Hockey Game Basic 5 Physical & Health Education Lesson Note
Download Lesson NoteTopic: Hockey Game

Performance Objectives
At the end of this discussion in this unit, students should be able to know about:
- Narrate the history of hockey in Nigeria
- Identify the facilities and equipment of hockey
- Draw and Label the hockey board with the right dimensions
Teaching and Learning Materials
- Whiteboard/Chalkboard
- Explanatory posters/pictures
- Explanatory videos
Reference Materials
- NERDC Basic Education Curriculum
- Universal Basic Education Curriculum (UBE)
- Physical and Health Education for Primary Schools
Entry Behaviour/Previous Lesson
The students are familiar with Basketball.
Content
HOCKEY
Hockey is a game that is played on an open field; two opposing teams use curved sticks to drive a ball into the opponents’ net (field hockey). It is also a game played on an ice rink by two opposing teams of six skaters each who try to knock a flat round puck into the opponents’ goal with angled stick-like hockey.
We have Field Hockey and Ice Hockey.
HISTORY OF HOCKEY IN NIGERIA
Hockey started far back 4000 years in Egypt, India. The first hockey club in the world was the Black heath hockey club in 1862, before the formulation of hockey association in 1886. Since then, hockey game has been introduced by Nigerian by the British administrators and Christian missionaries during the colonial rule.
Modern hockey started from Great Britain. It became an Olympic sport for men in 1908 and for women in 1980. Hockey sport was introduced to Nigeria by the British administrators and Christian missionaries during the colonial rule. The game of hockey was first played in Lagos in 1928. The sport flourished in Nigeria in the late 1950s by 59 priest described from the Christian missionaries.
Ice hockey is not a traditional sport in Nigeria, and the history of the game in the country is relatively brief. The sport was first introduced in Nigeria in the late 1950s by a group of expatriates living in the country. They formed the Nigeria Ice Hockey Federation in 2001, and the country’s first ice hockey league began operating in 2003.
In the early years, the league was made up mostly of expatriates and a few Nigerian players. However, as the sport began to grow in popularity, more and more Nigerians began to take up the game.
In 2007, Nigeria participated in its first international ice hockey tournament, the Challenge Cup of Africa held in Johannesburg, South Africa. The team finished in last place, but it was a significant step forward for Nigerian ice hockey.
In recent years, ice hockey has continued to grow in popularity in Nigeria, with more rinks and teams being established across the country. However, despite the growth of the sport, ice hockey remains a niche sport in Nigeria, with limited facilities and resources available to players and teams.
In the recent years, Nigeria has been participating in more international tournaments, and the development program for ice hockey has been getting attention of the government and private sectors. This is expected that the sport will grow more in the near future.
FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT OF HOCKEY
Field Hockey Equipment:
- Rectangular hockey pitch with length of 91.40 cm and a width of 55m
- Two goal post
- Hard ball (hockey ball)
- Hockey stick
- Hockey shoes
- Hockey socks
- Knee pads
- Shoulder pads
- Throat protector
- Elbow pads
- Protective cap
- Hockey player helmets
Equipment Details:
- Hockey Stick: A curved stick used for playing hockey, specially designed for brands to control the puck and players. The size of the stick is recommended and take dimensions of 200 feet by 85 feet.
- Hockey Rink: A stick used by an amusement and take the puck. They are typically made of wood or composite materials and come in various lengths and flexibilities.
- Specialist Goalie: Goalie have special designed and equipment to protect him. They have a thing called bottom that allows players to move quickly and make sharp turns.
- Helmets Protective: The goalie protective equipment used by players to protect their injuries. They often have a cage or shield to protect the face as well.
- Pads Protective: Important worn by players to protect their joints and other vulnerable areas of the body. These include shoulder pads, elbow pads, and shin guards.
- Gloves: Specialized footwear worn by players to protect their hands and fingers while handling the puck.
- Jerseys: A team shirt worn by players during the game. They often have the team’s logo or name on them.
- Goalie Equipment: Specialized gear worn by the goaltender, including big pads, gloves, and a chest protector.
- Puck: A small rubber disc used in the game of hockey, they are frozen before the game to reduce bounce and increase control.
- Referees and Officials: People who enforce the rules and make important calls. They are typically 2 feet wide and 4 feet tall and are placed at either end of the rink.
Evaluation
- What is the standard size of a hockey rink? a) 100 x 60 feet b) 200 x 85 feet c) 50 x 25 feet d) 200
- 100 feet
- The modern hockey started in which city or country in Nigeria? a) Kano b) Rivers c) Borno d) Abuja
- not in Asphalt
- What is the purpose of the boards that surround the rink? a) To keep the puck in b) To provide seating for spectators c) To protect the players from injury d) All of the above.
- What is the material of the hockey hockey stick? a) Metal and Plastic b) Wood c) To provide seating for spectators c) To protect the players from injury d) All of the above.
- What is the name of the curved piece of equipment used to shoot the puck? a) Stick b) Paddle c) stick d) blade d) Puck.
Additional Content
Types of Hockey
1. Field Hockey

- Played on grass or artificial turf
- Uses a ball instead of a puck
- Teams of 11 players each
- Popular in many countries including Nigeria
2. Ice Hockey

- Played on ice rinks
- Uses a puck instead of a ball
- Teams of 6 players each on ice at one time
- Less common in Nigeria due to climate
Hockey in Nigerian Schools
Hockey has been introduced in many Nigerian schools as part of the physical education curriculum. It helps students develop:
- Coordination and balance
- Teamwork and communication skills
- Physical fitness and endurance
- Strategic thinking and quick decision-making
Notable Achievements
- 1928: First hockey game played in Lagos
- 1950s: Sport flourished with Christian missionary support
- 2001: Formation of Nigeria Ice Hockey Federation
- 2003: First ice hockey league began operations
- 2007: Nigeria’s first international ice hockey tournament participation
Benefits of Playing Hockey
- Physical Benefits:
- Improves cardiovascular health
- Develops muscle strength and coordination
- Enhances balance and agility
- Mental Benefits:
- Develops strategic thinking
- Improves concentration and focus
- Builds confidence and self-esteem
- Social Benefits:
- Promotes teamwork and cooperation
- Builds friendships and social connections
- Teaches respect for rules and fair play
Safety in Hockey
Playing hockey safely requires:
- Proper protective equipment
- Following game rules and regulations
- Good physical conditioning
- Proper technique and skill development
- Respect for opponents and officials
Summary
Hockey has a rich history in Nigeria, beginning with its introduction by British administrators and Christian missionaries during colonial times. While field hockey has been more established, ice hockey is also growing in popularity. The sport offers numerous physical, mental, and social benefits to players and continues to develop through school programs and organized leagues. Understanding the proper equipment, facilities, and safety measures is essential for anyone interested in playing or learning about hockey.