🏒

Lesson 3 - Push Pass Technique and Application

Foundation Skills & Tactics

•

Year 6

•

Hockey

•

53 min

Big Question

How can we use the push pass to maintain possession and create attacking opportunities in hockey?

Learning Objectives

To master the push pass technique with increasing control under pressure
To select appropriate passing actions for different game situations
To apply tactical understanding of space and movement in game contexts

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate consistent push pass technique with accuracy
Students will make effective passing decisions under pressure
Students will show tactical awareness of when and where to pass

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

30 (1 per student)

Check all sticks for damage before lesson

Alternative: Unihoc sticks, shortened hockey sticks for smaller students

Tennis Balls

30 (1 per student)

Use tennis balls for safety in indoor spaces

Alternative: Hockey balls (advanced groups), soft play balls (SEND support)

Team bibs

15 (2 teams)

Different colours for clear team identification

Alternative: Coloured cones, team shirts

Cones

Various colours for different activities

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines

Key Vocabulary

Push Pass

A controlled pass where the stick stays in contact with the ball without backswing

Flat Stick

The correct surface of the hockey stick used for passing and hitting

Weight Transfer

Moving body weight from back foot to front foot during the pass

Bully Off

Method of restarting play where two players compete for possession

Interception

Winning possession by getting in the path of an opponent's pass

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic stick handling and ball control
Understanding of personal space and movement
Knowledge of hockey stick safety rules

Current Skills

Push pass technique development
Passing under pressure
Tactical decision making in possession

Next Steps

Advanced passing techniques (sweep pass)
Shooting and finishing skills
Complex game strategies and formations

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball contact with flat stick surface

Accurate passes to moving targets

Quick decision making in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Push pass technique requires stick to stay in contact with ball throughout
Left foot steps forward to generate power and improve accuracy
Flat side of stick must be used for all passes and ball contact
Stick height must remain below waist level for safety
Communication and awareness are crucial for successful passing under pressure
Tactical decision making improves through game-based practice
Safety rules protect all players and must be consistently enforced

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking they need to hit the ball hard - correct by emphasising control over power
Using rounded edge of stick instead of flat side - demonstrate proper stick orientation
Stepping with wrong foot or no step at all - practice stepping motion separately
Lifting stick too high for safety - consistently reinforce waist height rule
Passing without looking or communication - emphasise awareness before action
Believing tackling is allowed in possession games - clarify interception-only rules

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use positive reinforcement frequently, offer movement breaks as needed

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time for skills, break down movements into smaller steps, use larger or modified equipment, provide additional demonstrations and support

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules and social stories, offer quiet spaces if needed, consistent rules and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for support, use tactile markers for positioning

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations and hand signals, written instruction cards available, ensure face-to-face communication, use vibrant visual cues for game changes

physical disability

Adapt equipment size and weight as needed, allow seated or supported positions, modify distances and playing areas, provide alternative ways to participate

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting passes and timing activities, measuring distances between cones, calculating angles for accurate passing

Science

Understanding forces in pushing motion, friction between stick and ball, body mechanics in weight transfer

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of directions and movement patterns, map reading skills through field positioning

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, leadership and communication skills, fair play and respect for others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the teaching area to observe all students, position at corners for maximum visibility during activities

Observation Focus

Watch for correct push pass technique, safe stick handling, appropriate competitive behaviour, and inclusive participation

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe stick use observed, support struggling students with individual guidance, manage competitive situations appropriately

Demonstration Notes

Use side-on demonstrations for technique, exaggerate key movements for clarity, involve students in demonstrations where appropriate, always model safe practice

Verbal Cues

•'Stick on ball throughout the pass'
•'Step forward for power and accuracy'
•'Keep it low and controlled'
•'Look before you pass'
•'Move to space after passing'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m for full class, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Level surface free from water, debris, or holes that could cause slips or trips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All hockey sticks checked for cracks, splinters, or damage before use
•Tennis balls used instead of hockey balls for safety in confined spaces
•Team bands properly fitted and not too tight

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact with other students
•Ball strikes to body or face
•Collisions during movement activities
•Slips and falls during quick direction changes

Risk Mitigation

•Strict enforcement of stick below waist height rule
•Adequate spacing maintained between students and pairs
•Clear boundaries established and communicated
•Progressive skill building from stationary to movement
•No physical contact rules in game situations

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Move around groups to monitor technique and safety
•Particular attention to stick handling and height
•Monitor fatigue levels and adjust accordingly

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, immediate assessment of any injury, appropriate first aid response, clear evacuation routes known