Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can quickly and effectively switch from attacking to defending to help my team when playing hockey.

Key learning points

  1. Move: to outwit our opponents, we must pass, move, dribble and shoot accurately to win the game.
  2. Move: when our team loses possession, we must quickly switch to defending and closely mark or tackle our opponents.
  3. Think: working as a team to apply tactics and solve problems in a game situation can increase our chances of winning.
  4. Feel: striving to always respect the rules and be a role model to our team and the opposition shows self discipline.
  5. Connect: we should always strive to communicate so our team understands the tactics we are applying in the game.

Keywords

  • Opponent - a person who is on an opposing side in a game

  • Game - an activity or sport in which people compete with each other according to agreed rules

  • Tactics - a carefully planned set of actions that are used by a team or an individual to achieve a certain goal

Common misconception

Pupils may believe that in a game the main role is to attack and score, forgetting about their defensive duties and stopping the opponents.

Highlight the value of both attacking and defending and encourage teams to work together.

Teacher tip

Split each team into mixed ability; this will give your class the appropriate level of challenge and enable them to support each other.

Equipment

Additional material: attacking and defensive tactics, 1 hockey stick per pupil, 1 suitable ball between 2, 30+ cones, targets/ goals, bibs

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.
What do we call an activity where people compete against each other?

Correct answer: a game
a lesson
a warm up

Q2.
What word describes a group who work together to achieve the same goal?

opponent
Correct answer: team
friends

Q3.
What should you do with your stick in the last part of a shot?

Drop it.
Spin it.
Correct answer: Follow through.

Q4.
What is a benefit of evaluating your shooting?

Correct answer: improve accuracy
reduce accuracy
always win

4 Questions

Q1.
By showing self discipline and respecting the rules during a game, you are being...

a good friend.
Correct answer: a good role model.
the best player.

Q2.
What is most important when playing a game of hockey?

only attacking
only defending
Correct answer: attacking and defending

Q3.
What are the planned actions that a team uses to increase their chances of winning the game?

Correct Answer: tactics, tactic

Q4.
What can help you and your team understand the team tactics in a game?

winning
Correct answer: good communication
accurate passing

To help you plan your 5 physical education lesson on: Attack v defence, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...