Unit Plan 12 (Grade 4 PE): Floor Hockey Basics & Mini-Games

Focus: Build safe stick use, improve controlled passing and shooting, strengthen offensive spacing, and develop basic defensive positioning in small-sided floor hockey.

Grade Level: 4

Subject Area: Physical Education (Floor Hockey • Small-Sided Games • Offense & Defense)

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 fast-paced invasion game that depends on safety, control, spacing, and teamwork. In this unit, students begin with stick-handling through zig-zag cones, learning to keep their eyes up and their stick low and controlled while moving the puck or ball. They then apply those skills in 3v3 floor hockey mini-games using simple positions such as offense, defense, and goalie, along with quick line changes to keep everyone involved. Throughout the unit, students focus on safe stick handling, accurate passing, controlled shooting, moving to open space, and staying between an opponent and the goal on defense.

Essential Questions

• How can I control the puck or ball while keeping my eyes up and my stick safe?
• Why does offensive spacing help a team pass and attack more successfully?
• What does good defensive position look like in floor hockey?
• How do rules and safety habits make floor hockey more fun and fair for everyone?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Strike and guide a puck or ball with a hockey stick using better control of direction and force.
2. Combine floor hockey skills in sequence, such as stick-handle → pass → move to space → receive → shoot.
3. Use personal and general space effectively by spreading out and avoiding crowding around the puck or ball.
4. Apply basic offensive ideas such as moving to open space, creating passing lanes, and choosing better shooting chances.
5. Apply basic defensive ideas such as staying between an opponent and the goal, marking a player, and attempting legal interceptions.
6. Follow class rules and equipment safety expectations consistently during floor hockey warm-ups and games.

Standards Alignment — 4th Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)

• PE:S1.4e – Striking with Implements in Games Strike a moving or stationary object with a short- or long-handled implement (paddle, racket, bat, stick) with control of direction and force.
  • Example: Students strike a pitched or tossed ball in wiffle ball, or pass a ball along the floor with a hockey stick to a target or teammate.
• PE:S1.4f – Combining Skills in Game Sequences Combine multiple skills (dribble, pass, catch, shoot, strike, run, dodge) in game-like sequences with basic fluidity.
  • Example: In handball lead-up games, students catch a pass, take a few steps to open space, and then pass or shoot toward a goal.
• PE:S2.4a – Space Awareness & Positioning Use personal and general space effectively by moving to open areas, avoiding overcrowded zones, and maintaining safe distances in games.
  • Example: In small-sided games, students spread out instead of clustering around the ball, making it easier to receive passes.
• PE:S2.4d – Offensive Strategies in Small-Sided Games Demonstrate basic offensive strategies such as moving without the ball, creating passing lanes, using give-and-go plays, and choosing high-percentage shots.
  • Example: In a 3v3 basketball or soccer game, students cut to open space to receive a pass and choose appropriate times to shoot.
• PE:S2.4e – Defensive Strategies & Position Play Demonstrate basic defensive ideas such as maintaining proper position (between opponent and goal), marking a player, and attempting legal interceptions.
  • Example: A student stays between an opponent and the goal in handball or soccer, trying to block shots or intercept passes without fouling.
• PE:S4.4a – Consistent Rule-Following & Safety Consistently follow game rules, class procedures, and equipment safety guidelines without frequent reminders.
  • Example: Students wait for the teacher’s signal to begin, respect boundaries, and use sticks, balls, and scooters safely.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can keep my stick low and control the puck or ball while moving.
• I can pass to an open teammate and move to a new spot after I pass.
• I can spread out so my team has better space to attack.
• I can stay between my player and the goal when I am on defense.
• I can follow safety rules and use my stick the right way during games.