Hockey - Lesson 3

In the third lesson of a Year 3 hockey series, the primary objective is to equip pupils with the skills necessary to pass and receive the ball effectively. The success of this lesson is measured by the students' ability to pass the ball accurately and receive it with control. Key terms such as 'pass', 'control', 'receive', and 'balanced' are introduced to help students understand the essential concepts. The lesson requires a class set of hockey sticks, balls, cones, and hoops. The warm-up involves a dynamic activity where students dribble to free cones and respond to commands by either dribbling quickly or sprinting on the spot to improve their agility and control.

The main section of the lesson focuses on the critical aspects of passing and receiving in hockey. Students are encouraged to discuss situations in which passing is crucial, such as when a teammate is better positioned or to avoid losing possession. Key teaching points include looking up before passing, maintaining a balanced stance, and executing a flat, low backswing followed by a push and follow-through towards the target. For receiving, the emphasis is on a wider grip on the stick, bending the knees, and using a flat stick to stop the ball with 'soft hands'. Students pair up to practice these techniques and engage in group activities that involve passing and moving within marked squares, with challenges that escalate in difficulty. The lesson concludes with a relay race that combines running, dribbling, and passing skills. A cool-down jog with jumps and stretches led by a pupil rounds off the session, during which students reflect on the importance of getting low when receiving a pass and how to communicate readiness to receive a pass from a teammate.