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Lesson 1 - Hockey Grip and Basic Dribbling

Team Strategy & Skills Integration

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Year 6

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Hockey

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Big Question

How can mastering the basic grip and dribbling techniques help me control the game and protect possession in hockey?

Learning Objectives

To develop correct stick grip and body positioning for effective ball control
To master straight and loose dribbling techniques whilst maintaining awareness
To demonstrate agility, balance, coordination and precision in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct left-hand-high, right-hand-low grip consistently
Students will execute both straight and loose dribbling with head up and ball control
Students will apply dribbling skills strategically in competitive game scenarios

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for damage, ensure appropriate length for students

Alternative: Pool noodles or similar for students requiring adapted equipment

Hockey balls

1 per student + 10 spares (40 total)

Distribute around area perimeter for quick access

Alternative: Tennis balls for students needing slower-moving equipment

Hoops

5 (4 team hoops plus 1 central)

Place team hoops in corners, central hoop in middle

Alternative: Marked areas with chalk or tape

Cones

20-25 for boundaries and markers

Create clear activity boundaries and target areas

Alternative: Sports markers or chalk lines

Bibs

8 in 4 different colours

2 bibs per team for Rob the Nest activity

Alternative: Coloured bands or team identification method

Key Vocabulary

Grip

Left hand at top of stick, right hand lower down for control

Straight dribble

Continuous contact between stick and ball whilst moving forward

Loose dribble

Controlled forward taps of the ball whilst sprinting

Flat side

The smooth side of the hockey stick that contacts the ball

Ball control

Keeping the ball close and manageable whilst moving

Stick height

Hockey stick must not be lifted above waist level for safety

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and coordination skills from previous units
Understanding of spatial awareness and movement patterns
Experience with equipment-based activities and following safety rules

Current Skills

Correct hockey stick grip and stance
Straight dribbling with continuous ball contact
Loose dribbling with controlled forward taps
Head-up awareness whilst maintaining ball control

Next Steps

Advanced dribbling techniques including Indian dribble
Passing techniques and receiving skills
Tactical awareness and positioning in game situations

Milestone Indicators

Consistent correct grip without prompting

Ability to dribble 20 metres without losing control

Successful completion of dribbling challenges under pressure

Key Teaching Points

Correct grip with left hand high, right hand low for maximum control
Stick height must never exceed waist level for safety
Use only flat side of stick for all ball contact
Head-up awareness essential for safety and tactical play
Straight dribble for control, loose dribble for speed
Body positioning crucial for ball protection
Continuous practice builds muscle memory for technique

Common Misconceptions

Thinking right hand goes at top of stick - correct with 'left high, right low' mnemonic
Believing harder hits create better control - emphasise soft touches and control
Assuming speed is more important than technique - demonstrate control before pace
Thinking they can use both sides of stick - reinforce flat side only rule
Believing they can lift stick freely - constantly remind about waist height limit

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear physical boundaries, offer movement breaks and fidget alternatives

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment for easier handling, provide additional practice time, break down complex movements into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine and structure, offer quiet zones for breaks, use visual timetables showing lesson progression

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, implement buddy system for navigation support

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure good lighting for lip reading

physical disability

Offer modified equipment (lighter sticks, larger balls), adapt rules for seated participation, provide alternative ball control methods

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills during team strategy discussions, descriptive language for technique feedback, following and giving instructions

Maths

Spatial awareness and geometry through navigation and positioning, counting and timing during competitive activities, measurement of distances for passing

Science

Forces and motion in stick and ball interactions, balance and centre of gravity during movement, understanding of friction and ball control

Geography

Directional awareness and mapping of movement patterns, spatial relationships and positioning in game situations

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation in group activities, resilience when facing challenges, respect and fair play in competitive situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during demonstrations, perimeter during activities for maximum visibility, mobile during skill practice

Observation Focus

Consistent correct grip without reminders; Head-up awareness during all dribbling activities; Safe stick work - height and contact with others; Technique maintenance under competitive pressure

Intervention Points

["Step in immediately for unsafe stick work", "Support students struggling with grip or basic contact", "Facilitate peer feedback and coaching sessions", "Adjust activity intensity based on student response"]

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, provide both correct and incorrect examples, encourage student demonstration opportunities

Verbal Cues

•'Left high, right low!'
•'Stick and ball are best friends!'
•'Head up, eyes scanning!'
•'Protect like treasure, attack like ninja!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m area, clear of obstacles with defined boundaries

Surface Check

Level, dry surface free from holes or hazards, appropriate for running with equipment

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all hockey sticks for cracks or damage before use
•Ensure balls are appropriate weight and condition
•Verify hoops and cones are securely positioned

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick contact with other players
•Collisions during competitive activities
•Falls due to rapid direction changes
•Ball strikes from poor control

Risk Mitigation

•Strict enforcement of waist-high stick rule
•Clear boundaries and safe zones established
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Emphasis on controlled movement over speed
•Adequate spacing maintained between students

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during King of the Ring
•Monitor central areas during Rob the Nest for overcrowding
•Circulate during skill practice for individual support
•Watch for fatigue affecting safe technique

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, complete accident report if required