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Big Question

How can we demonstrate mastery of hockey skills whilst showing respect and fair play in competitive games?

Learning Objectives

  • Apply hockey skills effectively in competitive game situations
  • Demonstrate understanding of hockey rules through officiating
  • Show respect for rules, decisions, and opponents during competition

Key Outcomes

  • Students will successfully apply passing, receiving, and tackling skills in tournament games
  • Students will officiate games fairly and make confident decisions
  • Students will adapt tactics based on game situations and demonstrate school games values

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks
1 per student (30)

Check all sticks for damage before use

Alternative: Quick sticks for safer play

Hockey balls
15-20

Use appropriate firmness for equipment type

Alternative: Soft hockey balls for safer play

Coloured Bibs
4 sets of 7

Ensure clear team differentiation

Alternative: Different coloured cones for team identification

Goals
4 goals

Position goals securely on pitches

Alternative: Cones to mark goal areas

Cones
22

Use to mark pitch boundaries and assessment areas

Alternative: Markers or chalk lines

Shin Pads
1 pair per student

Essential for Quick Stick hockey

Alternative: Cricket pads or thick socks

Gum Shield
1 per student

Strongly recommended for competitive play

Alternative: N/A - important safety equipment

Key Vocabulary

Jab tackle

A defensive technique where the left foot steps forward and the stick jabs forward to dislodge the ball

Officiating

Acting as referee to ensure fair play and rule adherence

Tactical adaptation

Changing playing strategies based on game situations

School games values

Passion, self-belief, respect, honesty, determination, and teamwork

Push pass

A passing technique keeping the stick low to the ground

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic hockey skills - passing, receiving, dribbling
  • Understanding of hockey rules and positions
  • Experience of small-sided games

Current Skills

  • Advanced jab tackle technique
  • Game officiating and rule application
  • Tactical adaptation during competitive play

Next Steps

  • Advanced hockey tactics and strategies
  • Leadership roles in competitive sport
  • Community hockey club participation

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent skill application under pressure
2
Fair and confident officiating decisions
3
Positive sporting behaviour throughout competition

Key Teaching Points

  • Emphasise safety through push passes only and controlled stick work
  • Develop confident decision-making in officiating roles
  • Apply all hockey skills under competitive pressure
  • Demonstrate school games values throughout tournament play
  • Adapt tactics based on game situations and team needs
  • Show respect for rules, opponents, and referee decisions
  • Use reflection to consolidate learning and plan improvements

Common Misconceptions

  • Thinking referees should be lenient with friends - emphasise fairness for all
  • Believing competition means winning at any cost - focus on values and fair play
  • Assuming advanced players don't need to follow basic rules - rules apply equally
  • Thinking officiating is easier than playing - highlight skills needed for good officiating
  • Believing reflection is only about mistakes - emphasise celebrating successes too

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter game periods if needed, clear role definitions, regular movement breaks, positive reinforcement for focus
dyspraxia
  • Extra practice time before tournament, simplified rules initially, supportive teammate pairing, celebration of effort over outcome
autism spectrum
  • Clear structure for tournament rotation, visual schedule of games, quiet space available if needed, consistent routine
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal commentary during games, assign sighted buddy for support
hearing impairment
  • Use clear visual signals for rules and instructions, position where they can see referee clearly, written rule reminders available
physical disability
  • Adapted rules for participation level, modified equipment if needed, alternative scoring methods, inclusive team roles

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Scoring systems, time management during games, angles for passing, distances for free hits

Science

Forces in hitting and passing, friction between stick and ball, physics of ball movement

Geography

Spatial awareness on pitch, understanding boundaries and areas, directional play

PSHE

Leadership during officiating, respect for others, managing emotions in competition, teamwork and cooperation

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position between both pitches to monitor all games, move around perimeter to observe different angles

Observation Focus

Skill application under pressure, officiating decision-making, demonstration of school games values, team tactical awareness

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe play, support struggling referees, provide tactical guidance during breaks, encourage positive sporting behaviour

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Referee signals clearly, highlight good tactical play as it happens, model positive sporting language throughout

Verbal Cues
  • 'Pass when teammate is better placed!'
  • 'Use the space ahead of you!'
  • 'Referees, be decisive and clear!'
  • 'Show me those school games values!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Two pitches minimum 20m x 15m each, clear boundaries, 3m minimum between pitches

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Check all sticks for damage before use
  • Ensure appropriate ball firmness for stick type
  • Verify bibs are in good condition
  • Goals securely positioned and stable

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Stick contact between players
  • Ball strikes to face/body
  • Collisions during game play
  • Trips and falls during quick movements
Risk Mitigation
  • Enforce push passes only - no raised sticks
  • Recommend shin pads and gum shields for competitive play
  • Clear rules about stick contact
  • Adequate space between playing areas
  • Trained referee supervision

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position between both pitches for maximum visibility
  • Monitor for safe stick handling throughout
  • Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safety
  • Ensure referees are making safety-focused decisions
Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately for any injury, assess injury severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required