Hurling is a traditional Irish sport where players use a stick made of wood (hurley) to hit a very small ball (sliotar). In this lesson, students will improve on object control skills related to the practice of basic hurling techniques to develop cognitive understanding upon the role that these cultural forms play in Ireland and foster appreciation for precision and control in the sport.
Objectives
Motor: Students will be able to perform a successful pass to a partner in ¾ trials during a hurling game when verbally prompted by the instructor.
Cognitive: Student will be able to discuss cultural significance of hurling, historical basis, and the place it holds amongst ball skills during the reflection portion of class when verbally prompted by the instructor.
Affective: Students will develop a feeling of accuracy and coordination through participation in hurling, paying emphasis on control through hurling games and drills.
Skills Focus: Control object with hurley and sliotar, cultural awareness, accuracy.
Equipment
Hurlies/Hockey stick
Sliotar/Tennis ball/Fleece ball
Cones
Open area
Activity Description
Background information on hurling explaining the unique culture of hurling in Ireland where the skill and strategy in it is combined.
Basic techniques of hurling which include bat grip(Stick facing down, dominant hand forward and opposite behind) and ball striking techniques.
Drills whereby students will carry out striking and controlling of the sliotar. Students can practice this by chopping left and right of the ball. Once students feel comfortable, they can progress to dribbling the ball left and right while standing in place. Once students feel comfortable, they can move around and practice dribbling the ball.
Students can then progress to practice their passing with a partner in an egg toss activity where two students are standing length apart and practice passing. Unlike hockey students have the option of scooping their ball with their stick and striking it while it is in the air.
Let them experience how to apply their skills in a mini-hurling game, an application about the skill they have learned. Students can be divided into two teams and try to score by striking the ball towards the goal.
Have a form of huddle after the drills and the mini-game to talk and discuss the realizations during the practice.
End with a reflection time, whereby the students can share how much their object control skills and even their understanding of cultural sport improved by practicing hurling.
Modification
Challenge: Explain to the class the variations in striking techniques, for example, hitting the sliotar on the move or controlling it using one hand.
Simplified: Emphasize fundamental striking and catching techniques while offering extra support to learners who do not have experience hurling. Larger size balls can be utilized if a tennis ball is difficult.
