Defending to stop the opposition's attack
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can defend (mark) effectively in a game situation to prevent the opposition from creating attacking opportunities.
Key learning points
- Move: marking involves being close to the attacker and staying positioned between the player and the ball.
- Move: defending well requires us to mark opponents by standing tall with arms ready to move up or out to stop a pass.
- Think: it’s important to evaluate and improve our marking technique to reduce scoring opportunities for our opponents.
- Feel: when trying to defend and win the ball back, it is important to play within the rules and show self-discipline.
- Connect: taking responsibility to ensure all our teammates are marking an opponent demonstrates excellent leadership.
Keywords
Defender - the player or person responsible for preventing the opposition (attackers) from scoring
Opponent - a person who is on an opposing side in a game
Marking - closely guarding our opponent to prevent them from receiving the ball or from passing the ball to others
Common misconception
When defending in a game situation, pupils tend to follow the ball which closes up the space and leaves other players unmarked.
Remind pupils that they need to stay close to the player they are marking and be prepared to intercept the ball when it is passed to their opponent.
Teacher tip
Encourage defending players to adopt a low stance with their knees slightly bent and feet shoulder width apart. This will allow for quicker movement and better balance.
Equipment
1 basketball between 2 pupils, 30+ floor markers, 30+ cones
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Where is it best to stand when shooting in basketball?
Q2.Which player is mainly responsible for scoring points in basketball?
Q3.What skills can help outwit an opponent?
Q4.Which shows self-motivation when shooting?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.When marking a player, what do you need to remember to do?
Q2.What should you try and do when the ball is passed to the player you are marking?
Q3.What word describes a person who is on the other team in a game?
Q4.By playing by the rules, what skill are you demonstrating?
To help you plan your 4 physical education lesson on: Defending to stop the opposition's attack, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 physical education lesson on: Defending to stop the opposition's attack, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 2 physical education lessons from the Invasion games: maintaining possession and stopping an attack through basketball unit, dive into the full primary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.