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Lesson 8 - Hockey Tournament Application

Foundation Skills & Tactics

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Year 6

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Hockey

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Big Question

How can we apply all our hockey skills and tactical understanding to compete fairly and effectively in tournament matches?

Learning Objectives

To apply attacking and defending principles and skills in hockey tournament matches
To demonstrate leadership skills when officiating and organising team warm-ups
To show good sportsmanship and understanding of hockey rules consistently

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully lead team warm-ups and officiate matches
Students will apply hockey skills under pressure in competitive situations
Students will demonstrate tactical understanding and rule knowledge consistently

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for damage before use

Alternative: Unihoc sticks, tennis rackets for adapted version

Tennis Balls

3 (1 per pitch)

Ensure balls are suitable for surface type

Alternative: Foam balls, plastic hockey balls

Cones

Use to mark pitch boundaries and goals

Alternative: Markers, corner flags

Team bibs

30 (sets of different colours)

Organise into team sets before lesson

Alternative: Coloured t-shirts, numbered bibs

Score Sheets

1 per tournament format

Prepare tournament fixture list in advance

Alternative: Whiteboard for recording scores

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A competition involving multiple teams playing a series of matches

Bully Off

Method of restarting play where two players face each other and alternately tap sticks before competing for the ball

Free Pass

Restart awarded when a rule is broken, taken by the non-offending team

Tactics

Planned strategies and formations used to gain advantage in matches

Officiating

Acting as referee to ensure fair play and rule adherence

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hockey skills: dribbling, passing, receiving
Understanding of fundamental rules and safety procedures
Experience of small-sided games and basic tactics

Current Skills

Leading warm-up routines independently
Consistent application of rules in match situations
Tactical decision-making under pressure

Next Steps

Advanced tactical formations and strategies
Coaching and mentoring other students
Tournament organisation and leadership roles

Milestone Indicators

Confident leadership of team activities

Fair and accurate officiating decisions

Successful tactical adaptations during matches

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise that hockey excellence includes skill, tactics, leadership, and character development
Support referee development with positive encouragement and specific feedback
Connect competitive pressure to real-life situations requiring resilience and fair play
Celebrate diverse contributions beyond just goal-scoring achievements
Use tournament format to develop tactical thinking and team communication skills
Model and expect outstanding sportsmanship throughout all matches
Link rule-following to broader life skills of integrity and respect for others

Common Misconceptions

Tournament success is only about winning matches - address by celebrating skill development and sportsmanship equally
Referees should always favour their friends - emphasise integrity and fairness in officiating
Physical strength is more important than tactical thinking - highlight how strategy can overcome physical advantages
Rules are just restrictions on fun - explain how rules enable fair and safe competition
Only the best players should take leadership roles - encourage all students to develop leadership skills

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter match durations with more frequent breaks, clear role assignments, immediate positive feedback for focus

dyspraxia

Lighter sticks or adapted equipment, simplified rules initially, additional practice of bully off technique

autism spectrum

Clear visual tournament structure displayed, predictable rotation patterns, quiet area available for breaks

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured tennis balls, provide verbal commentary of play, assign sighted partner for support

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for referee decisions, ensure clear sight lines for lip reading, written tournament rules available

physical disability

Seated hockey version with modified sticks, larger goal areas, adapted ball speed and rules as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Developing communication skills through tactical discussions, articulating observations about peer performance, building sports-specific vocabulary

Maths

Calculating tournament points and league tables, understanding probability in match outcomes, measuring distances for free passes

Science

Understanding forces in stick and ball contact, energy transfer in hockey shots, biomechanics of effective hockey technique

History

Origins and development of hockey as a sport, comparing modern rules with historical versions

PSHE

Leadership development through team captaincy and refereeing, emotional regulation during competition, character building through sportsmanship

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Circulate between pitches to observe all matches, support referees, and monitor safety

Observation Focus

Monitor skill application under pressure, tactical understanding, and sportsmanship development

Intervention Points

Step in for safety concerns, support struggling referees, manage competitive emotions

Demonstration Notes

Model excellent sportsmanship, support referee development with positive feedback, celebrate skill and character equally

Verbal Cues

•'Great tactical thinking!'
•'Remember stick height!'
•'Excellent sportsmanship!'
•'Support your referee!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall or outdoor pitch area, minimum 20m x 30m per playing area

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from obstacles, appropriate for hockey activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all hockey sticks for splinters, cracks, or damage before use
•Ensure tennis balls are suitable condition with good bounce
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact injuries from raised sticks or wild swings
•Ball strikes from powerful shots or deflections
•Collisions during competitive play
•Emotional responses to competitive pressure

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained between playing areas
•Consistent reinforcement of stick height rules
•Active supervision of competitive intensity
•Regular breaks for tactical discussions to manage intensity

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all playing areas
•Monitor referee confidence and decision-making
•Watch for signs of fatigue or emotional stress
•Intervene immediately for safety rule breaches

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, contact emergency services if required