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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can defend in a game, as part of a team, by applying pressure to prevent attacking opportunities and stop the opposition from scoring.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: applying pressure requires us to react quickly and follow the movements of the attackers to intercept the ball.
      2. Think: applying pressure requires concentrating on the movements of the attacker in order to stay close.
      3. Feel: applying pressure when our team loses possession of the ball requires determination to win possession back.
      4. Connect: cooperating with our team and the opposition allows us to apply pressure in a game without breaking the rules.

      Keywords

      • Team - a group of people who work together to achieve a common goal

      • Applying pressure - making it difficult for the opposition to pass or shoot

      • Intercept - stopping or catching a pass from the other team before it reaches the intended target

      Common misconception

      Pupils forget who to mark, leaving some attackers unmarked and free to pass and move.

      Pupils need to work as a team to agree who they are marking so they can apply pressure effectively.

      Teacher tip

      Drip feed the explanation throughout the practice tasks. Allow pupils to begin exploring marking the player with the ball if they are ready for this. Give them time to mark a variety of players to test their skills.

      Equipment

      1 ball between 5, bibs, 30+ cones, 4 goals/targets

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - physical activity

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Why is it important to angle our bodies to the target when shooting?

      to block
      Correct answer: to aim
      to pass

      Q2.
      Which is an important skill that teams should use in order to score points against an opponent?

      communication
      construction
      Correct answer: collaboration

      Q3.
      What will happen if you just shoot from anywhere?

      Correct answer: less points
      more points
      no consequence

      Q4.
      What is it called when you aim and try to make a ball reach a target?

      defending
      Correct answer: shooting
      resting

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      If we are able to catch a pass from the other team before it reaches the target, what do we call this?

      a concept
      Correct answer: an interception
      an inception

      Q2.
      What does applying pressure make it hard for the attackers to do?

      Correct answer: pass and shoot
      miss their shots
      defend and mark

      Q3.
      If we don't collaborate and agree who to mark before the game starts, what might happen to some of the attackers?

      Correct answer: they are unmarked
      they are marked
      they always win

      Q4.
      What do we mean by determination?

      Correct answer: wanting to succeed
      wanting to lose
      wanting to rest

      To help you plan your 4 physical education lesson on: Defending to stop an attack, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...