Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 2
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Physical Education
Curriculum Theme: Physical Education
Previous Lesson: Racket Games.
Topic: The Hockey Games
Subject Matter: types of hockey, dimensions of hockey pitch, hockey equipment and facilities and their functions, basic skills in hockey, officials in hockey and their duties
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- Identify and describe different types of hockey.
- State the standard dimensions of a hockey pitch.
- List and explain the functions of various hockey equipment and facilities.
- Identify different officials in a hockey game and state their duties.
Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the importance of rules and fair play in hockey.
- Develop interest in participating in hockey games.
Psychomotor Domain:
- Demonstrate basic hockey skills such as dribbling, pushing, and hitting.
- Handle hockey equipment correctly during practical sessions.
Social Domain:
- Exhibit teamwork and cooperation during practical hockey drills.
- Practice good sportsmanship during game simulations.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
- State Unified Scheme of Work
- Physical and Health Education for Senior Secondary Schools 1 (New Edition)
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Hockey sticks and balls
- Goalkeeper head protector
- Shin guards and boots
- A marked hockey pitch (or diagram of one)
- Textbooks
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps pupils understand the rules, equipment, and skills involved in hockey, which is an important team sport. It enables them to appreciate the game and potentially participate, promoting physical fitness and teamwork.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have basic knowledge of various ball games and sports played in Nigeria.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
The Hockey Games
Types of Hockey
Hockey is a family of sports in which two teams play against each other by trying to manoeuvre a ball or a puck into the opponent’s goal using a hockey stick.
The common types of hockey include:
- Field Hockey
- Ice Hockey
- Indoor Hockey
- Street Hockey
Dimensions of a Hockey Pitch
A standard field hockey pitch is rectangular with specific dimensions.
The standard dimensions are:
- Length: 91.40 metres (100 yards)
- Width: 55 metres (60 yards)
- Shooting Circles (D-shaped areas): 14.63 metres (16 yards) from the goal line
- Penalty Spot: 6.40 metres (7 yards) from the goal line
Hockey Equipment and Facilities and Their Functions
Various equipment and facilities are used to play hockey safely and effectively.
The following are hockey equipment and their functions:
- Hockey Stick: Used to hit, push, flick, and dribble the ball.
- Hockey Ball: The object that teams try to get into the opponent’s goal.
- Shin Guards: Worn to protect the shins from impact.
- Mouth Guard: Worn to protect teeth and mouth from injury.
- Goalkeeper’s Kit (Pads, Kicker, Helmet, Gloves): Provides extensive protection for the goalkeeper.
- Goals: The structures into which teams attempt to score.
- Pitch: The playing area, marked with specific lines.
Basic Skills in Hockey
To play hockey effectively, players need to master several basic skills.
The basic skills in hockey include:
- Dribbling: Moving the ball with the stick while running.
- Hitting: A powerful stroke used for long passes or shots on goal.
- Pushing: A short, accurate pass or shot without lifting the stick high.
- Flicking: A quick, upward movement of the stick to lift the ball.
- Stopping/Trapping: Controlling an incoming ball with the stick or foot.
- Tackling: Dispossessing an opponent of the ball.
Officials in Hockey and Their Duties
Hockey games are managed by officials who ensure fair play and adherence to rules.
The main officials in a hockey game and their duties are:
- Umpires (Field Umpires):
- Control the game on the pitch.
- Enforce the rules and signal fouls.
- Award penalties and goals.
- Technical Officer:
- Oversees the technical conduct of the match.
- Manages substitutions and time.
- Assists umpires with rule interpretations.
- Timekeeper:
- Keeps track of the playing time.
- Signals the start and end of periods.
- Scorer:
- Records goals scored by each team.
- Records penalty cards issued.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to name some popular team sports played with a stick and a ball. The teacher then introduces “The Hockey Games” as the topic for the day.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by naming sports like baseball, cricket, or local stick games. They listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the topic and relate it to their prior knowledge of ball games.
Step 2: Presentation of Types of Hockey
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what hockey is and discusses the different types of hockey, such as Field Hockey, Ice Hockey, and Indoor Hockey, giving brief descriptions of each. The teacher uses a chart or writes on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and contribute to the discussion by asking questions or sharing their knowledge if any. They copy notes from the board.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about the various forms of hockey.
Step 3: Discussion of Pitch Dimensions
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Illustration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher draws a simple diagram of a hockey pitch on the board or displays a pre-drawn chart, explaining its standard dimensions, including length, width, and shooting circles. The teacher emphasizes the importance of these markings.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the diagram, ask questions for clarification, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the layout and dimensions of a standard hockey pitch.
Step 4: Explanation of Equipment and Facilities
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays available hockey equipment (sticks, balls, shin guards, head protector) or pictures of them. The teacher names each item and explains its function and importance for safety and play. The teacher also mentions other facilities like goals.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the equipment, ask questions about their use, and note down the functions of each item.
Learning Point: Pupils identify hockey equipment and understand their specific uses and importance.
Step 5: Demonstration and Practice of Basic Skills
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates basic hockey skills like dribbling, pushing, and a simple hit using a hockey stick and ball. The teacher then supervises pupils as they attempt to practice these skills (if space and equipment allow, or through miming if not).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstrations carefully and then attempt to practice the skills under the teacher’s guidance.
Learning Point: Pupils learn and practice fundamental hockey skills.
Step 6: Identification of Officials and Their Duties
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher lists the various officials in a hockey game (Umpires, Technical Officer, Timekeeper, Scorer) and explains their specific duties to the pupils. The teacher asks questions to ensure understanding.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the explanation, ask questions, and list the officials and their duties in their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils identify hockey officials and understand their roles in managing a game.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- Mention three types of hockey.
- State the standard length and width of a hockey pitch.
- List three items of hockey equipment and state their functions.
- Enumerate two basic skills in hockey.
- Identify two officials in a hockey game and state one duty for each.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Wrap-up
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of understanding the game of hockey. The teacher encourages pupils to continue practicing the skills learned.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and ask any remaining questions.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are encouraged for further practice.
Lesson Keywords
- Hockey – A team sport played with a stick and a ball/puck.
- Pitch – The playing area for field hockey.
- Dribbling – Moving the ball with the stick.
- Umpire – An official who enforces rules during a game.
- Shooting Circle – The D-shaped area in front of the goal where goals can be scored.
Differentiation
For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher will encourage them to demonstrate more complex skills or research advanced rules. For pupils who need more support, the teacher will provide individualized attention during skill practice and simplify explanations of rules and duties.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Ensure a safe environment for practical demonstrations. If actual equipment is not available, use visual aids like diagrams, videos, or miming to illustrate skills and equipment. Emphasize safety precautions when handling sticks.

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