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Lesson 1 - Stick Control & Dribbling

Individual Skills & Tactics

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Year 9

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Floorball

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Big Question

How can mastering stick control and dribbling create opportunities to outmanoeuvre opponents in floorball?

Learning Objectives

To execute proper stick selection and establish correct hand positioning for optimal control
To develop advanced dribbling techniques and ball control skills in dynamic situations
To demonstrate single-arm dribbling competency during competitive game scenarios

Key Outcomes

Students will select appropriate stick length and demonstrate correct grip positioning
Students will control the ball confidently while moving at various speeds and directions
Students will apply single-arm dribbling skills effectively in game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Sticks

1 per student (30)

Various lengths available for selection, stored safely against wall

Alternative: Hockey sticks or improvised sticks if floorball sticks unavailable

Game Balls

1 per student + 10 spares (40 total)

Distributed around court perimeter in equipment bags

Alternative: Tennis balls or plastic hockey balls

Coloured Bibs

15 (3 colours, 5 each)

Sorted by colour and easily accessible for quick distribution

Alternative: Coloured bands or team markers

Cones

Various colours for different activities and clear visibility

Alternative: Markers, domes or improvised boundaries

Sun Markers

Sports hall or marked area

Clear boundaries and centre line visible

Alternative: Cones to create boundaries if no permanent markings

Key Vocabulary

Stick selection

Choosing the correct stick length and type for individual player height and playing style

Hand position

Proper grip placement on the stick with dominant hand lower and non-dominant hand higher for optimal control

Dribbling

Moving the ball forward while maintaining close control using the blade of the stick

Single-arm dribbling

Advanced technique using only the lower hand to control the stick and ball for increased speed and manoeuvrability

Ball control

The ability to receive, manipulate and direct the ball using the stick blade effectively

Change of direction

Altering movement path while maintaining ball possession to evade opponents or create space

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of stick and ball sports
Fundamental movement skills including running and coordination
Experience with team sports and following instructions

Current Skills

Correct stick grip and positioning techniques
Basic to intermediate dribbling control
Single-arm dribbling proficiency

Next Steps

Advanced dribbling combinations and feints
Passing techniques and ball distribution
Tactical awareness and positioning

Milestone Indicators

Consistent grip maintained throughout activities

Smooth ball control during direction changes

Confident single-arm dribbling execution

Key Teaching Points

Correct stick selection is crucial for effective play and injury prevention
Proper grip with strong hand low enables maximum control and power
Small, controlled touches are more effective than hard hits for maintaining possession
Single-arm dribbling provides greater reach and tactical flexibility
Ball control requires looking up to maintain spatial awareness
Progressive skill building from stationary to dynamic creates confidence
Tactical understanding of space creation enhances technical skill application

Common Misconceptions

Thinking harder touches always mean better control - emphasise gentle, frequent touches
Believing speed is more important than control - stress control first, speed follows
Assuming single-arm dribbling is just showing off - explain tactical advantages
Thinking the stick height doesn't matter - demonstrate impact on control and power
Believing dribbling is purely individual - connect to team tactics and space creation

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts with clear objectives, regular movement and variety, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier control, additional practice time, break skills into smaller components

autism spectrum

Clear routines and structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

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

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards available, use hand signals and gestures

physical disability

Adapted equipment including shorter sticks, seated options where appropriate, modified distances and targets

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Using technical vocabulary accurately, explaining techniques to others, following and giving clear instructions

Maths

Measuring distances for circuit design, calculating timing and speed improvements, using angles and directions for movement patterns

Science

Understanding forces and motion in ball control, exploring friction between ball and surface, analysing body systems during exercise

Geography

Using directional language and spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns around court, understanding coordinates and positioning

PSHE

Building teamwork and communication skills, developing resilience when learning new skills, showing respect and fair play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move continuously around space to observe all students, position at corners for maximum court visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for correct grip maintenance, ball control progression, and safe movement with equipment

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for unsafe stick handling, provide individual support for struggling students, address competitive behaviour appropriately

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, demonstrate both correct and incorrect techniques for comparison, involve confident students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Soft touches, ball stays close!'
•'Strong hand low, weak hand high!'
•'Look up, see the space!'
•'Control first, speed second!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum sports hall 20m x 30m, clear of obstacles with appropriate ceiling height

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from hazards and appropriate for floorball

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all sticks for damage, splinters or loose parts before use
•Ensure balls are appropriate size and not damaged
•Cones placed securely and visible to all participants

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Stick-related injuries from improper handling
•Collisions during fast movement activities
•Falls due to changing direction at speed
•Ball strikes to face or body

Risk Mitigation

•Clear instruction on safe stick handling from start
•Adequate spacing maintained throughout all activities
•Progressive skill building from slow to fast movements
•Constant supervision and immediate intervention if unsafe

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students at all times
•Monitor high-activity areas during circuit work
•Check for fatigue affecting safe participation

Emergency Procedures

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