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Lesson 1 - Hockey Ball Control and Dribbling

Foundation Skills & Tactics

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Year 6

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Hockey

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Big Question

How can we use both sides of the hockey stick to maintain control of the ball under pressure?

Learning Objectives

To be able to dribble a ball with increasing control using both open stick and reverse stick techniques
To understand and consistently apply the flat-side rule and safety regulations in hockey
To select appropriate dribbling techniques based on game situations and pressure from opponents

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate controlled dribbling using open stick and reverse stick techniques
Students will apply the flat-side rule consistently during game situations
Students will make tactical decisions about when to dribble versus when to pass in small-sided games

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check sticks are appropriate height (hip level) and in good condition

Alternative: Uni-hoc sticks, floor hockey sticks

Tennis Balls

1 per student (30)

Tennis balls provide good control and safety for learning

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

Cones

60 mixed colours

Various colours needed for direction games and area marking

Alternative: Dome markers, floor spots

Bibs

15 (for team identification)

For distinguishing teams in small-sided games

Alternative: Coloured bands, team pinnards

Key Vocabulary

Open stick dribbling

Controlling the ball using the flat face of the hockey stick on the right side of the body

Reverse stick (Indian) dribbling

Turning the stick over to use the flat face on the left side of the body for ball control

Flat-side rule

Hockey rule stating players may only use the flat face of the stick, never the curved back

Indian dribble

A technique of pulling the ball from side to side using alternating open and reverse stick faces

Elimination

Using dribbling skills to beat an opponent and create space

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball control with hands from previous ball games
Understanding of personal space and safe movement
Experience with team games and basic tactical awareness

Current Skills

Correct hockey stick grip and handling
Open stick dribbling technique
Reverse stick (Indian) dribbling
Application of flat-side rule consistently

Next Steps

Passing and receiving techniques
Shooting accuracy and power
Advanced dribbling moves and elimination skills
Full game play with positioning

Milestone Indicators

Maintains ball control while moving at jogging pace

Can switch between open and reverse stick dribbling fluidly

Makes appropriate decisions under pressure from defenders

Key Teaching Points

Left hand controls stick rotation, right hand provides stability - this is fundamental to all hockey skills
Flat-side rule must be consistently enforced for safety and fair play - never allow use of stick's curved back
Hip-height rule is non-negotiable for safety - sticks must never be raised above hip level
Ball control is more important than speed - encourage controlled practice over rushed attempts
Indian dribble creates unpredictability - emphasise how this wrong-foots defenders in game situations
Head up awareness is crucial - students must see space and opponents, not just watch the ball
Progressive pressure - start with static practice, then walking, jogging, then game pressure situations

Common Misconceptions

Many students think they can use both sides of the hockey stick - reinforce flat-side rule consistently
Students often grip too tightly - emphasise relaxed but controlled grip, especially with right hand
Common belief that faster is better - stress that control and technique come before speed
Students may think hockey is just about hitting hard - emphasise skilful ball control and placement
Misconception that dribbling is selfish - teach when to dribble vs when to pass for team success
Some think the stick should be held like a golf club - correct with proper hockey grip positioning

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, frequent movement breaks, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback, fidget tools available if needed

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, extra practice time, simplified movement patterns, adult support for complex techniques, celebration of effort over outcome

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet zone available, consistent rules and expectations, warning before activity changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance, tactile exploration of stick and ball

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for directions, visual cues for game rules and safety

physical disability

Seated hockey options, modified stick grip supports, larger/softer balls, adapted game rules for different mobility levels

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances for game areas, counting touches and goals, understanding angles for stick positioning and ball direction

Science

Forces and motion in ball control, friction between stick and ball, biomechanics of grip and movement

Geography

Directional awareness and spatial orientation, mapping movement patterns around obstacles and in game areas

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, respect for rules and fair play, leadership opportunities

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at edge of activity area for maximum visibility. Move among students during skill practice. Central position during demonstrations.

Observation Focus

Watch for stick height, correct grip, ball control progression, and safe movement patterns. Monitor group dynamics in games.

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for safety issues. Provide technique support for struggling students. Manage game situations for fair play.

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate all techniques slowly first, then at game speed. Use student helpers for demonstrations. Emphasise safety points clearly.

Verbal Cues

•'Stick stays low - below your hips!'
•'Left hand is the boss!'
•'Keep that ball close!'
•'Head up, eyes scanning!'
•'Flat side only!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m hard surface area, clear of obstacles and with adequate run-off space

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from water, debris, or trip hazards. Indoor hall or outdoor tarmac suitable.

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Hockey sticks checked for cracks, splinters, or sharp edges
•Sticks appropriate height (hip level) for each student
•Tennis balls used instead of hockey balls for safety during learning
•Cones in good condition with no sharp or broken edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact with other students
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Collisions during movement activities
•Trips and falls on hard surface

Risk Mitigation

•Strict enforcement of hip-height rule for sticks
•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between students
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Use of tennis balls rather than hard hockey balls
•Controlled group sizes in game situations

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Move around to monitor stick height and technique
•Close supervision during first-time stick handling
•Active monitoring of game situations for fair play

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if unsafe behaviour observed. Assess any injuries promptly. First aid available. Clear procedures for serious incidents.