Lesson 5 - Support Through Movement
Foundation Skills & Tactics
•Year 6
•Hockey
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How can smart movement create attacking opportunities that defenders cannot stop?
Learning Objectives
- To be able to move into space to support a teammate effectively
- To select and apply different movement skills to lose a defender
- To make quick tactical decisions in attacking situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate controlled ball skills under pressure
- Students will show understanding of space awareness and timing
- Students will execute tactical movement to create scoring opportunities
Equipment & Resources Required
Various colours helpful for different activities
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, or plastic spots
Check for damage before lesson, appropriate size for age group
Alternative: Plastic hockey sticks for beginners
Two contrasting colours for easy identification
Alternative: Coloured t-shirts or sashes
Tennis balls safer for initial skill development
Alternative: Hockey balls for advanced groups, foam balls for beginners
Key Vocabulary
Understanding where there are gaps on the pitch that can be exploited
Moving to help the player with the ball by offering passing options
Being in a position where no defender is close enough to intercept
A defender stopping or catching a pass before it reaches its target
When opponents are close and ready to tackle or intercept
Choosing the best action based on what you see happening in the game
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 push pass and forehand receive
- Basic knowledge of hockey rules and safety
Current Skills
- Moving intelligently into space
- Supporting teammates through positioning
- Decision-making under pressure
Next Steps
- Advanced tactical awareness in game situations
- Leading attacking plays and creating opportunities
- Understanding defensive positioning and transitions
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Two-handed stick carrying with blade below waist height at all times
- Move into space immediately after passing to create new options
- Communication between teammates essential for effective attacking play
- Quick decision-making under pressure develops through progressive challenges
- Space awareness means finding areas where defenders cannot intercept passes
- Teamwork and support play are more important than individual skills
- Safe, controlled technique must be maintained even during competitive games
Common Misconceptions
- Students think they should wait for the ball rather than moving to receive it - emphasise active movement to meet passes
- Belief that faster passing always equals better passing - stress accuracy and timing over speed
- Individual focus rather than team play - constantly reinforce supporting teammates and creating options
- Confusion about when and where to move - provide clear examples and practice structured patterns first
- Thinking all players should follow the ball - teach spreading out and maintaining team shape
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Use shorter activity bursts, provide clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, positive reinforcement for good decisions
dyspraxia
- Use larger, slower balls initially, reduce area complexity, provide extra practice time, focus on one skill component at a time
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routines, use visual schedules, offer quiet spaces if needed, give advance warning of activity changes
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of space and positioning, use tactile boundaries, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and demonstrations, written instruction cards, clear visual boundaries, ensure student can see teacher for lip reading
physical disability
- Modify activities for wheelchair users, use larger/lighter balls if needed, adjust area sizes, provide alternative roles such as tactical advisor
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring 7-metre distances, counting passes in timed challenges, calculating team scores and improvements
Science
Understanding forces in push passes, friction between ball and ground, momentum in movement patterns
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and movement patterns, mapping player positions
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, supporting others, celebrating achievements, resolving conflicts during competitive games
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups during activities, central position during demonstrations, part of circle during discussions
Observation Focus
Watch for space awareness development, ball control under pressure, and positive team interactions
Intervention Points
Step in if safety rules are broken, provide tactical hints during games, support students struggling with concepts
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate with stick safety in mind, use students as examples during activities, exaggerate movements for clarity, involve students in demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Find the space!'
- •'Help your teammate!'
- •'Quick decision!'
- •'Well done creating options!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m for multiple 7m squares and 4v4 games, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for running and quick direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all hockey sticks for damage, splinters, or loose heads before lesson
- •Ensure tennis balls are in good condition, no splits or damage
- •Cones placed securely and visible, no sharp edges
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Stick contact between players during activities
- •Collisions during fast-paced games and movement
- •Trips or falls on uneven surfaces
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise two-handed stick carrying throughout lesson
- •Maintain stick below waist height rule consistently
- •Establish clear boundaries and adequate spacing between groups
- •Enforce one-player tackling rule in games
- •Regular reminders about awareness of other students
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups during activities
- •Monitor closely during 4v4 games for rule compliance
- •Watch for fatigue affecting safety and technique
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school emergency procedures if needed