Hockey - Lesson 3

In the third lesson of a Year 5 hockey series, students focus on developing the ability to shoot with both power and accuracy. The lesson's objectives are clear: pupils must learn to add power to their shots and adopt the correct body posture when taking a shot. To achieve these goals, various equipment such as hockey sticks, balls, cones, and hoops are required. The session begins with a warm-up where students are divided into four groups, each positioned at a corner of the pitch with a hoop. They take turns dribbling balls from the centre hoop back to their own, later evolving the exercise by allowing them to take balls from adjacent teams' hoops. An extension involves navigating cone obstacles, adding a layer of complexity to the drill.

The main part of the lesson, lasting 30 minutes, starts with an explanation of the shooting technique, emphasizing the importance of looking at the target, maintaining a balanced stance, and using a flat, low backswing to generate power. Pupils then pair up and practice shooting through cone gates, giving and receiving feedback on their technique. To progress, the exercise is varied by changing angles, increasing distance, and narrowing the gates. A game is played using Quicksticks rules with cone gates as targets instead of goals, encouraging fast-paced play and teamwork. For stronger players, restrictions are introduced to focus on assisting rather than scoring. The session concludes with a cool-down led by a pupil, involving a gentle jog with jumps and stretches. Pupils reflect on their performance, discussing strategies for aiming, scoring, and increasing shot power, particularly when facing a goalkeeper.