Lesson 3 - Push Pass Technique and Control
Tactical Awareness
•Year 5
•Hockey
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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
Check stick height reaches between waist and hip when standing upright
Alternative: Unihoc sticks, modified hockey sticks for smaller hands
Distribute around area perimeter for easy collection
Alternative: Hockey balls for advanced students, foam balls for beginners
Ensure clear team identification for game situations
Alternative: Coloured cones to place behind students, different coloured shirts
Use to mark boundaries, targets, and activity areas
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, existing court markings
Key Vocabulary
A hockey pass where the ball is pushed forward using the flat side of the stick without a backswing
Moving body weight from back foot to front foot during the pass to generate power
A method of restarting play where two players alternately touch sticks before attempting to win the ball
To gain possession of the ball by reading and stopping an opponent's pass
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
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