Lesson 1 - Dribbling with Control
Tactical Awareness
•Year 5
•Hockey
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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
Check stick condition before lesson, ensure appropriate length for each student
Alternative: Adapted sticks for students with physical needs, shorter sticks for smaller students
Use tennis balls for safety - easier to control than hockey balls
Alternative: Foam balls for beginners, larger balls for students with visual impairments
Distribute around area perimeter and use for activity boundaries
Alternative: Dome markers, bean bags for indoor use
Clear colour differentiation for game activities
Alternative: Different coloured bands or markers
Key Vocabulary
Moving the ball using the flat side of the stick with the ball to the right of the body
Technique where the stick is rotated to use the reverse side while keeping the flat side facing forward
Hockey rule stating players may only use one side of the stick (the flat side) to contact the ball
Hockey safety rule requiring the stick to remain below hip height at all times
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
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