Lesson: Hockey Dribbling Obstacle Course

Grade Level: 3-8
Duration: 45-60 minutes
Objective: To improve hockey dribbling skills, agility, and spatial awareness through a fun and challenging obstacle course. Ensure the course is adaptable to cater to students of varying abilities, including those with special needs.

Materials Needed:

• Hockey sticks for each student (offer different sizes for inclusivity)
• A variety of balls (different sizes and textures to accommodate needs)
• Cones (to mark the course and obstacles)
• Hoops (for dribbling around or through)
• Small goals or designated areas (for precision dribbling challenges)
• Timers (optional, for time-based challenges)
• Brightly colored tape (to mark paths or zones on the floor)

Activity Description:

Hockey Dribbling Obstacle Course 🥅 🏒 plus modified stick for #AdaptedPE pic.twitter.com/DKFO0WFZdL

— 🦍 𐌑ąȶȶ ɃąґҠ𝟈ґ ⚽️🏀JustAdaptIt.com (@DigitTheAPE) February 15, 2023

1. Setup: Design an obstacle course that includes a variety of challenges such as cones to weave through, hoops to dribble around, small goals to aim for, and designated areas for precision dribbling. Use brightly colored tape to mark paths or zones if indoors. Arrange the course to progressively increase in difficulty or offer different paths for varying skill levels.
2. Warm-Up: Begin with a 5-10 minute warm-up focusing on basic stick handling and dribbling skills to prepare the students for the obstacle course.
3. Demonstration: Clearly demonstrate each part of the obstacle course, highlighting the skills needed to navigate each section successfully. Emphasize control over speed and encourage students to focus on accuracy.
4. Activity Execution: Divide the class into small groups or pairs, depending on the number of students and available equipment. Each group or pair takes turns navigating the obstacle course. Encourage students to cheer on their classmates and offer constructive feedback.
5. Adaptations for Inclusivity:
   • Boundaries: Adjust the width of paths between obstacles for wheelchair users or those with mobility challenges.
   • Equipment: Use balls of different sizes and textures to accommodate students with visual impairments or coordination difficulties. Offer lighter or shorter sticks for ease of use.
   • Rules: Allow students to complete the course at their own pace, offering alternatives like pushing the ball with hands for those who find stick handling challenging.
   • Assistance: Encourage peer support for students who may benefit from guidance or physical support through the course.
6. Reflection and Cool Down: After all students have completed the course, gather the class for a cool-down session followed by a reflection discussion. Ask students what they learned, which parts of the course were challenging, and how they overcame those challenges.

Dribbling Cues:

1. Keep Your Head Up: This cue encourages students to maintain awareness of their surroundings by looking ahead and around, not just at the ball. This skill is crucial for navigating the obstacle course more effectively, allowing students to anticipate obstacles and plan their moves in advance.
2. Soft Touch: Students are taught to control the ball with gentle taps, keeping it close to their stick. This level of control is vital for maneuvering through tight spaces and around obstacles without losing possession of the ball.
3. Use Both Sides of the Stick: This instruction emphasizes the importance of versatility in dribbling. By using both the flat and rounded sides of the hockey stick, students can execute quick direction changes and maintain better control over the ball, making it easier to adapt to different situations on the course.
4. Stay Low and Agile: Encouraging students to adopt a low stance with slightly bent knees enhances their stability and agility. This posture is beneficial for navigating the course efficiently, allowing for quicker reactions and adjustments to obstacles and challenges.
5. Small Steps: By taking small, quick steps while dribbling, students can maintain better balance and control. This technique is especially useful when weaving through cones or around hoops, as it allows for more precise movements and adjustments.
6. Use Your Space Wisely: Teaching students to assess and utilize the space around them effectively helps in developing spatial awareness and strategic thinking. Students learn to dribble with purpose, choosing paths that maximize their advantage and minimize the risk of losing control of the ball.

Assessment:

• Observe students’ ability to navigate the obstacle course, focusing on dribbling control, agility, and adherence to the course challenges.
• Assess students’ willingness to participate, encourage others, and attempt challenges outside their comfort zone.
• Provide feedback on their technique, offering positive reinforcement and constructive suggestions for improvement.

This lesson plan emphasizes skill development, teamwork, and perseverance. By incorporating adaptations for inclusivity, all students can participate meaningfully, ensuring a positive and engaging learning experience for everyone.