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Lesson 8 - Tournament Application

Tactical Awareness

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Year 5

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Hockey

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Big Question

How can we apply all our hockey skills and tactics to compete fairly and successfully in tournament play?

Learning Objectives

To apply attacking and defending principles effectively in competitive hockey matches
To demonstrate understanding of hockey rules through consistent application during tournament play
To lead effective warm-up routines and take responsibility for team organisation

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully apply hockey skills under competitive pressure
Students will demonstrate fair play and sportsmanship throughout tournament matches
Students will take leadership roles in warming up teams and refereeing matches

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for safety before distribution

Alternative: Unihoc sticks or improvised sticks

Tennis Balls

3 (1 per pitch)

Use tennis balls for safety in confined spaces

Alternative: Hockey balls, foam balls for safety

Cones

Mark pitch boundaries and goal areas clearly

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, or natural boundaries

Team bibs

30 (4-6 different colours)

Ensure clear team identification for all players

Alternative: Coloured t-shirts or arm bands

Score Sheets

1 per team

Pre-prepared tournament schedule and scoring system

Alternative: Simple paper scoring system or digital tracking

Whistles

2-3

For student referees to manage matches effectively

Alternative: Voice commands or hand signals

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A competitive event where teams play multiple matches to determine overall ranking

Bully off

Method of starting play where two players face each other and alternately tap sticks before competing for the ball

Free pass

An uncontested pass awarded when the opposing team breaks a rule

Sportsmanship

Playing fairly, respecting opponents and officials, and showing good conduct

Tactics

Planned strategies used by teams to gain advantage in attack or defence

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hockey stick handling and ball control
Understanding of fundamental hockey rules
Experience with passing, receiving and shooting techniques
Basic tactical awareness of attacking and defending

Current Skills

Application of all hockey skills in competitive situations
Leadership skills in team organisation and warm-ups
Consistent rule application and fair play
Tactical decision-making under pressure

Next Steps

Advanced tactical play and team formations
Complex hockey skills and techniques
Leadership in coaching and mentoring others
Tournament organisation and management

Milestone Indicators

Maintains skill execution under competitive pressure

Demonstrates consistent fair play and sportsmanship

Takes initiative in team leadership roles

Makes effective tactical decisions during matches

Key Teaching Points

Tournament play is the culmination of all hockey skills learned throughout the unit
Fair play and sportsmanship are more important than winning matches
Leadership opportunities through warm-ups and refereeing develop confidence and responsibility
Rule application must be consistent to ensure fair competition for all teams
Reflection between matches helps teams improve and learn from experience
Recognition of others' contributions builds positive relationships and community spirit
Competitive pressure should enhance rather than compromise skill development and fair play

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: Winning is the most important outcome - Correction: Fair play, effort and improvement are equally valuable
Misconception: Only skilled players can contribute to team success - Correction: Teamwork, encouragement and sportsmanship are vital contributions
Misconception: Referees must be perfect - Correction: Learning to referee is part of development, mistakes are learning opportunities
Misconception: Hockey rules are too complex for students this age - Correction: Students can understand and apply rules consistently with practice
Misconception: Competitive play reduces learning - Correction: Tournament pressure enhances skill application and personal development

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Provide specific roles and responsibilities, use frequent rotation and activity changes, clear boundaries and expectations

dyspraxia

Allow extra time for rule understanding, provide simplified referee role initially, ensure supportive team environment

autism spectrum

Provide clear tournament structure visually, allow for quiet zones during breaks, maintain predictable rotation schedule

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured bibs and balls, provide verbal descriptions of match action, ensure clear audio signals for match start/stop

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for match control, ensure clear sight lines to referee gestures, provide written tournament schedules and rules

physical disability

Modify pitch size or rules as needed, consider seated hockey adaptations, ensure equal participation opportunities in available roles

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills during team discussions, descriptive language for match reflection, vocabulary development through hockey terminology

Maths

Tournament scoring systems, calculating points totals, time management during matches, statistics and data recording

Science

Understanding forces in stick and ball contact, energy systems during sustained activity, teamwork and cooperation principles

PSHE

Fair play and integrity, respect for others, leadership responsibilities, dealing with winning and losing gracefully, conflict resolution

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between both pitches to observe all matches, ensuring visibility of most students at all times

Observation Focus

Monitor skill application under pressure, fair play and sportsmanship, referee performance, team cooperation

Intervention Points

Step in if referees miss dangerous play, support struggling referees, encourage positive sportsmanship, guide reflection discussions

Demonstration Notes

Model positive reactions to both success and setbacks, show enthusiasm for fair play over winning, demonstrate proper bully-off technique when needed

Verbal Cues

•'Great sportsmanship!'
•'Remember the 3-metre rule!'
•'Excellent referee decision!'
•'What can we learn from that?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor space or sports hall with room for two hockey pitches (minimum 40m x 60m total)

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from hazards, appropriate for hockey play with tennis balls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all hockey sticks for cracks, splinters or loose parts before use
•Ensure tennis balls are in good condition and appropriate for safe play
•Verify all cones are stable and visible for pitch boundaries

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick-to-player contact during competitive play
•Collisions between players during fast-paced tournament matches
•Ball strikes to face or body during intensive play
•Fatigue-related injuries during extended tournament activity

Risk Mitigation

•Clear rules about stick height (below waist) strictly enforced
•Tennis balls used instead of hockey balls for reduced impact
•Adequate spacing between pitches to prevent cross-match interference
•Regular breaks and rotation to prevent over-exertion
•Strong referee presence to stop dangerous play immediately

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position between both pitches for maximum visibility of all matches
•Monitor referee performance and intervene if safety rules not enforced
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration affecting safe play
•Ensure competitive pressure doesn't lead to dangerous challenges

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately for any injury, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required