Hockey Skills Intro

Overview

Duration: 45 minutes
Class size: 30 students
Unit: Hockey Skills and Strategy (Lesson 1 of 10)
Age group: Year 5 (9-10 years old)
Curriculum Reference: ie_curriculum Physical Education framework – Focus on Personal and Social Competencies, Physical Competence, and Understanding of Movement and Games

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Learning Objectives

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

• LO1: Explain the basic rules and objective of hockey (ie_curriculum PE Standard 5.3.1)
• LO2: Identify and describe player positions in hockey (Defender, Midfielder, Forward, Goalkeeper) (ie_curriculum PE Standard 5.3.2)
• LO3: Name essential hockey equipment and explain its correct use (ie_curriculum PE Standard 5.3.3)
• LO4: Discuss the importance of safety and sportsmanship in hockey (ie_curriculum PE Standard 5.5.1)

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Resources and Equipment

• Hockey sticks (plastic or wooden, appropriate for children) – 15 (to pair up)
• Hockey balls or floor hockey balls – 15
• Cones marking a small play area
• Pinnie vests (two colours for teams)
• Posters or visual aids showing player positions and equipment
• Safety guidelines handout for students
• Whiteboard or flipchart and markers

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction & Engagement (5 minutes)

• Welcome students and introduce the unit: "Hockey Skills and Strategy". Explain that over the next 10 lessons they will learn to play, understand, and enjoy hockey safely and confidently.
• Show a quick short video clip or demonstration of a fun hockey game (optional, if tech is available).
• Ask students what they already know about hockey – have they played before, what equipment is used? Use this to activate prior knowledge.

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2. Rules and Objective (10 minutes)

• Explain the objective of the game: "The aim is to score goals by hitting the ball into the opposing team’s net using a stick."
• Introduce basic rules: no using feet or hands on the ball; no high sticking; stay within marked areas; fair play principles.
• Interactive Activity: "Rule Detectives" – Read out simple true/false statements (e.g., "You can hit the ball with your hand" – False). Students raise hands for True/False. This encourages engagement and checks understanding.

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3. Player Positions (5 minutes)

• Use the visual poster to introduce the 4 basic player positions: Defender, Midfielder, Forward, Goalkeeper.
• Describe each role simply:
  • Defender: protects the goal area and stops attacks
  • Midfielder: connects defence and attack, moves all over the pitch
  • Forward: focuses on scoring goals
  • Goalkeeper: guards the goal and can use hands within their area
• Position Matching Activity: Use cones on the floor, call a position and ask students to move to where that position would typically be.

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4. Equipment and Safety (10 minutes)

• Show each essential piece of equipment: hockey stick, ball, protective gear (mouth guard, shin pads). Explain why each item is important.
• Safety discussion: emphasise always using equipment correctly, listening to the teacher, and watching your stick to avoid accidents.
• Sportsmanship conversation: What does good sportsmanship look like? Respect, teamwork, fair play, encouraging others.
• Role-play short scenarios: “What would you do if someone breaks a rule?” or “How would you support a teammate who is upset?” Have 4-5 students act out responses quickly.

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5. Practical Engagement - Equipment Handling (10 minutes)

• Students pair up and practice holding the stick and basic ball control (e.g., pushing the ball gently, stopping the ball).
• Circulate and give feedback with a positive focus on safety and control.
• Highlight importance of correct grip and stance briefly.

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6. Conclusion and Formative Assessment (5 minutes)

• Quick quiz/game: “Hockey Kahoot” style on the whiteboard or oral Q&A:
  • What is the aim of hockey? (Score goals)
  • Name two rules.
  • What equipment do you need?
  • What should you always remember about sportsmanship?
• Recap key takeaways and highlight that next lesson will build on these basics with passing and positioning drills.
• Hand out a simple safety and rules checklist for students to take home and share with parents.

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Assessment

• Formative assessment through Q&A, Rule Detectives activity, and observation of equipment handling.
• Informal peer feedback during pairing activities.
• Teacher notes on student participation, understanding of rules, and safety awareness.

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Differentiation

• Provide simplified verbal instructions or visual cues for EAL (English as Additional Language) learners.
• Allow more physically able students to lead demonstrations of stick handling or rules during the lesson.
• Pair students strategically (stronger with less confident) to encourage peer learning.

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Cross-curricular Links

• PSHE: Teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship discussions enhance social skills.
• Literacy: Reading rules and writing down personal reflections on safety.
• Science: Brief touch on biomechanics of holding the stick and ball movement (optional extension).

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Teacher Reflection Prompts

• Were the students engaged with the safety and sportsmanship discussion?
• Did the practical drill help students feel more confident with handling the stick and ball?
• What adjustments might be required to better differentiate support next lesson?
• Did the students demonstrate comprehension of player roles and basic rules?

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This lesson plan aligns tightly with the ie_curriculum PE standards focused on foundational skills, personal and social responsibility, and introducing key sport-specific knowledge for year 5 students beginning their hockey journey!