Lesson 4 - Attacking Skills & Defence
Team Strategy & Skills Integration
•Year 6
•Hockey
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How can we work together as attackers to outsmart defenders and create scoring opportunities?
Learning Objectives
- To develop partnership work in attacking situations against defenders
- To master a range of attacking skills including dribbling, passing and movement
- To understand tactical decision-making in attack and defence
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully execute attacking moves with a partner to beat defenders
- Students will demonstrate improved stick work and ball control under pressure
- Students will make tactical decisions about when to pass and when to dribble
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all sticks are right-handed and appropriate size
Alternative: Quick sticks for beginners
Ensure balls are regulation weight and not damaged
Alternative: Foam balls for indoor use
Use bright colours for visibility, check stability
Alternative: Dome markers or spots
Position securely, check for sharp edges
Alternative: Cone gates 2m wide
Ensure good contrast between teams
Alternative: Coloured bands or sashes
Key Vocabulary
Moving the ball from left to right using both sides of the stick blade
Keeping the ball in constant contact with the stick while moving forward
Playing the ball with the back of the stick blade
Defensive technique of staying balanced and ready to move in any direction
Moving quickly to reduce the distance between defender and attacker
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic stick grip and ball control
- Simple dribbling in straight lines
- Understanding of hockey safety rules
Current Skills
- Advanced dribbling techniques (straight, loose, Indian)
- Partnership attacking strategies
- Defensive positioning and jockeying
Next Steps
- Small-sided games with multiple attackers and defenders
- Set piece attacking moves
- Advanced defensive formations
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Correct stick grip with left hand at top, right hand provides control
- Ball must stay in contact with stick during straight dribbling
- Head up awareness essential for safety and tactical play
- Communication between attacking partners creates opportunities
- Defenders must close space quickly then jockey and pressure
- Decision-making improves through practice and reflection
- Different dribbling techniques serve different tactical purposes
Common Misconceptions
- That hockey sticks can be held either way - all sticks are right-handed only
- That speed is more important than control - control enables speed
- That defenders should commit early - patience and positioning are key
- That one dribbling technique works in all situations - variety creates unpredictability
- That individual skill is enough - teamwork multiplies effectiveness
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with regular changes, clear physical boundaries, immediate feedback and encouragement
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment options, reduced complexity in multi-step activities, extra practice time for skill development
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routine structure, allow breaks if overwhelmed, use visual schedules for activity sequence
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign sighted buddy
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals for start/stop, provide written key points, ensure clear line of sight for demonstrations
physical disability
- Modify stick grip with tape, allow seated play options, adjust movement distances and speeds
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Calculating points in numbers game, measuring distances for cone placement, angles of movement and passing
Science
Forces in stick and ball contact, friction between ball and surface, momentum in movement
Geography
Spatial awareness, directional movement, mapping attacking routes and defensive positioning
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing defenders, managing competitive emotions
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Corner position for maximum visibility, move between groups during rotations
Observation Focus
Watch for technical improvement, tactical understanding, and safe play
Intervention Points
Step in if safety concerns arise or when students need technique clarification
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, slow demonstrations first, then normal speed with key points emphasised
Verbal Cues
- •'Stick control first, speed second!'
- •'Head up, see the space!'
- •'Communicate with your partner!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 40m outdoor area, or large sports hall
Surface Check
Level surface free from holes, debris, or wet patches
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check hockey sticks for cracks or splinters
- •Ensure balls are not split or damaged
- •Verify cones are stable and visible
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Stick contact between students
- •Collisions during fast movement
- •Ball strikes to other students
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise stick control and flat side usage
- •Clear boundaries and designated movement areas
- •Progressive skill building before competitive elements
- •Adequate spacing between practice groups
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all activity areas
- •Monitor high-activity zones during numbers game
- •Watch for fatigue affecting control and safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, adjust activity if needed