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Lesson 5 - Hit Out Positioning and Execution

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 positioning and timing to create effective attacking opportunities from defensive hit outs?

Learning Objectives

Recognise when and where a hit out should be taken to restart a game
Execute the hit out as a defender and position themselves to support the hit out taker
Move strategically to create opportunities for a successful hit out

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate understanding of hit out rules and positioning
Students will show improved decision-making when taking and supporting hit outs
Students will apply tactical movement to create passing options during hit outs

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check stick height reaches between hip and waist

Alternative: Unihoc sticks for indoor play

Hockey balls

8-10

Use different coloured balls for different activities

Alternative: Tennis balls for beginners, foam balls for safety

Cones

20-30

Use to mark boundaries, goals and hit out lines

Alternative: Marker spots or chalk lines

Bibs

15 (2 colours)

Distinguish between attacking and defending teams

Alternative: Coloured bands or pinnies

Goals

6 (or cone goals)

Set up multiple small goals for game activities

Alternative: Cones 2m apart for goals

Key Vocabulary

Hit Out

A restart taken by the defending team when attackers hit the ball over the backline without scoring

Backline

The goal line that runs across the width of the pitch behind the goals

Supporting Player

A teammate who positions themselves to receive a pass from the hit out taker

Hit Out Line

Imaginary line level with the top of the D where hit out must be taken from

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hockey passing and receiving techniques
Understanding of attacking and defending principles
Knowledge of basic hockey rules and boundaries

Current Skills

Hit out rules and positioning
Strategic movement to support hit outs
Decision-making under pressure in game situations

Next Steps

Advanced set piece strategies
Complex game situations and restarts
Tournament play and advanced tactics

Milestone Indicators

Consistently positions correctly for hit outs

Makes good decisions about hit out placement

Supports teammates effectively during restarts

Key Teaching Points

Hit out is taken in line with top of D, not where ball crossed backline
Supporting players must move to create multiple passing options
Communication is essential for successful hit out execution
5m rule applies to all players except hit out taker
First pass from hit out must be accurate and firm
Use width of pitch to create better passing angles
Hit out situations require both individual skill and team coordination

Common Misconceptions

Hit out taken from where ball crossed line (actually taken in line with D)
Only the taker needs to worry about positioning (all players need to support)
Hit as hard as possible (accuracy and placement more important)
Rush the hit out (taking time to assess options is better)
All supporting players go to same area (need spread and angles)

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, use movement breaks between instruction periods

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time for coordination skills, provide step-by-step technique breakdown, use larger equipment initially

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, use visual schedules, offer quiet space for breaks if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of positioning, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, provide written instructions on cards, ensure eye contact when giving instructions

physical disability

Modify hit out distance requirements, allow seated position for some activities, provide alternative equipment if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances for hit out positioning, calculating angles for passing lanes, estimating time for 30-second challenges

Science

Forces and motion in hitting technique, trajectory and accuracy, energy transfer from stick to ball

Geography

Understanding spatial relationships on the pitch, using directional language and coordinates

PSHE

Teamwork and communication, leadership during pressure situations, resilience when behind in games

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during skills practice, position at side during games for best overview

Observation Focus

Watch for correct hit out positioning, quality of supporting movement, and safe stick technique

Intervention Points

Step in when rules are not followed, technique needs correction, or safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for hit out positioning, demonstrate both correct and incorrect examples for clarity

Verbal Cues

•'Look before you hit!'
•'Create angles for passing!'
•'Remember the 5m rule!'
•'Support your teammate!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor area, or large sports hall

Surface Check

Even surface free from holes, wet patches, or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check hockey sticks for cracks or splinters
•Ensure balls are in good condition
•Verify goals are stable and secure

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick collisions during close play
•Ball strikes to body or head
•Slips on wet surfaces
•Collisions during movement activities

Risk Mitigation

•Enforce 5m rule during hit outs
•Teach proper stick carrying technique
•Use controlled hitting power
•Maintain adequate spacing during drills
•Clear communication about direction changes

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups during skill practice
•Monitor intensity during competitive games
•Watch for fatigue affecting safe technique

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, follow school emergency protocols