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Lesson 3 - Push Pass Technique and Control

Tactical Awareness

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Year 5

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Hockey

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Big Question

How can we use the push pass to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities in hockey?

Learning Objectives

To develop and apply push pass technique with increasing control under pressure
To understand and apply game rules consistently during competitive situations
To demonstrate tactical awareness when selecting appropriate passing actions

Key Outcomes

Students will perform push passes with improved accuracy and control
Students will make tactical decisions about when and where to pass
Students will apply hockey rules consistently in game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check stick height reaches between waist and hip when standing upright

Alternative: Unihoc sticks, modified hockey sticks for smaller hands

Tennis Balls

1 per student (30)

Distribute around area perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Hockey balls for advanced students, foam balls for beginners

Team bibs

15 (for 4v4 games)

Ensure clear team identification for game situations

Alternative: Coloured cones to place behind students, different coloured shirts

Cones

20-30

Use to mark boundaries, targets, and activity areas

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, existing court markings

Key Vocabulary

Push pass

A hockey pass where the ball is pushed forward using the flat side of the stick without a backswing

Weight transfer

Moving body weight from back foot to front foot during the pass to generate power

Bully off

A method of restarting play where two players alternately touch sticks before attempting to win the ball

Intercept

To gain possession of the ball by reading and stopping an opponent's pass

Reverse stick

Using the back of the hockey stick to pass or control the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic stick handling and ball control
Understanding of personal space and safety
Simple passing in stationary positions

Current Skills

Push pass technique with step and weight transfer
Passing under pressure from defenders
Tactical decision making in game situations

Next Steps

Advanced passing techniques including reverse stick
Complex tactical plays and formations
Competitive game play with official rules

Milestone Indicators

Consistent push pass technique with minimal coaching

Quick decision making under pressure

Understanding of when to pass versus when to dribble

Key Teaching Points

Push pass technique must keep stick in contact with ball throughout - no backswing allowed
Weight transfer from back foot to front foot generates power and accuracy in passes
Stick height must remain below waist level at all times for safety
Communication and eye contact essential before making passes to teammates
Spatial awareness and movement into space creates better passing opportunities
Game rules about 1m distance and no tackling must be consistently enforced
Patience with ball control often leads to better passing opportunities than rushing

Common Misconceptions

Students often think they need a backswing for power - emphasise push through motion instead
Many believe they can lift stick higher when passing - reinforce waist height limit always
Some think tackling is allowed in hockey - clarify interception-only rule clearly
Students may rush passes under pressure - teach that controlled passing is more effective
Some believe reverse stick is illegal - explain it's an advanced but legal technique
Many think shouting louder helps communication - teach clear, calm verbal and visual cues

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with frequent changes, clear visual boundaries, regular movement breaks, specific roles in activities

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, peer support systems

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, consistent routines, advance warning of activity changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance, tactile markers for boundaries

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear gestures, written instruction cards, vibrating timer for time signals

physical disability

Seated passing variations, modified stick length, adapted grip aids, wheelchair accessible playing areas

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting passes and points, measuring distances for activities, calculating angles for passing

Science

Forces and motion in passing technique, friction between stick and ball, physics of weight transfer

Geography

Directions and spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns around playing area

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with competitive pressure, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the outside of activities to observe all students, central position for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct push pass technique, safe stick handling, and positive interaction

Intervention Points

Step in when sticks rise above waist height, when spacing becomes unsafe, or when students need technique support

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for technique points, involve confident students in demonstrations, always face the class when demonstrating

Verbal Cues

•'Stick on ball!'
•'Step and push!'
•'Waist height only!'
•'Find space!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m teaching area, clear of obstacles and with defined boundaries

Surface Check

Dry, even surface suitable for running and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check hockey sticks for damage - no splinters or cracks
•Ensure stick height is appropriate for each student
•Tennis balls checked for wear - replace if split or damaged

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick injuries from lifting above waist height
•Collisions between students during movement activities
•Ball strikes if students not paying attention

Risk Mitigation

•Strict enforcement of stick below waist height rule
•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activities
•Emphasis on awareness and communication during passing

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position with clear view of all students during activities
•Monitor stick height constantly during all phases
•Watch for overcrowding during game situations

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately on safety concern, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, complete accident forms as required