PULSE


In every edition of ‘Pulse’ we are going to showcase a sport which is really taking off in Kent’s primary schools at the moment. This time, we take an inside look at ‘Quicksticks’ Hockey……


What exactly is ‘Quicksticks’ Hockey?


Quicksticks is an introductory game of Hockey for 7 to 11 year olds. It is 4-a-side, can be played on any surface, and uses a larger, lighter and safer ball. Hockey rules have been simplified to make Quicksticks easier to deliver and play. Teams can be mixed, or single gender, and no goalkeepers are required. It offers all players full involvement and increased playing time.


What’s happening in Kent?


Quicksticks is our preferred format for primary school Hockey activity, and is


Finger on the pulse...


for just over a year and am one of 12 Relationship Managers across the country. My job is to work in partnership with schools, colleges, clubs and other partners to support the delivery of Hockey in the region and create opportunities for people to take part.


Prior to being with England Hockey, I worked for England Netball, and for Kent Sport, the County Sport Partnership.


Why should we try Quicksticks?


Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?


My name is Natalie Beckett and I am a Relationship Manager for England Hockey, working across Kent, Surrey and Sussex. I enjoy a number of sports, and am a qualified Netball coach.


Who are your Sporting Idols?


I am interested in so many sports, so there are a few! I think Steve Redgrave is really inspirational, to keep on working so hard and be so commited to keep achieving goal after goal, no matter how difficult and after already achieving so much, is amazing.


How long have you been with England Hockey?


I’ve worked for England Hockey


Try it because it’s a fun, fast, safe and exciting game. It provides an opportunity for children to take part in Hockey for the first time, and is enjoyable to play for girls and boys, over a range of ages, and all Hockey abilities and its accessible, Quicksticks can be delivered anywhere!


If you


don’t have access to an artificial turf pitch you can easily use the school sports hall, Tennis courts or the playground, and its been designed so that anyone can deliver the game, regardless of previous Hockey experience.


Where can I get equipment from and how much training do we need?


Equipment can be bought from Youth Sport Direct where you can get Quicksticks balls and sticks, as well as basic training equipment. They also offer some great school packs containing all you need to get started, including sticks, balls, bibs, kitbag


16 The Kent & Medway School Sports Magazine


and challenge cards. Even if you don’t know anything about Hockey we are confident you can deliver Quicksticks, we have a great website www.playquicksticks.co.uk which has loads of information. And we do have teacher training packages available. There is a free online course that includes a series of videos and supporting downloads that will take you through the steps of planning and delivering Quicksticks.


We can also offer a short 2-3 hour practical course which teaches the basic of Quicksticks and ideas around delivery. Do get in touch or contact your School Games Organiser to raise your interest and we can look to arrange a course in your area. We also have Level 1 and 2 Coaching Courses, and a new Hockey specific “Engaging


Games for Children” workshop has just been launched.


How would my school get involved?


Easily! You can purchase some equipment, take a look at our online resources and give it a go. As well as the online tools there is also a really useful Quicksticks Curriculum Resource which offers 24 weeks of lesson plans, supported by Challenge Cards that will allow you to be creative and develop your own sessions by mixing and matching the exercises.


Alternatively we can look to put you in touch with your local Hockey club or coach who could come and deliver sessions to your pupils.


If you would like more details, please contact Natalie on 07718 980512 or email Natalie.Beckett@englandhockey.co.uk


part of the Kent School Games. There is a free guide on ‘How to organise and deliver a festival’ on England Hockey’s website which is accompanied by a range of downloadable templates which provide everything you need, should you want an intra or inter- school competition.


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