Blocks and defensive techniques
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can guard and block effectively to defend against attacks.
Key learning points
- Move: using the bony part of the forearm to block attacks ensures a stronger defence.
- Move: blocking with small, controlled movements allows quick reactions to attackers movements.
- Think: returning quickly to a guard position after each block keeps your defence ready.
- Feel: practising controlled and safe blocking and striking techniques develops and demonstrates respect.
- Connect: working cooperatively and communicating clearly with partners ensures safe and effective practice.
Keywords
Guard - a defensive stance to protect yourself
Block - a movement used to deflect or stop an attack
Strike - a deliberate attack using a part of the body or an object to hit a target area, such as the head, body or legs
Common misconception
Pupils often drop their guard after blocking leaving their head and body exposed.
Focus on returning to the guard stance after every block and continue to prompt pupils throughout the lesson.
Teacher tip
Emphasise the importance of control for the attackers when using the pool noodles. Accurate strikes are important to allow the blockers to practice blocking effectively. For anxious students, focus on blocking single strikes and provide verbal cues before striking.
Equipment
Pool noodles (1 between 2) or boxing pads or foam javelins
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What can you create through giving positive feedback?
Q2.Which hand is used when performing a jab?
Q3.What part of your body should your hands be in front of when in the guard position?
Q4.Which movement requires rotation of the hips and shoulders to generate power?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which hand do you use for blocking?
Q2.Which of the following describes how blocking movements should be performed?
Q3.Which body part should the arm be positioned in front of when blocking a low strike?
Q4.What name is used to describe the action where we deliberately attack using a part of the body or an object to hit a target area, such as the head, body or legs?
To help you plan your 11 physical education lesson on: Blocks and defensive techniques, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 physical education lesson on: Blocks and defensive techniques, 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 4 physical education lessons from the Health and wellbeing: martial arts and self-defence unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.