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Lesson 4 - Attacking Tactics in Hockey

Advanced Competitive Tactics

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Year 6

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Hockey

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Big Question

How can we create and apply attacking tactics that outwit our opponents and create scoring opportunities?

Learning Objectives

To consolidate understanding of attacking tactics and apply them effectively in game situations
To demonstrate refined passing, dribbling and moving skills to create scoring opportunities
To understand and execute different roles within attacking formations

Key Outcomes

Students will apply attacking tactics that result in successful shooting opportunities
Students will demonstrate fluid transitions between attacking and defending as possession changes
Students will show effective teamwork and communication during attacking phases

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check sticks are appropriate height for each student

Alternative: Unihoc sticks for indoor use

Hockey balls

6-8 balls

Have spare balls available at sidelines

Alternative: Foam balls for beginners, tennis balls for control practice

Goals

4 small goals or cones

Goals should be 1.5-2m wide for 4v4 games

Alternative: Cones 2m apart, bench turned on side

Cones

22 cones

Different colours for pitch boundaries and zones

Alternative: Markers, spots

Bibs

15 bibs (3 colours)

Ensure clear team identification for rotating teams

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts

Stopwatch

For timing game rotations and tactical discussions

Alternative: Phone timer, watch

Key Vocabulary

Attacking tactics

Planned movements and strategies used by a team to try and score goals

Creating space

Moving to find areas on the pitch where you have time and room to receive the ball

Possession

When your team has control of the ball

Transition

The moment when the ball changes from one team to another

Shooting opportunity

A good chance to score a goal with clear sight of the target

Formation

How players are arranged on the pitch to play effectively together

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hockey stick grip and ball control
Simple passing and receiving techniques
Understanding of basic attacking and defending concepts
Experience of small-sided hockey games

Current Skills

Creating and applying attacking tactics as a team
Combining passing, dribbling and moving to create shooting opportunities
Understanding roles and responsibilities within attacking formations
Adapting tactics based on game situations

Next Steps

Advanced tactical variations and set plays
Counter-attacking strategies
Full-sided hockey with complex formations
Tournament play with multiple tactical approaches

Milestone Indicators

Students can explain their team's attacking tactics clearly

Smooth transitions between individual skills in game situations

Evidence of tactical decision-making during play

Successful creation of shooting opportunities through teamwork

Key Teaching Points

Attacking tactics require constant communication and movement from all team members
Successful attacks combine individual skills with excellent teamwork and timing
Different formations work better against different types of defensive play
Creating space is as important as having the ball - movement without the ball matters
Effective attacking requires patience and multiple passing options, not just shooting at first opportunity
Teams must be ready to adapt tactics quickly when original plans are blocked by opponents
Good attacking teams create multiple shooting opportunities through sustained pressure and teamwork

Common Misconceptions

That all players should follow the ball instead of maintaining positional discipline
That the first attacking option is always the best - students need to learn patience and decision-making
That only forwards are responsible for attacking - all players have attacking roles including defenders
That tactics are too complicated for young players - with proper scaffolding, students can apply sophisticated concepts
That individual skill is more important than teamwork - emphasise how tactics enhance individual abilities
That there is only one 'right' way to attack - help students understand different tactical approaches work in different situations

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear and simple tactical instructions, regular movement breaks, specific role assignments to maintain focus

dyspraxia

Simplified formations initially, extra time for tactical understanding, visual aids for positioning, celebration of tactical thinking over physical execution

autism spectrum

Clear routine for lesson structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if overwhelmed, consistent team groupings

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of formations, buddy system for spatial awareness, audio cues for tactical changes

hearing impairment

Visual signals for tactical changes, written formation diagrams, clear visual demonstrations, signing support where available

physical disability

Adapted formations for wheelchair users, modified equipment including lighter sticks, reduced playing area, focus on tactical understanding rather than physical execution

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles of passing, geometry of formations, timing and measurement in games, spatial awareness and positioning

Science

Forces in ball movement, physics of momentum during attacks, understanding of movement and speed in tactical play

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions and positioning on pitch, mapping attacking routes and defending territories

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, managing emotions in competitive situations, communication and listening skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position between two game areas for maximum visibility, move closer to games during competitive phases

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical understanding, quality of teamwork, application of skills under pressure, safety compliance

Intervention Points

Step in when tactics need clarification, safety issues arise, or teams need encouragement with tactical execution

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when showing tactics, involve students in demonstrations, emphasise key tactical concepts repeatedly

Verbal Cues

•'Where's your support player?'
•'Look for the wide option!'
•'Keep your formation!'
•'Quick passing!'
•'Create space for teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear area for two parallel 4v4 pitches, with 3m safety margin around perimeter

Surface Check

Level grass or artificial surface, free from holes, debris and wet patches that could cause slipping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Hockey sticks checked for damage, appropriate height for each student
•Goals securely positioned and weighted if necessary
•Balls regularly checked for damage that could cause unpredictable bounces

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick injuries from high sticks or dangerous play
•Collisions between players during fast-paced games
•Ball strikes to head or body during shots and passes
•Slips and falls on changing surface conditions

Risk Mitigation

•Clear rules about stick height - below shoulder at all times
•Adequate spacing between game areas to prevent collisions
•Emphasis on controlled passing rather than powerful shots
•Regular surface checks, especially after weather changes

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe both game areas simultaneously
•Monitor for dangerous stick work or overly physical play
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safe play
•Ensure injured students are assessed and supported appropriately

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop signal for serious incidents, first aid assessment, appropriate response according to school emergency procedures