Lesson 1: Stick-Handling & Possession

1. Why is it important to keep the blade "cupped" over the puck?
2. How does "soft hands" technique differ from a "tight grip" when moving through traffic?

Hockey stick, puck, stick handling, grip

1.12.1 Demonstrates activity-specific movement skills in a variety of lifetime sports and activities.

(DOK 1) Identify the hand placement needed for a quick directional change. 2. (DOK 3) Develop a sequence of movements to shield the puck from an aggressive defender.

Tactical Awareness: Learning to see the "triangle" on the floor is the same as recognizing patterns in data or social structures. It trains the brain to look for "openings" and opportunities.

Collaboration: In the professional world, "passing the puck" is a metaphor for delegating tasks. Success depends on trusting that your teammate will be where they are supposed to be.

Self-Regulation: Managing the intensity of a competitive game while following safety rules (like "no high-sticking") builds the emotional intelligence required for high-stress careers.

Hockey can only be played on ice.

Teams will be divided equally by skill
Multiple games - different skill levels
Use pucks and balls

Students will explain the importance of keeping the puck/ball under control.

Students will demonstrate proper stick handling through the Dribbling Gauntlet skills rubric.

• Sticks: 30–35 floor hockey sticks (variety of left/right blades).

• Pucks/Balls: 30 plastic pucks and 30 low-bounce floor hockey balls.

• Goals: 2 full-sized nets and 4–6 "pop-up" or mini-nets for small-sided games.

• Safety Gear: Goalie masks and gloves (for goalies); Scrimmage Vests.

• Markers: 24 high-visibility cones and poly-spots.

• Assessment Tools: Whistle, clipboards, and iPads/Chromebooks for video peer-review.