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Lesson 1 - Shooting from Close Range

Attacking & Defensive Mastery

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Year 6

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Hockey

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Big Question

How can effective shooting and defending skills help your team control the game?

Learning Objectives

Develop shooting techniques from close range under pressure
Demonstrate defending and attacking skills in game situations
Work collaboratively to score goals and prevent opposition scoring

Key Outcomes

Students will shoot accurately from close range using push and slap techniques
Students will apply tactical awareness in 4v4 game situations
Students will demonstrate teamwork in both attacking and defending phases

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check for correct size - stick should reach students' hip bone

Alternative: Plastic hockey sticks for younger students

Hockey balls

1 per student + 6 spares

Ensure balls are appropriate weight for age group

Alternative: Tennis balls for beginners, foam balls for indoor use

Cones

40-50 mixed colours

Use different colours to mark different areas and gates

Alternative: Markers or bean bags

Goals

12 (3 per pitch for 4 pitches)

Arrange as 1 centre goal, 2 side goals per pitch

Alternative: Cone goals 2m wide, wall targets

Bibs

15 (one colour)

Clearly distinguish teams during games

Alternative: Coloured bands or spots

Key Vocabulary

Push shot

A controlled shooting technique where the stick pushes the ball along the ground

Slap shot

A more powerful shooting technique using a short backswing

Close range

Shooting position within 3-5 metres of the goal

Pressure

When defenders are close and trying to win the ball

Intercept

Winning the ball when it's passed between opponents

No tackle zone

An area where players cannot attempt to win the ball from opponents

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hockey stick control and ball handling
Simple passing and receiving techniques
Understanding of basic hockey rules

Current Skills

Shooting from close range with accuracy
Defending against attackers near goal
Tactical awareness in small-sided games

Next Steps

Shooting from distance and different angles
Advanced defensive positioning
Complex team tactics and set plays

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball control when under pressure

Accurate shooting with both push and slap techniques

Effective communication during game play

Key Teaching Points

Keep ball close to stick for better control, especially when under pressure from defenders
Head up awareness to see goal, defenders, and teammates during attacking play
Choose appropriate shot type - push for accuracy, slap for quick release
Work as team to create shooting opportunities through passing and movement
Maintain shooting technique even when tired or under pressure
Communicate with teammates to coordinate attacks and defend multiple goals
Quick decision making in close range situations

Common Misconceptions

Believing power is more important than accuracy in close range shooting - emphasise placement over force
Thinking individual brilliance wins games - stress importance of teamwork and creating opportunities for others
Assuming you must always aim for the highest value goal - teach tactical awareness about when to take easier opportunities
Believing shooting technique doesn't matter in game situations - reinforce that good technique works under pressure
Thinking defending means just tackling - explain intercepting, positioning, and communication

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity rotations, clear boundaries and zones, regular positive feedback, movement breaks built into activities

dyspraxia

Larger equipment options, reduced complexity in multi-step skills, extra practice time, simplified tactical concepts

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if needed, consistent verbal cues and demonstrations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance, audio cues for goal locations

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards available, visual goal scoring system

physical disability

Seated playing version available, adapted stick lengths, modified shooting distances, alternative ball types (larger/softer)

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication during games, following instructions, explaining tactics to teammates

Maths

Scoring systems, calculating team points, measuring shooting distances, angles of shots to goal

Science

Forces in hitting and pushing, trajectory of balls, body mechanics in shooting actions

Geography

Spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns, understanding positional play

PSHE

Teamwork skills, dealing with competition, supporting others, communication in groups

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between activity areas to maintain visual contact with all students, position at corners of game areas during matches

Observation Focus

Watch for correct shooting technique, safe stick handling, positive team interactions, and tactical development

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe play occurs, technique significantly incorrect, or negative team dynamics develop

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstrations, involve students in examples where safe, repeat key points multiple times

Verbal Cues

•'Ball close, head up!'
•'Quick release!'
•'Choose your target!'
•'Work together!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m area for full activities, additional space for multiple game pitches

Surface Check

Flat, even surface suitable for hockey, free from hazards and adequate drainage

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check hockey sticks for damage, splinters, or loose parts
•Ensure balls are appropriate weight and not damaged
•Verify goals are stable and securely positioned
•Check all cones are visible and not damaged

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Hockey stick contact with other students
•Ball strikes to students
•Collisions during fast-paced game situations
•Trips and falls during directional changes

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Adequate spacing between activity areas
•No tackle zones clearly marked and explained
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Constant supervision and position for maximum visibility

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all activity areas simultaneously
•Move around perimeter to monitor techniques and interactions
•Focus supervision on areas with ball contact activities
•Monitor game areas for over-competitive behaviour

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal understood by all students, immediate assessment of any injuries, appropriate first aid response, clear route to medical assistance if required