Mini Matches Showcase

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Overview

Subject: Physical Education (PE)
Year Group: Year 5
Unit Title: Hockey Skills in Action (Lesson 6 of 6)
Lesson Title: Mini Hockey Games and Team Play
Duration: 60 minutes
Class Size: 25 pupils
Curriculum Link:

• National Curriculum for PE in England – Key Stage 2
  • Play competitive games, modified where appropriate, and apply basic principles suitable for attacking and defending.
  • Develop flexibility, strength, technique, control and balance.
  • Take part in outdoor and adventurous activity challenges.
  • Compare their performances with previous ones and demonstrate improvement to achieve their personal best.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils will be able to:

• Apply fundamental hockey skills (dribbling, passing, shooting, defending) in a competitive game setting.
• Demonstrate improved tactical awareness and teamwork.
• Observe and follow game rules with consistency.
• Reflect on their performance with guided self and peer assessment.

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Success Criteria

Pupils will:

• Participate fully in small-sided hockey games.
• Make effective passes and demonstrate controlled dribbling during gameplay.
• Work collaboratively with teammates to attempt scoring and defending.
• Show good sportsmanship, respecting decisions and encouraging others.

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Resources Needed

• 6 plastic hockey sticks per coloured team (4 teams – 6 sticks each)
• Soft hockey balls x 6
• Cones to mark pitches (at least 40)
• Bibs in 4 different colours (6 bibs per colour)
• Whistles x 2 (teacher and assistant)
• Scoreboard or wipe board for tracking team progress
• Reflection sheets for plenary

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Risk Assessment & Safety

• Ensure pupils have appropriate footwear and shin pads.
• Check outdoor/indoor surface for hazards prior to the lesson.
• Reinforce safety rules for using sticks (no high swing, no contact).
• Ensure appropriate spacing between playing areas.
• Active supervision throughout games.

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Lesson Structure (60 Minutes)

⏱️ 0–10 mins | Warm-Up: “Hockey Commands”

Activity: Pupils dribble their ball around the space obeying different commands from the teacher to practise agility, control and reaction.

• Commands to include:
  • “Freeze” – stop and balance.
  • “Switch” – swap balls with nearest player.
  • “Reverse” – change direction while dribbling.
  • “Pass & Go” – pass to someone and follow your pass.

Focus: Increases heart rate, sharpens listening skills, reintroduces ball control.

🌟 Differentiation: Pupils who struggle can use smaller playing area or walk while dribbling until confident.

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⏱️ 10–15 mins | Skill Refresher Relay

Activity: Divide class into 4 teams (6–7 pupils). Set up short relay circuits with cones. Each circuit includes:

1. Controlled slalom dribble
2. Push pass to target zone
3. Mini shoot at goal

Purpose: Rehearse key skills in a fun, fast-paced format. Peer encouragement is reinforced.

Teaching Point: Reinforce wrist movement on passes, two hands on stick, ball in close control.

🔀 Challenge: Add time limit or defensive cone obstacles for advanced teams.

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⏱️ 15–45 mins | Mini Matches (Rotation-based)

Format:

• 4 teams: rotating 5v5 matches on 2 pitches (Pitch A & Pitch B).
• Each game = 6 minutes
• After each game, rotate so all teams face each other.
• When not playing: observe with focus challenge (e.g. “Identify successful passing moment”, “Note good communication”).

Match Rules (simplified for Year 5):

• No contact.
• Push passes only.
• No lifted balls.
• Restart with push pass from the side.

Scoring Option:

• One point for goal
• One bonus point for teamwork (as voted by observing group)
• One point for sportsmanship (encouragement, helping others)

🙌 Reflections after each match: Pupils give quick feedback:
🔹 “One thing we did well…”
🔸 “One thing we’ll improve next game…”

📖 Notes for Teacher: Use this opportunity to observe specific individual progress and team collaboration. Rotate leaders for each team to develop leadership skills.

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⏱️ 45–55 mins | Whole Class Final Play-Off

• Top 2 scoring teams play a final match (6 mins).
• Remaining teams become enthusiastic supporters and scorekeepers.
• Introduce responsibility roles (timekeeper, referee assistant, positive cheerleader).

🎯 Focus: Integration of all skills + fun + sense of pride in progress.

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⏱️ 55–60 mins | Cool Down & Self-Reflection

Activity:

• Group stretching in a circle (led by nominated pupil leaders).
• Breathing exercise - "Return to Calm".
• Hand out mini laminated Reflection Cards for exit task. Pupils write:
  • 🌟 “My best hockey moment this unit was…”
  • 💡 “Next time, I want to improve…”

Encourage pupils to share their reflections with a partner or the class.

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Assessment Opportunities

Criteria	Observed During…	Notes/Support
Participation & Effort	Warm-up, Matches	Adapt challenges
Skill Application	Relay, Matches	Provide coaching tips
Teamwork & Communication	All stages	Rotate team leads
Reflection & Evaluation	Final 5 minutes	Use prompts if needed

📋 Teacher Tip: Use a simple checklist to quickly mark skill progression for each child – this supports end-of-unit reporting.

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Adaptations & Extensions

For SEN/Lower Ability:

• Use larger balls for easier control.
• Allow extra time or reduce opposition pressure.
• Focus on single objectives (e.g., just dribbling).

For Higher Ability:

• Encourage tactical input (e.g., team strategies).
• Assign coaching roles when not playing.
• Introduce zones or positional roles during matches.

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Vocabulary Development

Term	Definition
Dribble	Moving with the ball while keeping control with the stick
Push Pass	A short, accurate pass using a pushing action
Defending	Preventing the opponent from scoring by blocking passes or shots
Communication	Verbally or non-verbally signalling to teammates during gameplay
Sportsmanship	Playing fairly, respecting others, showing honesty and encouragement

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Reflection & Teacher Follow-Up

• Review PE assessments for individual pupils.
• Use reflections to plan next invasion games unit (e.g. netball or rugby).
• Celebrate progress – consider awarding certificates (e.g. "Team Player", "Best Pass", "Most Improved").

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Final Thought

🎉 This lesson is about more than hockey – it’s a chance for Year 5 pupils to shine as communicators, listeners, thinkers, and teammates. Let the tournament energy uplift the class, ignite enthusiasm for sport, and give pupils a real sense of achievement.