🏒

Lesson 1 - Dribbling with Control

Tactical Awareness

•

Year 5

•

Hockey

•

Big Question

How can we maintain control of the ball when under pressure from opponents?

Learning Objectives

To develop dribbling skills with increasing control using open stick technique
To understand and apply the flat-side rule consistently during gameplay
To demonstrate effective decision-making when choosing to dribble or pass

Key Outcomes

Students will dribble with improved control under defensive pressure
Students will demonstrate understanding of hockey rules during game situations
Students will select appropriate actions based on game context

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check stick condition before lesson, ensure appropriate length for each student

Alternative: Adapted sticks for students with physical needs, shorter sticks for smaller students

Tennis Balls

1 per student (30)

Use tennis balls for safety - easier to control than hockey balls

Alternative: Foam balls for beginners, larger balls for students with visual impairments

Cones

60 mixed colours

Distribute around area perimeter and use for activity boundaries

Alternative: Dome markers, bean bags for indoor use

Bibs

10 (for defenders in games)

Clear colour differentiation for game activities

Alternative: Different coloured bands or markers

Key Vocabulary

Open stick dribbling

Moving the ball using the flat side of the stick with the ball to the right of the body

Reverse stick (Indian) dribbling

Technique where the stick is rotated to use the reverse side while keeping the flat side facing forward

Flat-side rule

Hockey rule stating players may only use one side of the stick (the flat side) to contact the ball

Stick height rule

Hockey safety rule requiring the stick to remain below hip height at all times

Ball control

Keeping the ball close to the stick while moving to maintain possession

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball control skills from previous sports
Understanding of personal space and movement
Experience with equipment handling and safety

Current Skills

Correct hockey stick grip and stance
Open stick and reverse stick dribbling techniques
Decision-making under pressure from opponents
Application of flat-side rule in game situations

Next Steps

Developing passing techniques with accuracy
Learning tackling and defensive skills
Understanding positional play in team games

Milestone Indicators

Maintains stick below hip height consistently

Demonstrates fluid transition between dribbling techniques

Makes quick decisions when facing defenders

Shows improved ball control when moving at speed

Key Teaching Points

Left hand controls stick rotation, right hand provides stability and support
Stick must remain below hip height at all times for safety
Only the flat side of the stick may be used to contact the ball
Keep ball slightly in front and to the right when using open stick dribbling
Head up and eyes forward to maintain spatial awareness during movement
Indian dribble uses side-to-side movement for close control in tight spaces
Practice both techniques to become an effective player in different situations

Common Misconceptions

Both hands equally control the stick - actually left hand leads, right hand supports
You can use both sides of the stick - only flat side is permitted by rules
Faster dribbling is always better - control and decision-making are more important
Indian dribble means hitting the ball hard - it requires gentle pulling movements
Looking at the ball helps control - head up position improves game awareness
Stick height doesn't matter much - it's a critical safety rule that must be followed

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity segments, provide clear boundaries, offer regular feedback and praise, include movement breaks

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment, reduce complexity of movements, provide extra practice time, offer step-by-step demonstrations

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules, offer quiet zones if needed, give advance warning of changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, provide written instructions, ensure student can see teacher clearly

physical disability

Adapt stick length and grip, modify movement requirements, allow seated participation where appropriate

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances for game areas, angles for stick position, counting successful techniques and scores

Science

Forces and friction in ball movement, lever principles in stick grip, balance and centre of gravity

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, directions and movement patterns, mapping game strategies

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, respect for rules and fair play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at edge of activity area for maximum visibility, move between groups during games

Observation Focus

Monitor stick height, ball control development, spatial awareness, adherence to rules

Intervention Points

Step in if safety rules forgotten, students struggling with technique, or game becoming unbalanced

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate all techniques clearly with exaggerated movements for visibility, use students as examples when appropriate, ensure all students can see demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Stick below hip height!'
•'Head up, eyes forward!'
•'Control first, speed second!'
•'Use your left hand to control the stick!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 25m x 20m clear area, expandable to 30m x 25m for games

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, suitable for running with equipment

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

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

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact with other students
•Collisions during dynamic activities
•Trips and falls during dribbling
•Equipment misuse or damage

Risk Mitigation

•Enforce stick height rule below hip level at all times
•Maintain adequate spacing between students during activities
•Use tennis balls instead of hockey balls for safety
•Clear boundaries and rules established before activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during dynamic activities
•Monitor stick height compliance continuously
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if unsafe behaviour, assess any incidents, apply appropriate first aid, ensure adequate supervision maintained