Defending by denying space and time
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can deny space and time by defending as a unit.
Key learning points
- Move: the defensive team points out and marks a player each by standing in line with them.
- Move: moving side-to-side and staying close forces attackers into tight spaces for easier tackling.
- Think: if the attacking team has more players on one side, then additional defenders need calling over.
- Feel: trust your teammates to cover and support you, giving confidence to tackle hard and defend together.
- Connect: strong leadership and clear communication is needed to align defensive players with the formation of attackers.
Keywords
Player-to-player - each defender closely follows one attacker to block their movement and deny space
Communication - sharing clear information with teammates through talking, signals or gestures to work better as a team
Tight space - a small area with limited room to move, often surrounded by defenders, making it hard for attackers to advance
Common misconception
Pupils think that when you are player-to -player marking it is only about being an individual.
Defenders must communicate, adjust to overloads and support each other. If one defender gets beaten, others need to be ready to help. Marking your player is just one part of working together to stop the attack.
Teacher tip
Contact versions of the game should only be managed by suitably experienced and qualified staff (inc. concussion training). There is the option to spend more time on any of these topics as appropriate in the context of your learners.
Equipment
30 + balls (optional type), 30+ cones, 18 hoops/boxes and 6 x 6 sets of bibs.
Content guidance
Additional qualification required
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.When tackling an opponent, where on the body should you wrap your arms?
Q2.How do you play the ball in rugby league?
Q3.What type of line should the defensive team create in rugby league?
Q4.Which is not a good way to let your team know who you are marking?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is player-to-player marking?
Q2.How can you let your teammates know who you are marking?
Q3.How can you limit an attacker’s space?
Q4.What should you do if there are more attackers on one side?
To help you plan your 9 physical education lesson on: Defending by denying space and time, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 physical education lesson on: Defending by denying space and time, 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 3 physical education lessons from the Invasion games: adapt tactics and strategies in contact sports unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.