Lesson 3 - Push Pass Technique and Application
Foundation Skills & Tactics
•Year 6
•Hockey
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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
Check all sticks for damage before lesson
Alternative: Unihoc sticks, shortened hockey sticks for smaller students
Use tennis balls for safety in indoor spaces
Alternative: Hockey balls (advanced groups), soft play balls (SEND support)
Different colours for clear team identification
Alternative: Coloured cones, team shirts
Various colours for different activities
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines
Key Vocabulary
A controlled pass where the stick stays in contact with the ball without backswing
The correct surface of the hockey stick used for passing and hitting
Moving body weight from back foot to front foot during the pass
Method of restarting play where two players compete for possession
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
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