Lesson 1 - Shooting from Close Range
Attacking & Defensive Mastery
•Year 6
•Hockey
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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
Check for correct size - stick should reach students' hip bone
Alternative: Plastic hockey sticks for younger students
Ensure balls are appropriate weight for age group
Alternative: Tennis balls for beginners, foam balls for indoor use
Use different colours to mark different areas and gates
Alternative: Markers or bean bags
Arrange as 1 centre goal, 2 side goals per pitch
Alternative: Cone goals 2m wide, wall targets
Clearly distinguish teams during games
Alternative: Coloured bands or spots
Key Vocabulary
A controlled shooting technique where the stick pushes the ball along the ground
A more powerful shooting technique using a short backswing
Shooting position within 3-5 metres of the goal
When defenders are close and trying to win the ball
Winning the ball when it's passed between opponents
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
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