Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v3 - Junior Secondary 3
Ball Games
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Ball Games
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Subject: Physical & Health Education
Class: Junior Secondary 3
Term: 1st Term
Week: 8
Theme: Athletics
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explain hockey as striking game; demonstrate the basic skills and techniques in volved in playing hockey; apply the rules and safety regulations governing the games; list the of ficials and the ir duties; draw and label the Hockey pitch.
stick held low.
Pads Usage: Goal keepers use their body, especially their padded legs and arms, to block shots. 2.
3. Rules and Safety Regulations Governing the Game: Adherence to rules and safety regulations ensures fair play and player safety.
No Hitting Opponents: Players are forbidden from deliberately hitting or hooking an opponent's stick, or interfering with their body.
Stick Height: The stick should not be raised above shoulder height at any point during play, especially when tackling or hitting the ball. This is crucial for safety.
Obstruction: Players must not impede an opponent's access to the ball by using their body or stick to block them off.
Back of the Stick: The ball can only be played with the flat side of the stick or the edge of the stick head. Playing with the rounded (back) side is a foul.
Foot Fouls: Players are not allowed to intentionally use their feet to stop or play the ball. If the ball hits the foot and gains an advantage, it's usually a foul.
Advantage Rule: Umpires may allow play to continue if the non-offending team gains an advantage, rather than stopping for a minor foul.
Safety Equipment: All players are encouraged to wear shin guards and mouthguards. Goalkeepers must wear full protective gear including helmet, chest protector, leg guards, kickers, and gloves.
Warm-up and Cool-down: Essential pre-game warm-up and post-game cool-down routines are necessary to prevent injuries.
Sportsmanship: Respect for opponents, officials, and teammates is paramount. 2.
4. Officials and Their Duties: A Hockey game is managed by a team of officials to ensure fair play and adherence to rules.
Umpires (Field Umpires): Typically two umpires officiate each game, one for each half of the field.
Duties: Enforce the rules, signal fouls and penalties, keep track of time (in coordination with official timekeepers), award goals, and ensure player safety. They are the ultimate authority on the field. Technical Officials (e.g., Match Manager, Judge, Timekeeper, Scorer): (For JSS3, focus on simpler roles)
Timekeeper: Manages the game clock, signals the start and end of periods.
Scorer: Records goals scored by each team, penalty cards issued, and substitutes made. Teacher
Note: For JSS3, emphasize the Umpires as the primary officials. Briefly mention other roles for awareness. 2.
5. Hockey Pitch (Field) and Equipment: The Pitch: Dimensions: A standard outdoor Hockey pitch is rectangular, 91.40 meters (100 yards) long and 55 meters (60 yards) wide.
Markings: Goal Lines: At each end of the pitch (55m wide).
Side Lines: Along the length of the pitch (91.40m long).
Centre Line: Divides the pitch into two equal halves. 23-Meter Lines (or 25-yard lines): Mark areas further into each half. Shooting Circle (or "D"): A D-shaped area in front of each goal, 14.63 meters (16 yards) from the goal line. Goals can only be scored from inside this circle.
Penalty Spot: A small spot 6.4 meters (7 yards) from the centre of each goal line, used for penalty strokes.
Goals: Rectangular frames placed at the centre of each goal line.
The Hockey Stick: Shape: J-shaped, with a flat hitting surface on one side and a rounded back.
Material: Traditionally wood, now often composite materials (carbon, fibreglass, aramid).
Length: Varies based on player height, but generally up to 105 cm (41.3 inches).
Parts: Head, Shaft, Handle/Grip.
The Hockey Ball: Description: Hard, spherical ball, typically made of plastic, often hollow.
Weight: Between 156g and 163g. * Colour: Usually white, but can be other colours for visibility on different surfaces. This section provides detailed explanations of Hockey's core elements. 2.
1. Definition of Hockey as a Striking Game: Hockey is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players each. Players use a J-shaped stick to hit, push, and dribble a small, hard ball across a field into the opponent's goal. It is fundamentally a "striking game" because the primary method of moving the ball involves striking it with the stick. The objective is to score goals by propelling the ball into the opposing team's goal while preventing the opponents from scoring. 2.
2. Basic Skills and Techniques in Hockey: Effective play in Hockey requires mastering several fundamental skills: Grip: "V" Grip (Dominant Hand): The left hand (for right-handed players) is placed at the top of the stick with the "V" formed by the thumb and forefinger pointing down the stick. This grip provides control and leverage.
Handshake Grip (Non-dominant Hand): The right hand (for right-handed players) holds the stick lower down, as if shaking hands. This grip offers stability and power for hitting. Teacher
Note: Emphasize that the left hand always stays at the top of the stick for right-handed players, allowing the stick face to be correctly oriented.
Stance: Ready Stance: Players should adopt an athletic, balanced stance with knees slightly bent, feet shoulder-width apart, and the stick held in front of the body with the head over the ball. The body should be slightly crouched and ready to move in any direction.
Dribbling: Moving the ball across the field while maintaining control.
Push Dribble: The simplest form. The ball is kept close to the stick and pushed gently along the ground. The player runs alongside the ball, maintaining constant contact.
Controlled Dribble: Used when more speed is required. The ball is pushed slightly ahead of the stick, allowing the player to cover ground faster, then brought back under control.
Indian Dribble (or Reverse Stick Dribble): A more advanced skill where the player rotates the stick (using the reverse side of the stick head) to move the ball from left to right across the body, often used to evade defenders.
Push Pass: Used for short, accurate passes. The stick face is placed behind the ball, and the ball is pushed directly from the stick. Minimal backswing is involved, emphasizing control and accuracy. Both hands remain on the stick, pushing through the ball.
Hit: Used for long passes or shots on goal. Requires a significant backswing and follow-through to generate power. The ball should be struck cleanly with the flat side of the stick. The player's weight shifts from the back foot to the front foot during the swing.
Scoop (or Lift): Used to lift the ball over an opponent's stick or foot, or to pass over a short distance. The stick is placed under the ball, and with a controlled lifting motion, the ball is scooped into the air. This skill requires precision and practice.
Tackling: Defending by dispossessing an opponent of the ball.
Jab Tackle: A quick, short poke with the stick at the ball when the opponent is dribbling.
Block Tackle: Placing the stick firmly on the ground in the path of the ball to intercept it.
Sweep Tackle: A sliding tackle where the player sweeps the stick along the ground to dislodge the ball. (Caution: This can be dangerous if not executed correctly; proper technique must be emphasized).
Goal-keeping (Basic): Stance: Crouched, ready to move, with pads protecting the legs and chest, and the stick held low.
Pads Usage: Goal keepers use their body, especially their padded legs and arms, to block shots. 2.
3. Rules and Safety Regulations Governing the Game: Adherence to rules and safety regulations ensures fair play and player safety.
No Hitting Opponents: Players are forbidden from deliberately hitting or hooking an opponent's stick, or interfering with their body.
Stick Height: The stick should not be raised above shoulder height at any point during play, especially when tackling or hitting the ball. This is crucial for safety.
Obstruction: Players Materials: Hockey sticks (actual or improvised), Hockey balls (actual or improvised, e.g., tennis balls), cones or markers, open field/court, chalk/tape for marking.
Teacher Activities: Introduction (10 minutes): Introduce the topic "Ball Games" with a focus on Hockey. Engage students by asking what they know about Hockey or other striking games. Explain Hockey as a striking game, its objective, and basic concept. Briefly outline the lesson's objectives.
Explanation of Key Concepts (20 minutes): Definition: Elaborate on Hockey as a striking game, differentiating it from throwing or kicking games.
Basic Skills: Demonstrate and explain proper Grip (V-grip, handshake grip) and Stance. Demonstrate and explain Dribbling (push dribble, controlled dribble). Demonstrate and explain the Push Pass and Hit. Briefly explain Scoop and Tackling (jab, block) verbally, and briefly show the motion.
Rules and Safety: Discuss key rules (no back of stick, no high stick, no obstruction) and emphasize the importance of safety equipment (shin guards, mouthguards).
Officials: Name and explain the primary duties of Umpires.
Pitch: Use a diagram (on a whiteboard or drawn on the ground) to explain the dimensions and markings of the Hockey pitch and discuss the goal and stick/ball. Demonstration and Practical Drills (40 minutes): Warm-up: Lead students through a dynamic warm-up (jogging, dynamic stretches – leg swings, arm circles).
Grip and Stance Practice: Have students practice holding the stick correctly.
Dribbling Drill: Divide students into pairs or small groups. Students practice push dribble, moving a ball in a straight line, then around cones. Emphasize keeping the ball close and using the correct side of the stick.
Push Pass Drill: Students in pairs, facing each other 5-10 meters apart. Practice push passing back and forth, focusing on accuracy and control. Coach correct technique (minimal backswing, follow through).
Hitting Practice (Optional/Modified): If space and safety permit, demonstrate the hit. Students can practice the hitting motion without a ball initially, then with a ball into a designated safe area (e.g., a wall or net). Emphasize safety and stick height.
Safety Application: During drills, actively correct any unsafe stick movements or breaches of basic rules.
Student Activities: Actively listen and observe teacher demonstrations. Ask clarifying questions about the game, skills, and rules. Participate enthusiastically in warm-up exercises. Practice correct grip and stance individually. Engage in dribbling drills, focusing on ball control. Practice push passing with partners, aiming for accuracy. Attempt hitting motions (with or without ball), focusing on technique. Identify and discuss the importance of safety rules during practical sessions. Attempt to draw and label a basic Hockey pitch from observation or memory (can be done on paper or drawn with chalk on the ground). The teacher should facilitate these questions, allowing students to discuss and then providing the correct answers.
Question 1: Why is Hockey primarily referred to as a "striking game"?
Solution: Hockey is called a "striking game" because the fundamental way players move the ball around the field, pass it to teammates, and shoot for goal is by striking it with a stick. Unlike games like basketball (dribbling with hands) or football (kicking with feet), the primary action in hockey involves using a stick to hit or push the ball.
Commentary: This question directly addresses Performance Objective 1 and helps students grasp the core nature of the game.
Question 2: A JSS3 student, Aisha, wants to pass the ball accurately to a teammate over a short distance. Which basic skill should she primarily use, and how should she execute it for best accuracy?
Solution: Aisha should primarily use the Push Pass.
To execute it accurately: She should place the flat side of her stick firmly behind the ball. Maintain both hands on the stick, keeping the stick low to the ground. Push the ball directly from the stick towards her teammate, avoiding a backswing. Follow through in the direction of the pass for control.
Commentary: This question targets Performance Objective 2 by focusing on a specific skill and its correct application. It connects to practical play scenarios.
Question 3: During a school Hockey match in Abuja, a player raises their stick above shoulder height while attempting to tackle an opponent. What rule has been broken, and what is the primary safety concern here?
Solution: The player has broken the "Stick Height" rule, which states that the stick should not be raised above shoulder height during play, especially when tackling. The primary safety concern is the high risk of seriously injuring an opponent or even a teammate with the raised stick, potentially hitting them in the head or face.
Commentary: This question addresses Performance Objective 3 by applying a specific rule and linking it directly to safety, relevant for school-level play in Nigeria.
Question 4: Imagine a friendly Hockey match between two secondary schools in Lagos. List two essential officials for this game and state one key duty for each.
Solution: Official 1: Umpire Duty: To enforce all the rules of the game, signal fouls, and ensure fair play and player safety throughout the match.
Official 2: Timekeeper Duty: To accurately manage the game clock, ensuring periods start and end on time, and signaling accordingly.
Commentary: This question directly targets Performance Objective 4, requiring students to recall officials and their roles within a familiar context.
Question 5: Draw a simple sketch of a Hockey pitch and label its two most distinctive markings that are crucial for scoring.
Solution: (Teacher should draw on board or project an image for students to compare) A simple rectangular outline representing the pitch.
Labelled: Goal Line: The line at each end of the pitch where the goalposts are placed. Shooting Circle (or "D"): The D-shaped area in front of each goal from which goals must be scored.
Commentary: This question addresses Performance Objective 5, requiring a visual representation and understanding of the pitch layout, focusing on critical scoring areas.
Health and Fitness: Playing Hockey, even at a recreational level, significantly improves cardiovascular health, endurance, agility, and hand-eye coordination. In Nigeria, where non-communicable diseases are rising, promoting active sports helps maintain a healthy lifestyle and combat conditions like obesity and heart disease. Students can apply the fitness principles learned to other physical activities.
Teamwork and Social Cohesion: Hockey is a team sport that emphasizes cooperation, communication, and strategic planning. These skills are directly transferable to group projects in school, community development initiatives, and future workplaces. Participating in local school or community tournaments (e.g., inter-house sports, local club leagues common in Nigerian communities) helps students build social networks, resolve conflicts, and understand the value of collective effort.
Career and Leadership Opportunities: Beyond professional playing, understanding Hockey can open doors to various careers in Nigeria's sports sector. Students might become coaches for school teams, qualified umpires for local and national competitions, sports commentators, or physiotherapists specializing in sports injuries. The leadership skills developed through captaincy or organizing team activities are valuable for any career path.