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Lesson 5 - Support Through Movement

Foundation Skills & Tactics

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Year 6

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Hockey

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Big Question

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

Cones

Various colours helpful for different activities

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, or plastic spots

Hockey sticks

30 (1 per student)

Check for damage before lesson, appropriate size for age group

Alternative: Plastic hockey sticks for beginners

Team bibs

15 (2 teams)

Two contrasting colours for easy identification

Alternative: Coloured t-shirts or sashes

Tennis Balls

10 (1 per group)

Tennis balls safer for initial skill development

Alternative: Hockey balls for advanced groups, foam balls for beginners

Key Vocabulary

Space awareness

Understanding where there are gaps on the pitch that can be exploited

Support play

Moving to help the player with the ball by offering passing options

Unmarked

Being in a position where no defender is close enough to intercept

Intercepting

A defender stopping or catching a pass before it reaches its target

Pressure

When opponents are close and ready to tackle or intercept

Tactical decision

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

Consistent accurate passing under pressure

Quick recognition of space and movement opportunities

Effective communication with teammates during play

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