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Lesson 6 - Open Stick and Jab Tackling

Foundation Skills & Tactics

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Year 6

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Hockey

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1h 5min

Big Question

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

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks are appropriate length and undamaged

Alternative: Plastic hockey sticks, unihoc sticks

Tennis Balls

1 per student (30)

Softer balls reduce impact and improve safety

Alternative: Foam balls, plastic hockey balls

Cones

Use for goal posts and area boundaries

Alternative: Markers, spots, or other boundary markers

Bibs

15 (optional)

For team identification in games

Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured tops

Key Vocabulary

Open stick tackle

A defensive technique where the stick is placed low to create a barrier to block the ball

Jab tackle

A quick, sharp movement to knock the ball away from an opponent

Block tackle

Alternative term for open stick tackle, creating a solid barrier

Timing

Choosing the exact right moment to execute a tackle for maximum success

Transition

Quickly changing from attacking to defending or vice versa

Possession

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

Can perform both tackles with correct body position

Times tackles to disrupt opponent effectively

Selects appropriate tackle based on situation

Maintains possession after successful tackle

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