Defending as a unit
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can apply pressure to stop an attack using different defensive strategies
Key learning points
- Move: standing in a T position between an attacker and the goal will reduce your opponent's chance of scoring.
- Think: successful defending can involve marking the opposition's players or guarding an assigned area (zone).
- Feel: self-belief is important for team performance.
- Connect: the whole team needs to agree and implement their defensive strategy for it to be effective.
Keywords
Jockey - a defending skill to steer attacker away from the goal.
Zonal defence - a system where players guard an assigned area rather than marking a player.
Obstruction - when a player unfairly moves their body to prevent an opponent getting to and/or playing the ball.
Common misconception
Failing to remain goal side whilst keeping a view on the player and the ball.
Failing to remain goal side of your opposition exposes yourself to an easy scoring opportunity.
Teacher tip
This lesson works well to explore through the context of a number of different invasion games with the ball in hand, or at feet or on an implement (e.g. hockey stick), as well as having different types of goals. Perhaps the most simple starting point is through a netball type game.
Equipment
a variety of balls e.g. net/ foot/hand/basket/rugby etc. as appropriate; goals/baskets; cones; bibs
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is it called when you attack the opposition's area of the pitch/court?
Q2.What is the term given to breaking down a team’s defensive line?
Q3.What is a planned strategy to implement in a game called?
Q4.What are the different attacking and defensive areas of the court/pitch called?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is the correct term for when you are goal side and steer an attacker away from the goal?
Q2.If player-to-player is one option for a defensive strategy, what is the second option?
Q3.What is when a player unfairly moves their body to prevent an opponent from getting to and/or playing the ball called?
Q4.What does self-belief help with?
To help you plan your 7 physical education lesson on: Defending as a unit, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 physical education lesson on: Defending as a unit, 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: basic tactics to overcome opponents in donor sports unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.