Lesson 1 - Stick Control & Dribbling
Individual Skills & Tactics
•Year 9
•Floorball
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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
Various lengths available for selection, stored safely against wall
Alternative: Hockey sticks or improvised sticks if floorball sticks unavailable
Distributed around court perimeter in equipment bags
Alternative: Tennis balls or plastic hockey balls
Sorted by colour and easily accessible for quick distribution
Alternative: Coloured bands or team markers
Various colours for different activities and clear visibility
Alternative: Markers, domes or improvised boundaries
Clear boundaries and centre line visible
Alternative: Cones to create boundaries if no permanent markings
Key Vocabulary
Choosing the correct stick length and type for individual player height and playing style
Proper grip placement on the stick with dominant hand lower and non-dominant hand higher for optimal control
Moving the ball forward while maintaining close control using the blade of the stick
Advanced technique using only the lower hand to control the stick and ball for increased speed and manoeuvrability
The ability to receive, manipulate and direct the ball using the stick blade effectively
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
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