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Lesson 4 - Receiving and Trapping the Ball

Tactical Awareness

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Year 5

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Hockey

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Big Question

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

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check correct length - stick should reach between hip and waist when standing

Alternative: Shorter sticks for struggling students, foam padded sticks for beginners

Tennis Balls

1 per pair (15)

Ensure balls are in good condition and bounce appropriately

Alternative: Foam balls for safety, larger balls for easier control

Dish Cones

Use bright colours for clear visibility

Alternative: Spot markers, bean bags, or chalk lines

Team bibs

15 (2 sets of different colours)

Ensure clear colour distinction between teams

Alternative: Coloured cones to hold, different coloured t-shirts

Key Vocabulary

Forehand receiving

Stopping and controlling the ball using the front face of the hockey stick

Trapping

Using the hockey stick as a barrier low to the ground to stop the ball

Cushioning

Absorbing the impact of the ball by moving the stick backwards on contact

Give and go

Passing to a teammate then immediately moving to receive a return pass

Bully off

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

Can demonstrate correct grip and body position for forehand receiving

Shows ability to cushion ball on reception

Moves feet to position body in line with incoming ball

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