Tackling and blocking
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can tackle and block attacking players.
Key learning points
- Move: use an open hand to knock the ball out of your opponent's hands when tackling.
- Move: block the ball with your hands up and palms out, just as it leaves your opponent's foot.
- Think: tackles must target the body or the hand that is holding the ball.
- Feel: be brave when tackling and blocking, and ask others for help if you are struggling with the technique.
- Connect: collaborating and trusting your teammates helps increase opportunities to block or tackle in a game situation.
Keywords
Near hand tackle - a tackling technique to knock the ball from an opponent's possession with the open hand
Blocking - a defensive technique used to prevent an opponent from passing, kicking or shooting the ball
Defender - the primary role is to prevent the opposing team from scoring
Common misconception
Pupils use the wrong hand which leads to fouls and ineffective tackles, or they dive into the tackle, allowing attackers to easily sidestep away.
Always use the nearest hand to flick the ball away. Stay balanced when tackling, moving your feet quickly and timing the tackle properly.
Teacher tip
If pupils are struggling with the tackling and blocking technique, attackers should reduce their movement until pupils become more confident. You could also reduce the space the attackers are working in to make it easier for the defender.
Equipment
1 ball per pair, approx 50 cones of various colours or markers for goals, bibs
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.After performing a punt kick, where should the kicker's foot aim?
Q2.Which of these is performed with the ball striking the inside of the foot?
Q3.When performing a chest catch, what shape should our hands form?
Q4.Which skill do you perform when you jump with one knee raised for balance and stability?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What can you and your teammates do to increase opportunities to tackle or block the opposition?
Q2.What should you use to knock the ball out of your opponent's hand when tackling?
Q3.If an opponent is about to kick or pass the ball, how should you try to win possession back?
Q4.Where should you stand when preparing to tackle another player?
To help you plan your 9 physical education lesson on: Tackling and blocking, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 physical education lesson on: Tackling and blocking, 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.
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