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Lesson 4 - Attacking and Defending with Hoops

Attack & Defence Basics

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Year 1

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Invasion Games

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45 min

Big Question

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

Balls

6 per pair (60 total)

Distributed in container at side of area for easy collection

Alternative: Small soft balls, tennis balls, foam balls

Hoops

2 per pair (30 total)

Placed 2 metres apart with defending line marked

Alternative: Large targets, baskets, marked circles on floor

Cones

20-30

Mark boundaries, defending lines, and throwing positions

Alternative: Markers, spots, chalk lines

Measuring Tapes

For setting up 2-metre distances between hoops

Alternative: Pre-measured rope, metre sticks

Key Vocabulary

Underarm throw

Throwing technique with hand starting below waist level, swinging upward

Defending

Protecting your hoop by positioning body to block opponents' throws

Attacking

Trying to score by throwing beanbags into opponent's hoop

Follow-through

Continuing the throwing motion after releasing the beanbag

Ready position

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

Consistent underarm throwing technique with follow-through

Anticipatory defending movements

Strategic thinking about attacking and defending

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