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Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can use a push flick to score goals and apply goalkeeping skills to save goals.

Key learning points

  1. Move: angling the stick under the ball will generate lift to move it over a stick.
  2. Move: as a goalkeeper, using your feet to save low shots allows you to clear the ball away faster by kicking.
  3. Think: a penalty shootout is used as a tiebreaker and players have 8 seconds to score against the goalkeeper.
  4. Feel: playing in goal takes confidence to commit to saves without hesitation, especially in one-on-one situations.
  5. Connect: effective teamwork thrives on open dialogue, where players feel happy sharing ideas, feedback and concerns.

Keywords

  • Push flick - the ball is lifted off the ground using a controlled pushing motion with the stick, without a backswing

  • Goalkeeper slide - the goalkeeper slides on the ground to block a shot or cover more of the goal, typically used for low or close range shots

  • Penatly shootout - is a tiebreaker where players have 8 seconds to score against the goalkeeper

Common misconception

As a goalkeeper it is important to use your stick to hit away the ball.

It's often more effective to rely on your pads or kickers for blocking low shots and redirecting the ball to safety. The stick is mainly for high / wide shots or controlling passes, but your legs and body provide a larger surface area for most shots.

Teacher tip

Any goalkeeper practice must be done wearing the correct protective equipment. If you don't have enough goalkeeper equipment then the lesson can focus on scoring via push flick. Both practices can run alongside each other should some group members want to practice goalkeeping and others, attacking.

Equipment

1 ball each, 1 stick each, 8 x goalkeeper pads, 30+ cones, 30+ tall cones.

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
(Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

4 Questions

Q1.
Which position is more likely to make tackles in a hockey game?

sweeper
left winger
Correct answer: anyone

Q2.
Where is best to mark a player when you are defending your goal?

front side
Correct answer: goal side
side on

Q3.
Which is a type of tackle in hockey?

Correct answer: block
dummy
high

Q4.
How should you let your team know who you are marking?

stay silent
point
Correct answer: communicate

4 Questions

Q1.
How is it best for the goalkeeper to clear the ball away?

hitting it
throwing it
Correct answer: kicking it

Q2.
When a goalkeeper slides, what are they best to use to block the ball?

stick
Correct answer: pads
hands

Q3.
When would a penalty shootout take place?

Correct Answer: tiebreak, tiebreaker, tie-break, tie-breaker

Q4.
Why use a flick in hockey?

Correct answer: raises off ground
has big backswing
useful for tackling

To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Scoring and saving a goal, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...