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Lesson 2 - Dribbling to Beat a Defender

Tactical Awareness

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Year 5

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Hockey

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1h 10min

Big Question

How can we use clever dribbling techniques to outsmart defenders and maintain possession?

Learning Objectives

To use dribbling to beat a defender with control under pressure
To develop change of direction and speed when dribbling
To apply dribbling skills in competitive game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate the pull and spin-around techniques
Students will successfully beat defenders in 1v1 situations
Students will apply dribbling skills effectively in small-sided games

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check stick length reaches student's hip bone when standing upright

Alternative: Shorter sticks for smaller students, foam sticks for beginners

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per pair plus extras)

Tennis balls provide better control for skill development

Alternative: Hockey balls, foam balls for safety

Cones

Use bright colours for clear visibility

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, existing court markings

Bibs

15 (for team identification)

Ensure contrasting colours for clear team identification

Alternative: Different coloured bands, team tags

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Moving the ball with controlled touches using the hockey stick while maintaining possession

Pull Technique

Drawing the ball from one side to another to change direction and beat a defender

Spin-around

Turning your back to the defender and spinning off to either side while dragging the ball

Indian Dribble

Using the reverse side of the stick to move the ball from side to side

Bully Off

Method to restart play where two players touch sticks on ground and against each other before striking the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic dribbling with hockey stick and ball control
Understanding of grip and stick handling
Awareness of space and movement patterns

Current Skills

Pull technique for changing direction
Spin-around technique to evade defenders
Acceleration after beating a defender
1v1 tactical awareness

Next Steps

Advanced dribbling combinations
Dribbling under game pressure with multiple defenders
Integration of dribbling with passing and shooting

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball control when changing direction

Successful completion of 70% of 1v1 attempts

Ability to choose appropriate technique for situation

Key Teaching Points

Always keep hockey sticks below waist height for safety
Turn the stick to change ball direction in the pull technique
Use body to shield ball during spin-around technique
Accelerate after beating the defender to maintain advantage
Choose technique based on defender's position and approach
Keep two hands on stick throughout all activities
Practice both directions equally for balanced skill development

Common Misconceptions

Thinking dribbling is just about speed - emphasise control and timing
Believing one technique works in all situations - teach decision-making
Assuming defenders will always approach the same way - vary practice scenarios
Thinking stick height rules don't matter - constantly reinforce safety
Believing you must beat every defender - sometimes passing is better option

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, regular movement breaks, simplified instruction chunks

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for coordination, larger equipment, break skills into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available for breaks if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, partner with sighted buddy

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Adapted sticks or use hands if appropriate, seated variations of techniques, modified court sizes

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles of movement when changing direction, timing and speed calculations, measuring distances for game areas

Science

Forces involved in changing direction, momentum and acceleration, body systems during physical activity

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, directions (left/right), mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Resilience when techniques don't work first time, cooperation in partner work, respectful competition

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position with clear view of all pairs/groups, move around to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Technique execution, decision-making under pressure, safety compliance

Intervention Points

Step in if safety rules are broken, provide technique reminders, celebrate good examples

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstrations, involve students in observation, repeat key points frequently

Verbal Cues

•'Keep sticks low and safe!'
•'Pull the ball decisively!'
•'Accelerate after beating the defender!'
•'Choose your technique based on defender position!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from loose equipment or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check hockey sticks for damage or splinters
•Ensure tennis balls are in good condition
•Verify cones are visible and stable

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact with other students
•Collision during dynamic activities
•Ball strikes to face or body

Risk Mitigation

•Strict stick height rule - never above waist
•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•One-on-one defending rule to prevent crowding

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear sight of all students
•Monitor stick safety throughout lesson
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school procedures if needed