Lesson 5 - Hit Out Positioning and Execution
Attacking & Defensive Mastery
•Year 6
•Hockey
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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
Check stick height reaches between hip and waist
Alternative: Unihoc sticks for indoor play
Use different coloured balls for different activities
Alternative: Tennis balls for beginners, foam balls for safety
Use to mark boundaries, goals and hit out lines
Alternative: Marker spots or chalk lines
Distinguish between attacking and defending teams
Alternative: Coloured bands or pinnies
Set up multiple small goals for game activities
Alternative: Cones 2m apart for goals
Key Vocabulary
A restart taken by the defending team when attackers hit the ball over the backline without scoring
The goal line that runs across the width of the pitch behind the goals
A teammate who positions themselves to receive a pass from the hit out taker
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
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