Tackling and marking
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can mark an attacker, close down with correct body position to tackle the ball without fouling.
Key learning points
- Move: keeping your eyes on the ball helps to determine when best to step in and tackle.
- Think: when there is low threat of a shot, it is best to mark/jockey a player rather than dive in with a tackle.
- Feel: use body awareness of self and opponent to make a well timed tackle to avoid a foul.
- Connect: good communication from teammates helps with the decision making process when marking a player.
Keywords
Tackle - taking the ball away from the feet of another player
Mark - positioning yourself near an opposing player to reduce their attacking capabilities
Jockey - delaying and steering the ball carrier away from goal
Closing down - moving towards an attacker to deny space for the ball carrier to move into
Common misconception
Pupils think that defending is only important when playing a defensive position or during set pieces.
Defence starts from the striker position and works all the back to the GK. Defending well as an individual leads to collective marking and reduction of attacking space and opportunities.
Teacher tip
Although the lesson focus is tackling and marking, the practices are beneficial to revisit the key points on passing, ball control on the move and shooting.
Equipment
1 football between 3, 30+ cones, 21+ bibs, football goals.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is a deceptive movement to outwit a defender?
Q2.How will pupils know when it is best to pass or dribble?
Q3.What is a key teaching point for dribbling?
Q4.What technique uses the inside of the foot to direct the ball backwards?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What should your eyes be focussed on when jockeying?
Q2.What is the purpose of jockeying?
Q3.What is most needed to make a well timed tackle?
Q4.Where should a defender be positioned when marking a player?
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Tackling and marking, 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, 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 Non-examined assessment: football practical unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.