New
New
Year 10
Edexcel

Tackling and marking

I can mark an attacker, close down with correct body position to tackle the ball without fouling.

New
New
Year 10
Edexcel

Tackling and marking

I can mark an attacker, close down with correct body position to tackle the ball without fouling.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: keeping your eyes on the ball helps to determine when best to step in and tackle.
  2. Think: when there is low threat of a shot, it is best to mark/jockey a player rather than dive in with a tackle.
  3. Feel: use body awareness of self and opponent to make a well timed tackle to avoid a foul.
  4. 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 to mainly 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.


To help you plan your year 10 physical education lesson on: Tackling and marking, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

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.
Teacher tip

Equipment

1 football between 3, 30+ cones, 21+ bibs, football goals

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
What is a deceptive movement to outwit a defender?
dribble
trap
Correct answer: feint
Q2.
How will pupils know when it is best to pass or dribble?
Correct answer: communication
positivity
determination
Q3.
What is a key teaching point for dribbling?
Correct answer: close to feet
using toes
a few touches
Q4.
What technique uses the inside of the foot to direct the ball backwards?
drag back
step over
Correct answer: Cruyff turn

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
On what should your eyes be focussed when jockeying?
Correct answer: the ball
a player
the GK
Q2.
What is the purpose of jockeying?
to win the ball
Correct answer: delay the player
tackle
Q3.
What is needed to make a well timed tackle?
Correct Answer: self-awareness
Q4.
Where should a defender be positioned when marking a player?
Correct Answer: touch tight