School Sports | 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 games-based environment. Small Sticks is made up of four different modules all tailored to a child’s stage of development, 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 5-6 year-olds, the focus is on developing fundamental movement and introducing basic hockey skills such as running, striking, as well as body and spatial awareness.
As they continue to develop so does the game format progressing to Kiwi Sticks and finally Kwik Sticks.
As children build confidence 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.
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.
Mini Sticks, aimed for 7 and 8-yearolds, sees a six-a-side version of the game divided into two options; development and standard competitions. This provides those new to the sport an opportunity to start at their level and experience.
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The small-sided game format provides a more effective learning environment maximising participation and more touches of the ball.
This has enabled us to provide a more consistent hockey experience which is available to more people throughout New Zealand.
Small Sticks isn’t just about getting children involved as a player, hockey can easily become a family affair. Parents and whānau make great coaches, managers and umpires at this level. Our Hockey Associations around the country provide great support and ongoing development no matter what experience you have. Fun Sticks is a 12-week programme run through clubs and schools around the country, while Mini, Kiwi and Kwik Sticks are normally run over 16 weeks during terms two and three. If you would like to know more, please contact your local Hockey Association: https://hockeynz.co.nz/ get-involved/playhockey/find-a-club .
