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Lesson 6 - Attacking & Defending Skills

Attacking & Defensive Mastery

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Year 6

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Hockey

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Big Question

How can we use strategic thinking and advanced skills like the Indian dribble to outmaneuver opponents in competitive hockey matches?

Learning Objectives

To work cooperatively to implement attacking and defending strategies in game situations
To master the Indian dribble technique and apply it effectively in competitive play
To demonstrate confidence using a variety of hockey skills including push pass, block tackle, and set plays

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully execute attacking and defending strategies with their team
Students will perform the Indian dribble with control and apply it during game situations
Students will demonstrate fluency in multiple hockey skills during competitive matches

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check stick length is appropriate - should reach students' hip when standing upright

Alternative: Unihoc sticks, foam hockey sticks for younger students

Hockey balls

8-10 balls

Have spare balls around pitch perimeter for quick restarts

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for skill development

Goals

4-6 goals (multiple pitches)

Goals should be large relative to pitch width to encourage scoring

Alternative: Cones to mark goal areas, wall targets

Cones

30-40 cones

Use to mark pitch boundaries, D zones, and skill practice areas

Alternative: Markers, bibs as boundary markers

Coloured Bibs

15 bibs (3 colours minimum)

Distribute to teams for easy identification during tournament

Alternative: Coloured bands, team pennants

Clipboards

3.5 boards

For recording tournament results and match scores

Alternative: Paper scoresheets, whiteboard

Key Vocabulary

Indian Dribble

An advanced dribbling technique where the stick is rotated over the ball creating a zigzag pattern to deceive defenders

Attacking Strategy

Planned movements and tactics used by a team to create scoring opportunities

Defending Strategy

Organised team approach to prevent the opposition from scoring including marking and positioning

Set Play

Pre-planned movements from restarts such as long corners, hit outs, and sideline balls

D Zone

The semicircular area around the goal where players must be positioned to score

Long Corner

A restart awarded when the defending team unintentionally hits the ball over their back line

Block Tackle

A defensive technique where the stick is placed to stop or intercept the opponent's ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hockey grip and stance
Push pass and receiving techniques
Simple dribbling and ball control
Understanding of basic game rules
Experience with small-sided games

Current Skills

Indian dribble technique execution
Strategic thinking for attacking and defending
Set plays including long corners
Competitive game application
Team leadership and cooperation

Next Steps

Advanced skill combinations in pressure situations
Complex tactical formations and systems
Leadership roles in competitive tournaments
Officials and coaching responsibilities
Inter-school competition preparation

Milestone Indicators

Performs Indian dribble smoothly in game situations

Communicates effectively during team strategies

Shows resilience and sportsmanship in competition

Demonstrates tactical awareness and decision-making

Key Teaching Points

Indian dribble requires left hand rotation with right hand support
Use Indian dribble when closely marked to create confusion
Attacking strategies focus on creating space and support
Defending strategies emphasise marking and positioning
Set plays like long corners require organised team execution
Teamwork and communication are essential for tactical success
Maintain stick control and ball awareness throughout games

Common Misconceptions

Both hands should rotate the stick equally - correct: left hand leads rotation
Indian dribble should be used constantly - correct: use strategically when marked
Faster movement always means better dribbling - correct: control and technique are priority
Individual skill is more important than team strategy - correct: tactical awareness enhances individual performance
Set plays are too complex for Year 6 - correct: simple organised plays are highly effective
Defending means just trying to get the ball - correct: organised positioning and marking are key

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with clear transitions, regular movement opportunities, specific roles and responsibilities

dyspraxia

Simplified Indian dribble progression, larger equipment, extended practice time, focus on effort over perfection

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedules for tournament format, quiet zones available, predictable team formations, social stories for competition

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, verbal cues for spatial awareness, buddy system for navigation, audio signals for game events

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all skills, hand signals for game management, written strategy cards, vibrant visual cues

physical disability

Adapted stick lengths and grips, modified Indian dribble using wheelchair movements, seated goalkeeping options

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Tournament scoring and league tables, measuring pitch dimensions, calculating goal differences and points totals

Science

Understanding forces in ball control, friction between stick and ball, biomechanics of rotation movements

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, mapping team formations, understanding tactical spaces and zones

PSHE

Leadership development, teamwork and cooperation, managing competition pressure and disappointment

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between teams during strategy discussions, position centrally during demonstrations, circulate between pitches during games

Observation Focus

Watch for correct Indian dribble hand positioning, strategic decision-making in games, team communication effectiveness

Intervention Points

Step in if rules violations become frequent, provide support for struggling students, facilitate team discussions when needed

Demonstration Notes

Emphasise slow, clear technique demonstration for Indian dribble, model positive team communication, highlight strategic thinking examples during games

Verbal Cues

•'Left hand leads the rotation!'
•'Use the zigzag to confuse defenders!'
•'Support your teammates with good positioning!'
•'Remember your strategies!'
•'Brilliant teamwork!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 30m for multiple small pitches, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Even grass or artificial surface, free from holes, debris, or water patches

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check hockey sticks for splinters or damage before use
•Ensure hockey balls are regulation weight and not cracked
•Verify goals are stable and securely positioned
•Confirm all cones are visible and not damaged

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact with other students during games
•Ball strikes to body or head
•Collisions during competitive play
•Slips and falls on playing surface
•Fatigue affecting coordination and safety

Risk Mitigation

•Enforce no contact rules strictly
•Maintain adequate spacing between pitches
•Regular reminders about stick control
•Monitor fatigue levels during tournament
•Clear rules about appropriate stick height

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all pitches during games
•Monitor skill practice areas for proper technique
•Watch for signs of frustration or fatigue
•Ensure immediate response to rule violations

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately on whistle signal, assess situation, apply appropriate first aid, contact office if serious injury occurs