Lesson 6 - Open Stick and Jab Tackling
Foundation Skills & Tactics
•Year 6
•Hockey
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can different tackling techniques help us win possession and transition from defence to attack?
Learning Objectives
- To be able to use an open stick (block) tackle and jab tackle to gain possession of the ball
- To understand when to select appropriate tackling techniques for different situations
- To demonstrate quick transition between attacking and defending phases of play
Key Outcomes
- Students will perform both open stick and jab tackles with correct technique
- Students will select the most appropriate tackle for specific game situations
- Students will demonstrate tactical awareness in defensive positioning
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all sticks are appropriate length and undamaged
Alternative: Plastic hockey sticks, unihoc sticks
Softer balls reduce impact and improve safety
Alternative: Foam balls, plastic hockey balls
Use for goal posts and area boundaries
Alternative: Markers, spots, or other boundary markers
For team identification in games
Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured tops
Key Vocabulary
A defensive technique where the stick is placed low to create a barrier to block the ball
A quick, sharp movement to knock the ball away from an opponent
Alternative term for open stick tackle, creating a solid barrier
Choosing the exact right moment to execute a tackle for maximum success
Quickly changing from attacking to defending or vice versa
Having control of the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic hockey stick handling and ball control
- Understanding of dribbling techniques
- Basic defensive positioning
- Knowledge of hockey safety rules
Current Skills
- Open stick (block) tackle execution
- Jab tackle technique and timing
- Defensive decision-making
- Transition from defence to attack
Next Steps
- Advanced tackling in game situations
- Team defensive strategies
- Intercepting passes
- Counter-attacking from defensive positions
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Timing is crucial for successful tackles - too early and the attacker can avoid
- Open stick tackle creates a barrier - wide grip, low position, strong base
- Jab tackle is quick and sharp - in and out like a snake strike
- Watch the ball, not the player, for better timing and success
- Select appropriate tackle based on situation and opponent approach
- Maintain good sporting behaviour even when tackles are unsuccessful
- Safety first - appropriate stick height and contact levels at all times
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking tackles should be aggressive rather than skilful and well-timed
- Believing one tackle type works for all situations
- Assuming early positioning for tackles is always better
- Thinking watching the opponent is more important than watching the ball
- Believing unsuccessful tackles mean poor technique rather than poor timing
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear and immediate feedback
dyspraxia
- Use larger, lighter equipment initially, reduce complexity of movements, provide extra practice time and support
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet zones if needed, use visual schedules for activity sequences
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, implement buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, implement simple hand signals for instructions, provide written technique reminders
physical disability
- Modify tackling from seated position if needed, use lighter equipment, adapt distances and speeds to individual capabilities
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances for goals and playing areas, calculating success rates of different tackles, angles of approach for tackling
Science
Forces involved in tackles, friction between stick and ball, momentum and direction changes during tackling
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, direction and movement patterns, mapping tackle success areas
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when unsuccessful, fair play and sporting behaviour, decision-making under pressure
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the teaching area to observe all students, position at corner during demonstrations for maximum visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for correct tackle technique, appropriate timing, safe stick handling, and positive sporting behaviour
Intervention Points
Step in to correct unsafe technique, reinforce timing concepts, redirect off-task behaviour, support struggling students
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for clarity, show common mistakes alongside correct technique, involve students in demonstrations where appropriate
Verbal Cues
- •'Build your wall!' for open stick tackle
- •'Snake strike!' for jab tackle timing
- •'Watch the ball, not the player!'
- •'Timing is everything!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m for full class, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Dry, even surface suitable for hockey activities, checked for debris or damage
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •All hockey sticks checked for damage, cracks, or sharp edges
- •Tennis balls inspected for condition and appropriate pressure
- •Cones placed securely with no sharp edges or damage
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Stick contact with other students
- •Collisions during tackling attempts
- •Slips and falls during direction changes
- •Ball strikes to body or face
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear rules about stick height and contact
- •Adequate spacing between working pairs and groups
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
- •One-on-one tackling rule enforced strictly
- •Use of softer tennis balls instead of hard hockey balls
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe maximum number of students simultaneously
- •Move around during activities to monitor technique and safety
- •Watch particularly for stick safety and appropriate contact
- •Monitor game situations for rule compliance
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately on 'STOP' command, assess any injury, apply appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required