Hockey
Year 4

           Teams:

• Field hockey is played between two teams, each consisting of 11 players, including one goalkeeper.
• Youth Hockey team rules can vary, such as 7 players per team, mixed gender teams, smaller pitch, etc.

           Field / Pitch:

• The game is played on a rectangular field, typically 90 metres long by 55 metres wide.

           Objective:

• The primary goal of hockey is to score goals by hitting the ball into the opponent's net. Each goal is worth one point.

           Duration:

• A standard hockey match consists of two halves, each lasting 35 minutes at senior level.
• Youth games vary in length (often two 20 minute halves).
• The team with the most goals at the end of the game wins.

           Starting Play:

• The game begins with a centre pass at the start of each half or after a goal is scored. The team that did not start the game with the centre pass gets possession to start the second half.

            Ball in Play:

• The ball is in play once it is hit and starts moving. It remains in play unless it goes out of bounds, a goal is scored, or the referee stops play for an infringement.

           Stick Handling:

• Players use a curved stick to control and hit the ball. Only the flat side of the stick can be used to hit the ball.
• NB: Primary School children often play with plastic sticks with no curve. Curved sticks are generally introduced at secondary school.

           Fouls and Free Hits:

• Common fouls in hockey include tripping, obstruction, and dangerous play. When a foul is committed, the opposing team is awarded a free hit from the spot of the foul.

           Penalty Corners:

• Penalty corners are awarded to the attacking team when a defensive foul occurs inside the shooting circle. The attacking team takes a shot from the top of the circle, and defenders must stay behind the backline until the ball is hit.

In Lower Key Stage 2 Hockey, children should continue to develop ball control, improving control when moving around, and increasing the accuracy and control when passing, shooting and receiving. Our Year 4 Hockey lesson plans improve decision making in game situations, allowing children to make passes and move into good positions to make it difficult for opponents.  Children are encouraged to work well with others, communicating and collaborating, whilst being fair and respectful when competing against others.

Hockey lessons play an important role in primary school PE.  They provide opportunities for children to use running, jumping, throwing and catching in game situations, and continue to develop balance, strength, agility and control.  Hockey lessons also give children a chance to participate in competitive games, using basic principles suitable for attacking and defending. Primary School Hockey is also great for promoting values such as respect and for helping children become physically confident and competent to support their health and fitness.

All PE Planning lesson plans are created by PE Specialists and include all the resources required to deliver a complete Unit of Work.  Each lesson plan includes full guidance, including illustrations, and you can choose to download either a quick reference plan or a full lesson plan. Our Year 4 Hockey lesson plans follow the National Curriculum and allow you to deliver fun, engaging and rewarding Hockey lessons to your Year 4 pupils.  Best of all, our Hockey plans are quick and easy to download and follow, making your life easier!