Hockey Activity Guide
Activity Overview
Hockey in Primary PE gives pupils the opportunity to develop stick control, accurate passing, controlled receiving and confident shooting, while learning how to use space and work effectively as part of a team. In Key Stage 1, the foundations for hockey are usually introduced through simple invasion games that meet the national curriculum requirement for team games involving attacking and defending. These early activities focus on moving into space, working with a partner and understanding the basic ideas of attack and defence.
By Key Stage 2, hockey begins to be taught as a structured activity in its own right. Pupils learn to dribble with control, use accurate push passes, stop the ball safely and apply basic defensive techniques. As they progress, they combine these skills in small-sided games, creating space, supporting teammates and making simple tactical decisions in realistic and manageable situations.
Below you will find key information on Hockey, a free Key Stage 2 lesson plan, and a range of resources suitable for teaching Hockey and related skills confidently throughout Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.
Key Hockey Information
Age Range
Hockey is taught to children in Key Stages 1 and 2 through our Attack Defend Shoot and Hockey units.
❌ Foundation/Reception
✅ Key Stage 1
✅ Key Stage 2
Hockey Safety Briefing Video
Our hockey safety briefing video is a free comprehensive guide video to help teachers ensure hockey is taught and played safely.
Hockey Glossary
Our hockey glossary provides a comprehensive guide to the naming conventions and terms used in Primary PE / KS2 Hockey. This glossary is available as a downloadable PDF file.
Free Hockey Lesson Plan & Unit of Work
Year 6 Hockey
Choose and implement a range of strategies and tactics. Combine and perform more complex skills at great speed. Recognise and describe good individual and team performances.
Year 6 Hockey Lesson 1
- Play the role of both the defender and the attacker
- Shoot from close range
- Score points against opposition
We are learning: to shoot under pressure from close range Activity: Assessment for Learning Task
Paid Subscriber Content
At the The PE Hub, we offer 24 lesson plans for Hockey, covering the whole of Key Stage 2. Lesson Plans are grouped into manageable units of work and designed to make it straightforward to teach hockey across Years 3, 4, 5 and 6, and relevant skills to Year 1 & year 2.
All our lesson plans come with detailed downloadable resources as standard. We have more than 40 individual teaching resources for Hockey, including extensive video content available to paid subscribers to The PE Hub
Hockey FAQs
Is Hockey taught at Key Stage 1?
Hockey is not usually taught as a full game in KS1, but many of its core skills are introduced through simple invasion games we cover in our attack defend shoot KS1 units. These activities meet the KS1 requirement for team games involving attacking and defending, and help pupils develop movement into space, basic ball control and teamwork.
What skills should pupils learn in KS2 Hockey?
In KS2, pupils typically learn to dribble with control, use accurate push passes, stop and receive the ball safely and apply basic defending techniques. As they progress, they begin combining skills in small-sided games and develop simple tactical understanding.
Is Hockey part of the Primary PE national curriculum?
Hockey is not named specifically in the national curriculum, but it is commonly used to meet the Key Stage 2 requirement for competitive team games. Through hockey, pupils develop attacking and defending skills, apply simple tactics and work collaboratively as part of a team.
What equipment is needed to teach Primary PE Hockey?
A basic hockey setup includes junior hockey sticks, soft training balls, cones or markers and bibs for team activities. Many schools use lighter balls and smaller playing areas to keep lessons safe and manageable, especially when pupils are first learning stick control and passing.
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