Lesson 1 - Hockey Grip and Basic Dribbling
Team Strategy & Skills Integration
•Year 6
•Hockey
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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
Check all sticks for damage, ensure appropriate length for students
Alternative: Pool noodles or similar for students requiring adapted equipment
Distribute around area perimeter for quick access
Alternative: Tennis balls for students needing slower-moving equipment
Place team hoops in corners, central hoop in middle
Alternative: Marked areas with chalk or tape
Create clear activity boundaries and target areas
Alternative: Sports markers or chalk lines
2 bibs per team for Rob the Nest activity
Alternative: Coloured bands or team identification method
Key Vocabulary
Left hand at top of stick, right hand lower down for control
Continuous contact between stick and ball whilst moving forward
Controlled forward taps of the ball whilst sprinting
The smooth side of the hockey stick that contacts the ball
Keeping the ball close and manageable whilst moving
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
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