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Lesson 3 - Jab Tackle and Tactical Passing

Team Strategy & Skills Integration

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Year 6

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Hockey

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Big Question

How can we effectively defend and attack under pressure in hockey?

Learning Objectives

To develop the jab tackle technique for defensive situations
To improve passing and receiving skills under pressure
To apply tactical awareness in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective jab tackle timing and technique
Students will successfully pass and move to space under pressure
Students will apply skills tactically in competitive game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check stick length appropriate for each student

Alternative: Unihoc sticks, shortened hockey sticks

Hockey balls

1 per student + 35 spares

Have spare balls around playing area perimeter

Alternative: Tennis balls for beginners, smaller balls for challenge

Coloured Bibs

10-15 bibs in different colours

Clearly identify teams and defenders

Alternative: Coloured bands, team pennants

Dish Cones

30-40 cones

Mark zones, goals, and positioning points

Alternative: Dome markers, boundary markers

Small Goal

6 goals

Position at ends of playing grids

Alternative: Cone goals, bench goals, marked areas

Key Vocabulary

Jab tackle

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

Pass and move

Immediately moving to a new position after passing the ball to create space

Under pressure

Performing skills while being actively challenged by opponents

Position of readiness

Being balanced and prepared to receive, pass, or move quickly

Intercept

To cut off and gain possession of an opponent's pass

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic dribbling and ball control
Simple push passing technique
Understanding of basic hockey rules

Current Skills

Jab tackle timing and execution
Passing and receiving under pressure
Tactical movement and positioning

Next Steps

Advanced defensive strategies
Complex attacking patterns
Game management and leadership

Milestone Indicators

Successful tackle completion rate

Accuracy of passes under pressure

Effective space creation and utilisation

Key Teaching Points

Jab tackle timing is crucial - wait for ball to run clear of opponent's stick
Immediate movement after passing creates space and maintains possession
Body position and readiness determine success in pressure situations
Tactical thinking develops through structured game experiences
Individual skills must be applied effectively in team contexts
Progressive challenges build confidence and competence
Safety in hockey comes from correct technique and awareness

Common Misconceptions

Thinking speed alone wins games - tactical awareness is equally important
Believing jab tackle should be rushed - timing is more important than speed
Assuming passing is only about technique - movement and positioning matter more
Thinking defenders can move anywhere - zone restrictions teach positioning
Believing individual skills are enough - team cooperation is essential

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, provide regular positive feedback, assign specific roles

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment initially, reduce complexity of movements, provide extra practice time

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet zones if needed, use visual schedules for activities

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign sighted buddy

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for game starts, provide written instructions, demonstrate all activities clearly

physical disability

Adapt jab tackle for seated players, modify passing distances, provide alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances between zones, calculating points scored, angles of passing

Science

Forces in tackling, momentum in running, reaction time in number games

Geography

Spatial awareness in game zones, direction and positioning on field

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, fair play and respect

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups to provide individual feedback, position for maximum visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for correct jab tackle technique, safe play during competitive activities, tactical decision-making

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe play, provide immediate feedback for technique errors, support struggling students

Demonstration Notes

Show full jab tackle technique slowly, demonstrate pass and move clearly, model tactical thinking aloud

Verbal Cues

•'Left foot forward for jab tackle!'
•'Pass then move immediately!'
•'Time your tackle when the ball is clear!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m outdoor area or large sports hall with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, check for holes or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check hockey sticks for damage or sharp edges
•Ensure balls are properly inflated and in good condition
•Verify cones are stable and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick-to-stick contact during tackles
•Collisions during high-speed activities
•Trips and falls on uneven surfaces
•Ball strikes to body or head

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise stick-only contact for jab tackles
•Clear zone boundaries to prevent collisions
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Constant supervision during competitive activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all groups during activities
•Monitor jab tackle technique for safety
•Watch for appropriate competitive intensity

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required