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Lesson 2 - Dribbling to Beat a Defender

Foundation Skills & Tactics

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Year 6

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Hockey

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Big Question

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

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for damage, ensure appropriate sizes for students

Alternative: Outdoor hockey sticks, or unihoc sticks for indoor use

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per pair plus 5 for warm-up)

Keep spare balls around the perimeter for quick retrieval

Alternative: Hockey balls for advanced students, foam balls for beginners

Cones

Use different colours to mark different areas and goals

Alternative: Markers, bibs, or other visible boundary markers

Key Vocabulary

Indian Dribble

A dribbling technique using the reverse side of the hockey stick to control the ball

Pull Technique

Drawing the ball from one side to the other to change direction and beat a defender

Spin Around

A 360-degree turn while maintaining ball control to evade a defender

Bully Off

A method of restarting play where two opposing players compete for ball possession

Defender Pressure

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

Consistent ball control during direction changes

Successful completion of 'pull' technique in pressure situations

Effective use of space and timing when beating defenders

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