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Lesson 4 - Receiving and Trapping Skills

Foundation Skills & Tactics

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Year 6

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Hockey

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Big Question

How can we control the ball more effectively when it arrives at different speeds and angles?

Learning Objectives

To demonstrate effective forehand receiving technique with control under pressure
To apply trapping skills consistently in dynamic game situations
To select appropriate receiving techniques based on game context

Key Outcomes

Students will receive and trap the ball with increased control under pressure
Students will demonstrate tactical awareness in choosing appropriate receiving techniques
Students will work effectively as part of a team using give and go tactics

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check appropriate length - stick should reach students' hip when standing upright

Alternative: Plastic hockey sticks for beginners

Tennis Balls

15 (1 between 2)

Tennis balls safer for beginners and provide good bounce for trapping practice

Alternative: Foam balls, plastic hockey balls

Cones

Used for area boundaries and positioning markers

Alternative: Markers, spots, bibs

Team bibs

15 (half class)

For team identification in games

Alternative: Bibs, different coloured t-shirts

Key Vocabulary

Forehand receiving

Stopping and controlling the ball using the forehand side of the hockey stick

Trapping

Using the stick as a barrier low to the ground to stop the ball

Give and go

Passing to a teammate then immediately moving to receive the ball back

Bully off

Method of restarting play where two players tap sticks alternately before competing for the ball

Interception

Reading the pass and moving to stop the ball reaching the intended target

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hockey grip and dribbling skills
Simple push pass technique
Basic movement patterns and spatial awareness

Current Skills

Forehand receiving technique
Ball trapping with stick as barrier
Give and go passing combinations
Tactical decision making under pressure

Next Steps

Advanced receiving techniques (backhand)
Receiving on the move at pace
Complex tactical combinations
Competitive game situations

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball control in practice situations

Effective decision making under defensive pressure

Smooth transition from receiving to next action

Key Teaching Points

Left hand away from body for correct forehand receiving grip
Stick positioned vertically with thumb pointing down for effective barrier
Move feet to get in line with the ball rather than reaching
Use stick low to ground as barrier for trapping technique
Cushion ball impact by giving backwards with stick on contact
Pass into space ahead of moving partner in give and go combinations
Apply receiving skills consistently under competitive pressure

Common Misconceptions

Both hands close together reduces control - need left hand away for leverage
Hard stick contact will control ball better - soft cushioning prevents bouncing
Can reach for ball with stick - feet must move to get in line
Trapping is just stopping the ball - requires active cushioning technique
Passing to feet is safest - passing to space creates better attacking opportunities

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with clear transitions, regular movement breaks, specific roles in games, positive reinforcement system

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier tracking, simplified receiving technique initially, extra practice time, step-by-step instruction cards

autism spectrum

Clear visual routine chart, quiet zones available during games, consistent language and structure, advance warning of transitions

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for positioning, clear verbal cues for ball location

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for key commands, written instruction cards, peer support for instructions

physical disability

Seated version using hands to receive ball, modified equipment with larger balls, adapted distances for throwing/receiving

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting passes in games, measuring 2m zones, calculating success rates in give and go practice

Science

Forces and cushioning in trapping technique, friction between stick and ball, angles of ball travel

Geography

Directions and spatial positioning on field, mapping movement patterns in Kings and Queens

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, fair play and respect for rules

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the class during practice, position at corner of game area for maximum visibility during Kings and Queens

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip and receiving technique, monitor ball control consistency, check tactical decision making in games

Intervention Points

Step in if receiving technique deteriorating, if game becomes too physical, if students struggling with rules

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate receiving technique slowly and clearly, exaggerate key positions, use students as examples of good technique

Verbal Cues

•'Left hand away from body!'
•'Stick low to ground!'
•'Move your feet to the ball!'
•'Cushion the impact!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m outdoor area or large sports hall, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Even surface free from holes, wet areas, or debris that could cause slips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check hockey sticks for splinters or damage before use
•Ensure tennis balls are in good condition without splits
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact between students during close play
•Slips and falls during dynamic movement
•Ball strikes from uncontrolled passes
•Collisions during Kings and Queens game

Risk Mitigation

•Clear rules about no tackling, interception only
•Adequate spacing between pairs during practice
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Clear boundaries and 2m zones marked
•Teacher positioned for maximum supervision

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all students during games
•Move between pairs during skill practice
•Monitor stick control and appropriate contact
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school procedures if required