Defensive tactics in games
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create, apply and adapt tactics in order to prevent the opposition from executing successful attacks, resulting in winning possession back.
Key learning points
- Move: moving quickly on our toes, exploding at the right time consistently, increases the success of defensive tactics.
- Think: applying different defensive tactics into the games requires decision making.
- Think: deciding how to adapt and modify defensive tactics, depending on the situation in the game, is vital for success.
- Feel: trying a range of tactics demonstrates self-motivation and a commitment to wanting to improve our performance.
- Connect: showing respect to our team and the opposition throughout games ensures fair play, enabling the game to flow.
Keywords
Defending - trying to stop the other team from scoring or getting ahead
Adapt - to change or adjust to fit a new situation
Tactics - plans you create and use to try to win or succeed
Common misconception
Pupils rush when discussing their tactics as they just want to play the game. Not all pupils get to contribute to the team discussions.
Praise and celebrate teams who discuss their tactics thoroughly, ensuring everyone contributes and that everyone understands.
Teacher tip
Award fair play points to encourage the full application of the rules and strong collaboration and respect.
Equipment
additional materials, 3 balls, 6 goals/targets, 30+ cones, bibs
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What do we call a plan we create and use to try to win or succeed?
Q2.What is the purpose of an attacking tactic?
Q3.Which skill do we need to help lead us to success in a game?
Q4.Why should we explain the tactics to teammates who need our support?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.When we lose possession, we move quickly towards a player on the opposite team, getting into position to ...
Q2.What does self-motivation enable us to be?
Q3.What is the purpose of a defensive tactic?
Q4.If the opposition keeps scoring, what might we need to do to our defensive tactic?
To help you plan your 6 physical education lesson on: Defensive tactics in games, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 physical education lesson on: Defensive tactics in games, 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: scenarios, tactics and power play in ball games unit, dive into the full primary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.