Lesson 2 - Dribbling to Beat a Defender
Foundation Skills & Tactics
•Year 6
•Hockey
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How can we use clever dribbling techniques to outsmart defenders and create scoring opportunities?
Learning Objectives
- To develop advanced dribbling skills under defensive pressure
- To apply tactical awareness when beating defenders
- To demonstrate improved ball control in game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will execute the 'pull' technique to change direction effectively
- Students will perform the 'spin around' move to evade defenders
- Students will apply dribbling skills successfully in competitive scenarios
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all sticks for damage, ensure appropriate sizes for students
Alternative: Outdoor hockey sticks, or unihoc sticks for indoor use
Keep spare balls around the perimeter for quick retrieval
Alternative: Hockey balls for advanced students, foam balls for beginners
Use different colours to mark different areas and goals
Alternative: Markers, bibs, or other visible boundary markers
Key Vocabulary
A dribbling technique using the reverse side of the hockey stick to control the ball
Drawing the ball from one side to the other to change direction and beat a defender
A 360-degree turn while maintaining ball control to evade a defender
A method of restarting play where two opposing players compete for ball possession
The challenge created by an opponent trying to regain possession of the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic hockey stick grip and control
- Simple dribbling in straight lines
- Understanding of personal space and safety
Current Skills
- Dribbling under defensive pressure
- Direction changes to evade defenders
- Tactical decision-making in 1v1 situations
Next Steps
- Combination moves and feints
- Team attacking strategies
- Advanced game tactics and positioning
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Turn the stick to change ball direction during pull technique
- Accelerate immediately after completing direction changes
- Maintain low body position during spin around move
- Protect ball with body positioning during spins
- Keep two hands on stick at all times for control and safety
- Use wide stance for balance during advanced moves
- Read defender's position to choose appropriate technique
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking you can only pull the ball in one direction - practice both ways
- Believing speed alone beats defenders - technique and timing are crucial
- Assuming the spin around works in all situations - read the defender first
- Forgetting to accelerate after moves - the change of pace creates separation
- Thinking hockey is just about individual skills - teamwork wins games
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, simplified instructions, immediate positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment, reduced complexity initially, extra practice time, step-by-step breakdown, celebration of small improvements
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, predictable transitions, sensory breaks if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for guidance, tactile markers for boundaries
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for common commands, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Adapted stick heights, seated playing options, modified distances, peer support partners, alternative scoring methods
Cross-Curricular Links
Science
Forces and motion in direction changes, friction between stick and ball, physics of acceleration
Geography
Spatial awareness, directions and positioning, mapping movement patterns on pitch
PSHE
Resilience when techniques don't work, respect for opponents, teamwork and cooperation
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the area constantly, position at corners for maximum visibility, closer supervision during competitive activities
Observation Focus
Watch for correct stick grip, safe technique execution, proper body positioning during moves, effective technique transfer to games
Intervention Points
Step in for dangerous stick work, provide immediate technique correction, manage competitive intensity, support struggling students
Demonstration Notes
Use slow-motion demonstrations for technique, contrast good and poor examples, involve confident students as demonstrators, always demonstrate safety aspects
Verbal Cues
- •'Turn the stick to change direction!'
- •'Accelerate after your move!'
- •'Keep that stick low!'
- •'Protect the ball with your body!'
- •'Look for the space!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 40m area, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Dry, even surface suitable for hockey activity, free from debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all hockey sticks for damage, splinters, or loose parts
- •Ensure tennis balls are in good condition, not split or damaged
- •Verify cones are stable and visible, no sharp edges
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Stick-to-stick contact during competitive play
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Collisions between students during games
- •Slips and falls during direction changes
Risk Mitigation
- •Establish clear stick height rules (below waist)
- •Maintain adequate spacing between activities
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
- •Clear boundaries and safe zones marked
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all activities
- •Monitor high-intensity game areas closely
- •Intervene immediately for dangerous stick work
- •Watch for signs of fatigue affecting technique
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required