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Lesson 4 - Channelling and the Banana Run

Attacking & Defensive Mastery

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Year 6

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Hockey

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Big Question

How can we use defensive positioning and movement to control where opponents attack?

Learning Objectives

Master the banana run technique to channel opponents away from dangerous central areas
Apply channelling principles to force attackers onto their weaker side
Demonstrate tactical awareness in defensive positioning during game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will execute the banana run with correct body positioning and stick placement
Students will successfully channel attackers to the edge of the pitch in 70% of defensive encounters
Students will explain the tactical reasoning behind channelling in hockey

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

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

Alternative: Foam sticks for beginners, adapted grips for SEND students

Hockey balls

15 (1 per pair)

Ensure balls are regulation weight and not cracked or damaged

Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls for skill development

Cones

32 (8 per playing area)

Use different colours to mark playing area boundaries and goals

Alternative: Flat markers, rope lines

Bibs

15 (for one team)

Ensure good colour contrast for clear team identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured tops

Key Vocabulary

Banana Run

A curved defensive movement that forces an attacker towards the sideline rather than allowing them through the centre

Channelling

Directing an opponent's movement to limit their attacking options and force them to less dangerous areas

Strong Side

The right side of the pitch where most players are naturally stronger and more comfortable attacking

Central Penetration

When an attacker successfully moves through the middle of the pitch, creating maximum scoring threat

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic stick handling and dribbling skills
Understanding of attacking and defending concepts
Knowledge of hockey playing positions and areas of the pitch

Current Skills

Banana run technique and execution
Channelling tactics and positioning
Reading attacker movement and responding appropriately

Next Steps

Advanced defensive strategies including double teaming
Transition from defence to attack
Complex team defensive systems

Milestone Indicators

Curved running pattern towards attacker

Forcing attacker to non-dominant side

Successful prevention of central pitch penetration

Key Teaching Points

Banana run must follow curved path, not straight line approach
Force opponents to your right side (their weaker/less dangerous side)
Keep stick low and positioned on correct side throughout approach
Channel to reduce threat, don't necessarily need to win ball immediately
Work as team - one forces, others provide cover and support
Timing is crucial - start approach early enough to establish position
Maintain body position between opponent and dangerous central areas

Common Misconceptions

Thinking channelling means completely stopping the attacker (it's about controlling their options)
Believing you must win the ball immediately rather than forcing poor position first
Running straight at attacker instead of using curved approach
Not understanding why right side is generally less dangerous than left
Focusing only on the ball rather than the opponent's body position and movement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent change of activities, clear and simple instructions, additional movement breaks as required

dyspraxia

Slower progression through skills, additional practice time, use of visual guides for movement patterns

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured cones for channel markers, provide verbal descriptions of demonstration, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for game management, written key points on display board, clear visual demonstrations

physical disability

Adapted sitting or supported standing positions for channelling, modified equipment including lighter sticks

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Forces and motion in channelling opponents, understanding momentum and direction changes

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of field areas and territory control

PSHE

Teamwork and communication, resilience when facing challenges, leadership in defensive situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter during activities to observe all students, position centrally during demonstrations for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for correct curved running pattern, appropriate stick positioning, and safe challenging technique

Intervention Points

Step in if students revert to straight-line running, provide individual coaching for struggling students, manage game flow to maintain learning focus

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show banana run curve, demonstrate both successful and unsuccessful attempts to highlight differences

Verbal Cues

•'Curve your run like a banana!'
•'Force them to your right!'
•'Stick low and ready!'
•'Control where they can go!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full hockey pitch or minimum 60m x 40m area with clear run-off space around perimeter

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or water. Check for any unsafe line markings or obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All hockey sticks checked for splinters, cracks, or loose joints
•Balls properly inflated and free from cracks that could cause unpredictable bounces
•Cones stable and positioned safely away from main playing areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick-to-stick contact during defensive challenges
•Collisions between players during dynamic movement
•Trips or falls from rapid direction changes
•Ball strikes to body during game play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear rules about appropriate stick height and safe challenging
•Adequate spacing between practice areas and activities
•Progressive skill building from walking to full speed
•Continuous supervision and intervention when necessary

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all practice areas
•Move around perimeter during game to monitor from different angles
•Maintain close supervision during 1v1 challenging activities

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear procedure for serious injuries including school emergency contacts