Lesson 4 - Channelling and the Banana Run
Attacking & Defensive Mastery
•Year 6
•Hockey
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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
Check stick length is appropriate - should reach hip bone when standing upright
Alternative: Foam sticks for beginners, adapted grips for SEND students
Ensure balls are regulation weight and not cracked or damaged
Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls for skill development
Use different colours to mark playing area boundaries and goals
Alternative: Flat markers, rope lines
Ensure good colour contrast for clear team identification
Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured tops
Key Vocabulary
A curved defensive movement that forces an attacker towards the sideline rather than allowing them through the centre
Directing an opponent's movement to limit their attacking options and force them to less dangerous areas
The right side of the pitch where most players are naturally stronger and more comfortable attacking
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
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