Unit Plan 12 (Grade 3 PE): Floor Hockey Basics

Focus: Develop safe stick use, improve control when striking a ball along the floor, and build beginning passing and receiving skills in a simple invasion-style setting.

Grade Level: 3

Subject Area: Physical Education (Floor Hockey • Stick Skills • Passing, Receiving & Shooting)

Total Unit Duration: 1 core session + 2 optional sessions (1–3 weeks), 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Students explore floor hockey as a beginner striking game that combines control, safety, movement, and teamwork. In this unit, students begin with stick-handling in place and then in lines with eyes up so they can learn how to guide a ball safely while staying aware of space and classmates. They then apply those skills in Dribble Through Cones, Push-Pass to Partner, and simple Shoot at Goals, where they practice keeping the stick low, sending the ball along the floor, and using the right amount of force for passing and shooting. Throughout the unit, students focus on safe stick handling, controlling the ball in shared space, and learning how to pass and receive with a partner.

Essential Questions

• How can I use a hockey stick safely during PE?
• How can I keep the ball under control while moving?
• What helps a push-pass travel accurately to a partner?
• How do I change force when I pass versus when I shoot?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Strike and guide a ball along the floor with improving control using a hockey stick.
2. Use personal and general space effectively while handling a stick and ball.
3. Adjust speed, effort, and force for dribbling, passing, and shooting tasks.
4. Follow stick-safety rules, boundaries, and class routines consistently.

Standards Alignment — 3rd Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)

• PE:S1.3e – Striking with Implements Strike a lightweight object with hands or implements with developing accuracy and control in simple game and practice settings.
  • Example: Students use a hockey stick to guide a ball through cones, push-pass to a partner, or shoot into a small goal.
• PE:S2.3a – Space Awareness & Positioning Use knowledge of personal and general space to find open areas, avoid collisions, and position appropriately during games.
  • Example: In keep-away games, students move away from defenders to create open passing lanes.
• PE:S2.3c – Effort & Force to Match the Task Adjust speed, effort, and force (fast/slow, hard/soft) for successful performance in skills and games.
  • Example: Students throw softly to a nearby partner and with more force to a distant target in a throwing game.
• PE:S4.3a – Rules, Routines, and Equipment Safety Consistently follow rules, procedures, and safety expectations, including proper use of equipment and respect for boundaries.
  • Example: Students wait for the signal to begin, stay within play zones, and handle equipment appropriately.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can keep my stick low and use it safely.
• I can guide the ball along the floor with more control.
• I can pass or shoot with the right amount of force.
• I can stay in my space and follow the rules during floor hockey activities.