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      Exploring defensive strategies and kicking

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      Apply effective positioning in defence and use kicking to prevent points being scored.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: driving your knees up and keeping elbows back will help to maximise speed when moving into defensive positions.
      2. Move: kicking the underside of the kin-ball with the top of the foot upwards will help to keep the ball in play.
      3. Think: creating a square around the set position will maximise the chances of successfully defending an attacking play.
      4. Feel: providing a secondary support for teammates to build a sense of unity.
      5. Connect: providing clear and concise instructions to teammates supports strategic play during dynamic game situations.

      Keywords

      • Set - a position involving 3 players where they present the kin-ball to the hitter to strike the ball

      • Unity - teamwork, coordination and communication among players to effectively play together

      • Defence - positioning and teamwork to prevent the kin-ball from touching the ground

      Common misconception

      Kicking the kin-ball on its side, similar to kicking a football, is considered an effective strategy.

      It is important to kick the kin-ball on the underside of the ball to help reduce the risk of injury and maximise the chances of gaining height and therefore keeping it off the floor.

      Teacher tip

      During 'popcorn', ensure spacing to prevent collisions and create a safety zone. If you have enough space, have 2 games going on at once - higher activity levels.

      Equipment

      4 kin-balls. 3 sets of bibs

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - physical activity

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What is the name of the set position that enables greater stability?

      pyramid
      Correct answer: tripod
      corridor

      Q2.
      Where should you hit a kin-ball to maximise the chances of scoring?

      Correct answer: into space
      at defenders
      up high

      Q3.
      What does producing a stable “set” require?

      hitting
      arguing
      Correct answer: teamwork

      Q4.
      What enables players to take more risks and play better in a game?

      confusion
      Correct answer: confidence
      worry

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Where would you aim to hit the kin-ball when using your foot?

      side
      Correct answer: underneath
      top

      Q2.
      What should you do if a kin-ball is hit to your teammate?

      watch it
      wait
      Correct answer: support them

      Q3.
      What does communicating and cooperation promote?

      Correct answer: unity
      division
      conflict

      Q4.
      What shape should a defending team create around an attacking set?

      Correct answer: square
      rectangle
      rhombus

      To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Exploring defensive strategies and kicking, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...