Lesson 4 - Attacking and Defending with Hoops
Attack & Defence Basics
•Year 1
•Invasion Games
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How can we use movement and body position to both score points and stop our opponents from scoring?
Learning Objectives
- To score points by throwing beanbags or balls into an opponent's hoop using underarm technique
- To demonstrate simple defending positions and movements to protect a hoop
- To describe throwing techniques and defensive strategies used during games
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully throw beanbags into hoops using correct underarm technique
- Students will show defensive body positions to protect their hoop
- Students will explain how they attacked and defended during game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed in container at side of area for easy collection
Alternative: Small soft balls, tennis balls, foam balls
Placed 2 metres apart with defending line marked
Alternative: Large targets, baskets, marked circles on floor
Mark boundaries, defending lines, and throwing positions
Alternative: Markers, spots, chalk lines
For setting up 2-metre distances between hoops
Alternative: Pre-measured rope, metre sticks
Key Vocabulary
Throwing technique with hand starting below waist level, swinging upward
Protecting your hoop by positioning body to block opponents' throws
Trying to score by throwing beanbags into opponent's hoop
Continuing the throwing motion after releasing the beanbag
Balanced stance with knees bent, ready to move in any direction
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching skills
- Understanding of simple games with targets
- Ability to follow simple rules and instructions
Current Skills
- Underarm throwing technique for accuracy
- Defensive positioning and movement
- Basic attacking strategies and movement patterns
Next Steps
- Advanced throwing techniques with different trajectories
- Team defending strategies
- Complex attacking movements with feints and deception
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Underarm throwing technique with step, swing, and follow-through is essential for accuracy
- Defensive ready position with bent knees and wide arms enables quick movement responses
- Movement creates better attacking opportunities and defending positions
- Taking turns and fair play are as important as skill development
- Connecting learning to other sports helps students understand broader applications
- Encouragement and positive attitude build confidence for skill development
- Safety awareness must be maintained throughout all activities
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think throwing harder automatically means more accurate - emphasise technique over power
- Some may believe defending means staying in one spot - teach movement and anticipation
- Students might focus only on their own performance - encourage awareness of opponents and teammates
- May assume overarm throwing is better than underarm - demonstrate why underarm is more accurate for this activity
- Could think that bigger movements are always better - teach control and precision
- Might believe that winning is the only measure of success - emphasise skill development and improvement
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break instructions into smaller steps, provide frequent positive reinforcement, use movement breaks between explanations, clear visual boundaries and rules
dyspraxia
- Use larger, easier-to-grip beanbags, reduce complexity of movements initially, provide additional practice time, break skills into smaller components
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule of lesson activities, use consistent routines and signals, offer quiet space if needed, give advance notice of activity changes
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured beanbags and hoops, provide clear verbal descriptions of setup and movements, assign sighted buddy for guidance, use tactile boundaries
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for key commands, ensure student can see teacher's face during instructions
physical disability
- Adapt throwing distance based on ability, provide seated throwing options, use lighter or larger equipment as needed, modify defensive positions for mobility
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting successful shots and comparing scores, measuring 2-metre distances, understanding simple statistics about accuracy
Science
Forces and motion in throwing, trajectory and angles of throws, balance and stability in defensive positions
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and movement patterns, mapping game strategies
PSHE
Taking turns and sharing fairly, dealing with winning and losing, supporting and encouraging others, building resilience when facing challenges
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter during activities for full visibility, position centrally for demonstrations, circulate between pairs/groups during practice
Observation Focus
Watch for correct throwing technique, appropriate defensive movement, safe spacing between students, engagement and understanding
Intervention Points
Step in if unsafe throwing directions, technique breakdown affecting learning, partnership difficulties, rule confusion in games
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for technique visibility, demonstrate both correct and incorrect forms for comparison, involve confident students in demonstrations when appropriate
Verbal Cues
- •'Step and swing!' for throwing reminder
- •'Ready position!' for defensive stance
- •'Soft throws, hard work!' for effort encouragement
- •'Watch and move!' for defensive awareness
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum hall space 20m x 15m, or outdoor hard court area with clear boundaries
Surface Check
Non-slip surface free from water or debris, adequate grip for running and stopping movements
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Soft beanbags checked for split seams or loose filling
- •Hoops inspected for cracks or sharp edges
- •Cones positioned to avoid tripping hazards when not in use
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during games
- •Slips and falls during quick direction changes
- •Being struck by thrown beanbags
- •Tripping over equipment on floor
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and maintained
- •Adequate spacing between playing pairs/groups
- •Soft, safe throwing equipment only
- •Rules about safe throwing directions enforced
- •Equipment stored safely when not in use
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students
- •Monitor high-activity areas during games
- •Circulate during partner work to ensure safety
- •Watch for fatigue affecting safe movement
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately on safety signal, assess any incidents calmly, provide appropriate first aid support, ensure other students remain safely occupied