Hockey

Hockey Strategy at Ballard

At Ballard, we operate a step-by-step guide to introduce Hockey across all year groups. These steps represent a progressive sequence of exercises and simplified games; supplying the most common game situations for their age group

Ballard Sport aims to provide inclusive support for all and also to challenge our elite throughout their school pathway. This is especially true in Hockey and one of the most important factors is to develop a player’s belief in themselves. Ballard pupils are always nurtured to believe in their own ability and that they can stretch and challenge this to go further.

At Ballard, we have experienced hockey players and coaches on our staff; nothing is more powerful than a respected coach that a player looks up to for advice. Players are often capable of far more than they believe. For this reason, a teacher must help a player achieve more than the player believes is possible. If a player does not truly believe what they are trying to do is possible, their practice will not be as effective or efficient.

The art of developing an effective training and competitive games’ programme for our pupils lies in knowing which kind of practice and competition the player is ready for at any given stage of his or her physical and mental development. Pupils only learn quickly, effectively and thoroughly when the demands of the training sessions or the competitions match their intellectual, psychological and motor skills. This is especially true of our Hockey programme, which is adapted to each year group, as well as to each individual.

Hockey Development Model:

Step 1: Pupils practise fundamental skills including dribbling, passing, and shooting.
Step 2: Pupils practise games of basic abilities and capacities. Potential to play Unihoc.
Step 3: Pupils play Quicksticks; designed to introduce young people to the game of Hockey. It is 4-a-side, can be played on any surface and uses a larger, lighter and safer ball. It is a fun, fast, safe and exciting game that has been designed so that anyone can deliver the game, regardless of previous hockey experience.
Step 4: Children play 7- v- 7 Hockey and have an opportunity to play for indoor hockey.
Step 5: Children play 11 v 11 Hockey

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