Tackling and marking players
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use block and jab tackle to gain possession of the ball.
Key learning points
- Move: timing your jab tackle enables you to intercept the ball effectively while reducing the risk of committing a foul.
- Move: getting low in a block tackle improves stability, making it easier to control the ball
- Think: contacting the body instead of the ball is dangerous and illegal and will lead to a free hit to the opposition.
- Feel: self-awareness of the dribbling skills of others helps improve overall success rates
- Connect: clear communication about marking ensures effective defence and prevents confusion amongst teammates.
Keywords
Block tackle - a player holds their stick flat on the ground to block or stop an opponent’s dribble or pass
Jab tackle - turning your stick so the face is pointing up and jabbing at the ball to disrupt the player on the ball
Goal side marking - a player stays between their opponent and the goal to block scoring opportunities
Common misconception
It's only the defenders that need to be good at tackling.
Tackling is a crucial skill for all players, not just defenders. Midfielders need to win possession and disrupt attacks, while forwards use tackling to press high up the pitch and regain the ball in attacking areas.
Teacher tip
For learning cycle 2, you may wish to incorporate the teaching of a long corner and tactics surrounding scoring from a long corner.
Equipment
1 ball per pupil, 1 stick per pupil, 30+ cones and 4 goals (optional).
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Why is it beneficial to put your whole stick along the ground when stopping a ball?
Q2.What is it called if an outfield player stops the ball with their foot?
Q3.Which position is a back defender?
Q4.What is likely to be awarded if the opposition breaks a rule?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Whose role is it to make the tackles?
Q2.Which is not a type of tackle in hockey?
Q3.When goal side marking, the defender should stand between the goal and what else?
Q4.What is the best way to let your defending teammates know who you are marking?
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Tackling and marking players, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Tackling and marking players, 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 Invasion games: tactics and strategies in hockey unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.