Denying space and defending
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can deny my opponents space and understand how to defend in order to prevent attacking opportunities.
Key learning points
- Move: to block tackle safely, we need a low body position, with the stick on the ground making contact with the ball.
- Move: staying close and marking will either force an error or enable us to make a tackle and take the ball.
- Think: we block the attackers to stop them passing or shooting and must always be in the front position, not behind.
- Feel: when defending, it is important to be a good role model and play within the rules showing self discipline.
- Connect: communication skills are required to ensure all our teammates are marking the right player.
Keywords
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
Tackle - using the hockey stick to block the ball and disrupt the opponent's dribble, pass or shot.
Common misconception
When defending and marking, pupils focus too much on the ball instead of watching their opponent.
Encourage pupils to always be aware of the player they are marking by constantly checking where they are. Discourage pupils chasing after the ball when their teamate is closer to it.
Teacher tip
Use slow walk through demonstrations of the tackling technique to visually illustrate the skill before having the pupils practise. Emphasise the need for good timing over being overly aggressive when tackling.
Equipment
1 hockey stick per pupil, 1 suitable ball between 2, 30+cones, bibs
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What does a successful attack end with?
Q2.What word describes using tactics and strategies to gain an advantage?
Q3.What word describes controlling your behaviour and actions?
Q4.When dribbling, what can you change to outwit a defender?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is a player on the other team called?
Q2.When defending and marking an opponent, what should you ensure you are closest to?
Q3.Playing within the rules of the game, demonstrates what skill?
Q4.When tackling, what is the best position for your body to be in?
To help you plan your 5 physical education lesson on: Denying space and defending, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 physical education lesson on: Denying space and defending, 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: shooting, scoring and denying space through hockey unit, dive into the full primary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.