Lesson 4 - Receiving and Trapping the Ball
Tactical Awareness
•Year 5
•Hockey
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can I control the ball effectively under pressure to help my team succeed?
Learning Objectives
- To develop forehand receiving technique with control
- To master trapping skills using the stick as a barrier
- To apply receiving and trapping skills in game situations under pressure
Key Outcomes
- Students will receive the ball with improved control using forehand technique
- Students will trap the ball effectively using stick positioning
- Students will apply receiving skills tactically in competitive games
Equipment & Resources Required
Check correct length - stick should reach between hip and waist when standing
Alternative: Shorter sticks for struggling students, foam padded sticks for beginners
Ensure balls are in good condition and bounce appropriately
Alternative: Foam balls for safety, larger balls for easier control
Use bright colours for clear visibility
Alternative: Spot markers, bean bags, or chalk lines
Ensure clear colour distinction between teams
Alternative: Coloured cones to hold, different coloured t-shirts
Key Vocabulary
Stopping and controlling the ball using the front face of the hockey stick
Using the hockey stick as a barrier low to the ground to stop the ball
Absorbing the impact of the ball by moving the stick backwards on contact
Passing to a teammate then immediately moving to receive a return pass
Method of restarting play where two players tap sticks alternately before competing for the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic stick holding and grip techniques
- Simple dribbling and ball control
- Understanding of basic hockey rules and safety
Current Skills
- Forehand receiving with proper body positioning
- Trapping technique using stick as barrier
- Applying receiving skills under defensive pressure
Next Steps
- Backhand receiving techniques
- Advanced trapping in game situations
- Combination passing and receiving sequences
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Forehand receiving requires left hand away from body and vertical stick position
- Trapping uses the stick as a low barrier to stop the ball effectively
- Cushioning is essential for both receiving techniques to maintain control
- Moving feet to line up with the ball is crucial for successful receiving
- Give and go requires immediate movement after passing to create space
- In Kings and Queens, tactical positioning helps create receiving opportunities
- No tackling rules ensure safety while maintaining competitive element
Common Misconceptions
- Students think harder contact will give better control - emphasise cushioning and gentle contact
- Many students forget to move feet to ball - demonstrate importance of footwork constantly
- Some students confuse trapping with hitting - show barrier concept clearly
- Students may think stick should be angled for all receiving - clarify when vertical vs angled
- In games, students may think tackling is allowed - reinforce interception-only rule consistently
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear movement boundaries, regular feedback and encouragement, variety in activity types
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment for easier handling, simplified technique progression, extra practice time, clear step-by-step instructions
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual activity schedule, quiet area available if overwhelmed, consistent verbal cues
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of techniques, buddy system for safety and guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written cards with key teaching points
physical disability
- Seated receiving practice, modified stick lengths, adapted distances for activities, alternative roles in games
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Angles of stick position for effective receiving, measuring distances for 2m shooting zones, counting passes in Kings and Queens game
Science
Forces and friction when cushioning the ball, understanding momentum transfer during receiving, biomechanics of body positioning
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning on field, directions and movement patterns, mapping team positions and strategies
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation during partner activities, resilience when learning new skills, fair play and sportsmanship in games
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Position at corner of playing area for optimal view of all students, move around during partner work to provide individual feedback
Observation Focus
Watch for correct receiving body position, effective cushioning technique, and safe play during all activities
Intervention Points
Stop activity if students struggling with basic technique or safety rules not being followed, provide re-demonstration and additional practice
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate receiving techniques slowly first, then at game speed. Use students as positive examples when technique is excellent
Verbal Cues
- •Left hand away
- •Stick stands tall
- •Cushion backwards
- •Move to the ball
- •Low barrier
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m clear area for warm-up and skills, 10m x 15m marked area for Kings and Queens game
Surface Check
Even, dry surface free from holes, debris or slippery areas that could cause falls
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all hockey sticks for damage - no split ends or loose parts
- •Ensure tennis balls are in good condition and appropriate firmness
- •Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Confirm team bands/bibs are secure and not torn
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Stick contact with other players during receiving practice
- •Slips and falls during dynamic movement
- •Ball strikes to body during receiving attempts
- •Collisions during Kings and Queens game
Risk Mitigation
- •Enforce strict no tackling rule throughout all activities
- •Maintain adequate spacing between pairs during practice
- •Use tennis balls instead of hockey balls for safer practice
- •Clear boundaries established for all activities
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic situations
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position at corner of area for maximum visibility of all students
- •Monitor pairs closely during receiving practice for safe spacing
- •Watch Kings and Queens game carefully for adherence to no tackling rule
- •Move around during activities to provide close supervision
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately on injury, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid or call for assistance, ensure other students are safely occupied