Focus Sport: Hockey – From Uni Hoc to the Olympic Stage
As the leaves turn and a new half term begins, we’re excited to spotlight our Focus Sport—Hockey! Whether you're teaching Year 1 children how to grip a uni hoc stick or guiding Year 6 pupils through tactical play, hockey offers a dynamic and inclusive way to develop physical literacy, teamwork, and strategic thinking.
Welcome to our Focus Sport series, where each half term we spotlight a sport that energises your PE curriculum. This term, we’re diving into Hockey—a fast-paced, skill-rich sport that’s perfect for primary school pupils. Whether you’re teaching Uni Hoc in KS1 or developing tactical play in Year 6, primary school hockey offers a brilliant blend of movement, teamwork, and fun.
Teaching Hockey in Primary Schools
At PE Planning, our hockey curriculum spans Year 1 to Year 6, with age-appropriate lesson plans designed to build skills progressively. For younger pupils, we introduce Uni Hoc—a simplified and safe version of hockey played indoors with plastic sticks and a soft ball. It’s and great introduction to hockey, perfect for developing hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.
As pupils progress through KS2, our lessons evolve to include:
- Dribbling and passing techniques
- Defensive positioning
- Small-sided games
- Team tactics and communication
Our structured plans ensure that every child can participate, improve, and enjoy the game. Explore our full set of Primary School Hockey lesson plans here and see how easy it is to bring high-quality PE to your classroom.
Why Hockey is Perfect for Primary School
Hockey supports key outcomes in the primary PE curriculum:
- Builds agility, balance, and coordination
- Encourages teamwork and communication
- Develops strategic thinking and decision-making
- Promotes fair play and resilience
Our lesson plans are designed to be inclusive, engaging, and easy to deliver—even if you’re new to teaching hockey.
Download our Primary PE Hockey Resources
Hockey Beyond the School Gates
Hockey isn’t just a school sport-it’s a global phenomenon with a rich history and multiple formats. Did you know there are seven different types of hockey played around the world. These include…
- Field Hockey – Played on grass or turf; with a ball. This is popular in the UK, Australia and India.
- Ice Hockey – Fast paced, played on ice with skates and a puck; A huge sport in Canada, USA and Russia.
- Floor Hockey (Uni Hoc) – Played indoor with plastic sticks and a puck or a ball.
- Roller Hockey – Played with either a ball or a puck, but on roller skates.
- Rink Hockey – Played on a hard surface with roller boots and a ball.
- Sledge Hockey – Adapted for payers with physical disabilities. This version is played on ice using sledges.
- Street Hockey – Informal, often played outdoor without skates.
This variety shows how hockey adapts to different environments and communities, making it one of the most versatile sports in the world.
A Brief History of Hockey
Understanding the history of hockey adds depth to your teaching and engages pupils beyond the pitch. Sharing these stories helps pupils appreciate hockey’s cultural significance and evolution. The origins of hockey can be traced back thousands of years:
- Ancient Roots: Many varieties of stick and ball games were played even before the middle ages! Played in ancient Egypt, Greece, Persia, as well as around Europe.
- Modern Field Hockey: Field hockey became a formal sport with standardised rules in England around the mid-19th century. The birth place of organised ice hockey is Canada, and was developed around the same time.
- Olympic Debut: Men’s field hockey joined the Olympics in 1908; Women’s hockey didn’t follow until 1980.
- Global Growth: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is the international body for field hockey in the UK. Today, hockey is played in over 100 countries, with major tournaments like the FIH Hockey World Cup and the Olympic Games showcasing elite talent.
Spotlight on Professional Hockey
Spark curiosity amongst your pupils about where hockey can take them by sharing stories from the professional world. The UK’s Premier Division Hockey League features top talent, while international stars compete in the FIH Pro League and the Olympic Games. Watching clips of elite players can inspire children and help them visualise skills in action.
For example:
- Maddie Hinch, GB’s legendary goalkeeper, is a great role model for resilience and focus.
- Sam Ward, known for his powerful drag flicks, shows how precision and practice pay off.
These athletes started somewhere—just like your pupils.
Ready to Teach? We’ve Got you Covered!
Whether you’re new to teaching hockey or looking to refresh your approach, our lesson plans are designed to support you every step of the way. Each unit includes:
- Clear learning objectives
- Progressive skill development
- Assessment opportunities
- Equipment lists and safety tips
Browse our Hockey lesson plans and get started today.
Final Whistle
Hockey is more than a game—it’s a gateway to movement, teamwork, and global awareness. By introducing it in primary schools, we’re not just teaching sport; we’re building confidence, curiosity, and community.
We’ll be back next half term with a new Focus Sport. Until then, keep your sticks low and your spirits high!
Got feedback or want to share your pupils’ hockey highlights? Tag us or drop us a message—we love hearing from you.
