School Hockey: Push Passes Through Gates with a Score Log

In pairs, students push-pass through cone gates at 5, 10 and 15 m and record their success rate at each distance. With that data, each student sets a challenge distance and checks at the end whether they improved.

How to play

1. Review the key points of the push pass and have each pair set up three 1-meter gates at 5, 10 and 15 m from the passer (3 min).
2. Baseline test: 10 passes at each distance; the receiver records on the worksheet how many go through the gate on the ground (6 min).
3. Each student works out their percentage and picks as a challenge the distance where they hit 40 to 70% (1 min).
4. Guided practice at the challenge distance with one correction from the partner every 5 passes, using the key-points sheet (6 min).
5. Final test of 10 passes at the challenge distance and comparison with the baseline percentage (4 min).

Rules

• Push passes only: no backswing.
• All passers stand on the same line and pass in the same direction.
• Nobody retrieves a ball heading toward another pair; wait for the teacher's stop signal.
• A pass that rises above ankle height does not count as a hit.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: passes from the wheelchair with a short stick to the 4- and 7-meter gates.
• Visual impairment: the receiver claps behind the gate, and a brightly colored ball is used.
• Math difficulties: the worksheet includes a ready-made table of hits and percentages.

Learning goals

• Improve push pass accuracy at different distances.
• Use their own data to set a realistic learning challenge.
• Give and receive specific technical feedback among classmates.

Equipment for a class of 25

• hockey sticks: 28
• hockey balls: 14
• cones: 42
• worksheets: 14

Teacher tip

The 40 to 70% band is the challenge zone: not too easy and not frustrating. Line all pairs up in parallel with the balls heading toward a fence or wall.

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