Defending and the concept of marking a player
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can mark an opponent effectively and explain why we need to defend as a team when we do not have possession of the ball.
Key learning points
- Move: successful marking requires positioning ourselves close to the player between the player and the ball.
- Think: reflecting on our defensive skills as a team can help us apply basic tactics to help our team gain possession.
- Feel: it is important play the game with integrity and stay calm when we make mistakes, so we are a good role model.
- Connect: taking responsibility is important when defending to make sure everyone in our team is marking a player.
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
Pupils tend to chase after the ball and they all gravitate towards it as opposed to the player they are marking.
Focus on staying close to your opponent, wait for the pass to come to them and then attempt to intercept it.
Teacher tip
Remind pupils that they are not allowed to mark the player with the ball. This will allow games to flow better and give pupils a better opportunity to practise their passing, moving and defending skills.
Equipment
1 netball between 5 pupils, 6 hoops, 30+ cones, 6 targets/ netball posts
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.If a team has possession, what do they have?
Q2.What does it mean to pivot?
Q3.What should you do if you disagree with the umpire?
Q4.What happens if you break the footwork rule?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Marking successfully involves reacting to the attackers movements and what else?
Q2.What should you do to help you mark effectively?
Q3.How can you make sure everyone in your team is marking a player?
Q4.Why is it important to defend as a team?
To help you plan your 3 physical education lesson on: Defending and the concept of marking a player, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 physical education lesson on: Defending and the concept of marking a player, 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: principles of attack and defence in netball unit, dive into the full primary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.