in jab tackles, heart rate during tournament

Geography

Spatial awareness on pitch, understanding positioning and field coverage, mapping team formations and movements

PSHE

School games values (passion, self-belief, respect, honesty, determination, teamwork), conflict resolution, leadership, self-assessment

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position between two pitches to observe both games and support referees

Observation Focus

Skill application under pressure, refereeing quality, demonstration of school games values, tactical understanding

Intervention Points

Step in if refereeing becomes unfair, if safety concerns arise, if games become too competitive at expense of learning

Demonstration Notes

Have students demonstrate key rules and skills to peers, film final demonstrations for assessment evidence

Verbal Cues

•'Great tactical decision!'
•'Remember to retreat 5 yards'
•'Show me those school games values'
•'What could your team do differently?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Two parallel pitches minimum 30m x 20m each, clear boundaries, adequate run-off areas

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from debris, suitable for running and stick work

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All hockey sticks checked for damage before use
•Shin pads mandatory for competitive games
•Gum shields recommended for all tournament play
•Softer balls used to reduce impact risk

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick collisions during competitive play
•Ball strikes to body or head
•Falls during quick direction changes
•Overexertion during tournament

Risk Mitigation

•Clear rules about stick height and control
•Adequate spacing between pitches
•Regular water breaks during tournament
•Trained first aider present
•Progressive skill building throughout unit

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position between pitches for visibility of both games
•Monitor referee decisions and player reactions
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
•Ensure protective equipment is worn correctly

Emergency Procedures

Stop all games immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required