Push Pass & Teamwork
Hockey Push Pass & Teamwork
Children will learn how to use a push pass on the move and play with a teammate in a competitive game
Activity 1:
Moving Push Pass - Hockey
10 mins
Method:
- The group should be put in pairs
- Give each pair a stick each, a ball between them and 4 cones
- The cones should be laid out with a cone for each player approximately 20m apart. The other 2 cones should form a small goal in the middle of the 2 players
- Explain and demonstrate the push pass with a 10m dribble prior to the pass
- The dribble should start on your starting cone and then the pass should be played as you reach the mini goal in the middle. Return to your starting cone when you have played the pass.
- Participants should then try to replicate and play a push pass to their partner with a 10m dribble first and their partner dribbles and then push passes the ball back.
- Repeat
Teaching Points:
Push Pass
1. Body Position: Start with a balanced and stable body position, with your feet shoulder-width apart. Keep your knees slightly bent and your weight evenly distributed on both feet.
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2. Grip: Hold your stick with both hands, keeping them relaxed but firm. The left hand should be placed at the top of the stick near the grip, while the right hand should be positioned slightly lower, about midway down the stick.
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3. Backswing: To generate power, bring the stick back behind you as you transfer your weight to your back foot. This will help create momentum for the push pass.
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4. Contact Point: As you initiate the pass, make contact with the ball using the flat part of your stick. Aim to strike the middle or lower half of the ball to ensure a flat and accurate pass.
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5. Follow Through: After making contact with the ball, continue to follow through with your stick in the direction of your intended target. This will help improve the accuracy and power of the pass.
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6. Accuracy: Focus on your target and aim to pass the ball directly to your intended recipient. Keep your eyes on the target throughout the pass to ensure accuracy.
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7. Timing: Coordinate your push pass with the movement of your teammates to ensure they are ready to receive the ball. Anticipate their positioning and pass the ball at the right moment to maximize effectiveness.
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8. Communication: Use verbal and non-verbal signals to communicate your intention to pass. This will help your teammates anticipate and react to your push pass more effectively.
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9. Practice: Regularly practice your push pass technique to improve both power and accuracy. Incorporate drills and game-like situations to simulate realistic scenarios and enhance decision-making skills.
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10. Game Awareness: Understand when to use a push pass in a game situation. Assess the positioning of opponents and teammates to determine if a push pass is the most suitable option, or if another pass or shooting opportunity may be more suitable.
Equipment:
- Hockey Sticks
- Balls
- Cones
Gates
Activity 2:
10 mins
Method:
Teaching Points:
Equipment:
Activity 3:
2 v 2's Hockey
30 mins
Method:
Mark out however many pitches you need for the group size you have
Split your group into teams of 2 players
Play short matches with 2 players per team
Teaching Points:
Be aware of how important you are - there are only 2 players on your team. You need to defend and attack together
Try to use skill and teamwork to get the ball past your opponents to score a goal
Equipment:
Balls
Sticks
Goals
Marker Cones
Bibs