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Lesson 1 - Consolidating Possession Skills

Advanced Competitive Tactics

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Year 6

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Hockey

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50 min

Big Question

How can we use refined passing, dribbling and moving skills to keep possession and create scoring opportunities in hockey?

Learning Objectives

To consolidate and refine passing, dribbling and moving skills for maintaining possession
To apply tactical understanding of when, where and why to use different skills
To work collaboratively in teams to create and execute attacking strategies

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate refined hockey skills with increasing consistency
Students will make effective decisions about skill selection during gameplay
Students will maintain possession for sustained periods and create scoring opportunities

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check stick length appropriate for each student

Alternative: Can use tennis rackets for modified version

Hockey balls

6-8 balls

Distribute around pitch perimeter for quick access

Alternative: Tennis balls or foam balls for safety

Cones

22 cones

Mark endzones, halfway line and zone boundaries clearly

Alternative: Markers, bibs or painted lines

Coloured Bibs

15 (half the class)

Two contrasting colours for team identification

Alternative: Different coloured tops

Goals

3 goals

Position securely in endzones

Alternative: Cone goals or marked areas on walls

Key Vocabulary

Possession

Having control of the ball as a team

Tactical Decision-Making

Choosing the right skill at the right time based on the game situation

Fluidity

Smooth, continuous movement and skill execution that flows naturally

Creating Space

Moving to open areas to receive passes or draw defenders away

Endzone

Scoring area at each end of the pitch where points are scored

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hockey skills from Year 5
Simple passing and receiving techniques
Understanding of basic game rules and positions

Current Skills

Refined passing accuracy under pressure
Tactical decision-making in possession
Collaborative team attacking strategies

Next Steps

Advanced tactical understanding of defensive strategies
Complex skill combinations in competitive scenarios
Leadership roles in officiating and coaching

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accuracy in passing under pressure

Quick decision-making between passing and dribbling

Effective team coordination in maintaining possession

Key Teaching Points

Possession requires patient decision-making, not rushing forward
Look up before choosing to pass or dribble - scanning is crucial
Support teammates by moving to create passing options
Accurate passing is more important than powerful passing
Team communication enhances possession retention significantly
Tactical understanding develops through practice and reflection
Mistakes are learning opportunities in skill development

Common Misconceptions

Thinking dribbling is always better than passing - correct by showing when passing creates better opportunities
Believing possession means keeping the ball as long as possible - explain that smart passing maintains possession better
Assuming only the ball carrier matters - demonstrate how off-ball movement creates options
Thinking tactics are too complex for their age - show how simple decisions make big differences
Believing fast play is always best - emphasise controlled, thoughtful hockey over rushed decisions

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, offer regular positive feedback and movement breaks

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment for easier handling, reduce complexity of tactical requirements, provide extra practice time and encouragement

autism spectrum

Provide clear routines and expectations, offer quiet zones if overwhelmed, use visual schedules for activity transitions

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of pitch layout, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for starts/stops, ensure face-to-face communication, provide written tactical instructions

physical disability

Adapt to seated position with shorter sticks, modify pitch size, allow hand passes if appropriate, provide alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles of passing, counting successful possessions, measuring distances between zones, calculating team statistics and success rates

Science

Forces in pushing passes, momentum in dribbling, physics of ball movement, heart rate changes during exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness on pitch, mapping movement patterns, understanding positional relationships and territory control

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when possession is lost, leadership in tactical discussions, respect for opponents and officials

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position to observe all games, move between groups during activities

Observation Focus

Tactical decision-making, possession retention, team cooperation, skill accuracy

Intervention Points

When students struggle with decision-making, when possession breaks down repeatedly, if safety issues arise

Demonstration Notes

Use students as examples whenever possible, exaggerate key movements for visibility, think aloud during tactical demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Head up, scan your options!'
•'Support your teammate!'
•'Patient possession first!'
•'Great decision-making!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large sports hall or outdoor pitch minimum 30m x 20m per game

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from water or debris, even playing surface

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Hockey sticks appropriate length for each student
•Check stick ends are not splintered or damaged
•Balls properly inflated and in good condition
•Cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact with other students
•Slips during direction changes
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Collisions during gameplay

Risk Mitigation

•Strict stick discipline - low sticks at all times
•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between games
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•No tackling rules in place throughout

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all games simultaneously
•Monitor stick height and control continuously
•Watch for fatigue affecting safe play
•Ensure students follow zone restrictions

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately on 'STOP' command, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, continue only when safe