Marking players, marking space and adapting on the fly
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can adapt defensive strategies to suit the situation.
Key learning points
- Move: marking tight and remaining goal side enables you to stop attackers who are in shooting range.
- Think: effective defensive tactics rely on the whole team implementing them at the same time.
- Think: knowing when to mark a player or mark an area/zone requires effective decision making
- Feel: self-expression of your own feelings, thoughts or ideas are important for heightened enjoyment.
- Connect: organisation of defensive strategies requires clear communication and commitment from all.
Keywords
Delay - decision of a team/unit or an individual oabout when to press and when to drop off
Compact - positioning players in a concentrated area to limit distance between platers
Restraint - a measure that keeps someone under control
Common misconception
Some pupils commit to zone defence but others get distracted into chasing the ball, therefore moving out of position.
It is essential that all team members follow the same defensive strategy of player-to-player or zonal marking to avoid leaving big gaps.
Teacher tip
This lesson can also be delivered through basketball, netball or handball but the introduction of a completely different game of Tapu Ae helps level the playing field and interest levels of all. You should offer detail about the cultural heritage of the game.
Equipment
1 handball between 6, netball/basketball hoops, 6 tall cones & 6 tennis balls per 6 pupils, 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 mark an area on the court/pitch?
Q2.What should a team do to improve cohesion before starting a match?
Q3.What is it called when you secure possession in defence and pass the ball to initiate a fast break?
Q4.What skill are you demonstrating by listening to ideas from everyone then communicating a clear plan?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What happens if there is a mismatch in defensive tactics within your team?
Q2.What is it called when you defend hard by denying space and passing options through the middle?
Q3.Which of the following is not a reason to commit to your team's chosen defensive strategy and not get distracted?
Q4.What is required when ascertaining the best defensive strategy?
To help you plan your 8 physical education lesson on: Marking players, marking space and adapting on the fly, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 physical education lesson on: Marking players, marking space and adapting on the fly, 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: tactics and strategies to outwit opponents in donor sports unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.