Sport & Recreation | Hockey
Small Sticks
– a great introduction to hockey Small Sticks is our nationally branded junior participation programme – the perfect introduction to our fast and fun game. The aim is to provide a quality hockey experience for children and whānau to foster a lifelong love of hockey. It’s all about playing with friends and learning new skills in a fun, safe and gamesbased environment. Small Sticks is made up of four different modules all tailored to a child’s age and ability, letting them play through modified versions of the game with appropriate equipment and game formats for their level of development; simply the right stuff, with the right people, in the right way. The first module is Fun Sticks and, as the name suggests, it’s all about introducing children to hockey in a safe and exciting way. Aimed at fiveand six-year-olds, the focus is on developing fundamental movement and basic hockey skills such as running, striking, as well as body and space awareness. As children get older and their skills progress, they move on to the next
phase of the junior programme focused on basic hockey skills and being part of a team. Mini Sticks, aimed at seven- and ight-year-olds, sees a six-a-side version of the game divided into two options; development and standard competitions. This provides those brand-new to the sport an opportunity at any point to join in at their level and experience. By the time the children reach the age of nine, they’re moving on to Kiwi Sticks, before continuing through the programme on to Kiwi and finally Kwik Sticks. The small-sided game format provides a more effective learning environment for the children maximising participation and more touches of the ball. The success of Small Sticks stems from having a nationally consistent approach to game formats, lesson plans, coach and umpire development material, equipment, communication, along with consistent branding. This has enabled us to provide a more consistent hockey experience which is available to more people throughout New Zealand.
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The area didn’t look very inviting and the kids didn't use it. Now we’re finding our children are here all the time, practicing cartwheels, somersaults and dance moves.
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To create an outstanding outdoor space for children to play and learn at your school, get in touch with SmartGrass today.
0800 887 369 smartgrass.co.nz hello@smartgrass.co.nz
38 | Term 3, 2021 www.principalstoday.co.nz
The goal with Small Sticks is to provide a positive experience for children and whānau and to nurture a lifelong love of hockey.
Parents and whanau make great coaches, managers and umpires at this level.
Our associations around the country provide great support and ongoing development no matter what experience you have.
Fun Sticks is a 12-week programme which runs through clubs and schools around the country, while Mini, Kiwi Small Sticks isn’t just about getting and Kwik Sticks are normally run over children involved as a player, hockey can 16 weeks during terms two and three. easily become a family affair. Parents If you would like to know more, and whānau make great coaches, managers and umpires at this level. please visit: www.hockeynz.co.nz.
