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Lesson 6 - Competitive Attack and Defend Games

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 our attacking and defending skills to work as a team and win games?

Learning Objectives

To participate in competitive games against others using attacking and defending skills
To comment on how different attacking and defending skills help in games
To work effectively as part of a team in competitive situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate attacking and defending skills in competitive games
Students will explain how specific skills help their team succeed
Students will show good teamwork and sportsmanship during competition

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls

6-8

Distribute around playing area for easy access

Alternative: Soft play balls, tennis balls

Hoops

8-12

Place 2 hoops at each end of playing areas as goals

Alternative: Cones arranged in circles, chalk circles

Coloured Bibs

15 (5 each of 3 colours)

Different colour for each team, plus referees if needed

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Cones

Mark playing area boundaries and pitch divisions

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines

Whistles

For starting and stopping games clearly

Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals

Scorecards

1 per pitch

Track scores for each game and overall competition

Alternative: Simple tally system, students as scorekeepers

Key Vocabulary

Attack

Moving toward the opponent's goal to try and score

Defend

Protecting your goal and trying to stop the other team from scoring

Competition

Playing games where teams try to beat each other

Tactics

Plans and strategies used to help your team succeed

Teamwork

Working together with your teammates to achieve a common goal

Sportsmanship

Playing fairly and being respectful to opponents and teammates

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic underarm and overarm throwing techniques
Simple defending by following the ball
Understanding of attacking and defending concepts
Basic teamwork and communication skills

Current Skills

Applying attacking skills in competitive games
Using defending skills under pressure
Working as part of a team in game situations
Reflecting on performance and tactics

Next Steps

More complex team tactics and strategies
Advanced attacking combinations
Coordinated team defending
Leadership roles in team games

Milestone Indicators

Consistent use of learned skills during games

Effective communication with teammates

Quick decision-making under pressure

Positive attitude during competition

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise fair play and sportsmanship as being more important than winning
Focus on application of previously learned attacking and defending skills
Encourage positive team communication and support for all teammates
Maintain safety through consistent enforcement of no-contact rule
Celebrate effort, improvement, and character development alongside skill demonstration
Create inclusive environment where all students can contribute to team success
Use competition as motivation for skill development rather than just winning

Common Misconceptions

Competition is only about winning - correct by emphasising skill development and sportsmanship
Contact is allowed in defending - reinforce positioning and interception without touching
Only the strongest players matter - highlight how every team member contributes differently
Rules can be bent if you're losing - maintain consistency and explain why rules keep games fair and safe
Getting upset about losing is normal - teach emotional regulation and focus on learning from games

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short game periods with frequent breaks, clear boundaries and rules, immediate positive feedback, movement opportunities between games

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls for easier handling, simplified rules if needed, extra practice time, patient encouragement and celebration of effort

autism spectrum

Clear, consistent routines for game format, visual schedule of competition rounds, quiet break area available, advance warning of any changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, verbal descriptions of game situations, buddy system with sighted partner, audio signals for starts and stops

hearing impairment

Visual signals for game starts and stops, demonstration of all instructions, written rules displayed, sign language support if available

physical disability

Seated versions of games possible, modified throwing distances, larger targets, adapted equipment as needed, ensure wheelchair accessible playing area

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication within teams, expressing ideas about tactics, describing successful strategies

Maths

Scoring and tallying points, comparing team scores, understanding simple statistics like wins and losses

Science

Understanding how competition affects heart rate and breathing, effects of exercise on the body

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions during competition, respecting others and showing sportsmanship

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sight lines to all game areas, mobile to provide immediate support

Observation Focus

Monitor skill application, team dynamics, safety compliance, and competitive spirit

Intervention Points

Step in for safety issues, rule violations, poor sportsmanship, or students struggling with pressure

Demonstration Notes

Show excellent sportsmanship examples, remind of key skills during games, model positive competitive behaviour

Verbal Cues

•'Remember your accurate passing skills!'
•'Great defending - stay close but no touching!'
•'Champions support their teammates!'
•'What a brilliant example of sportsmanship!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or playground, minimum 15m x 20m with multiple game areas, clear boundaries marked

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, adequate grip for quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft balls checked for damage and appropriate pressure
•Hoops inspected for cracks or sharp edges
•Cones stable and visible, not creating trip hazards
•Bibs clean and appropriate size for students

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between enthusiastic players during competitive games
•Contact between players leading to disputes or injury
•Fatigue affecting concentration and safety
•Emotional upset from competitive pressure

Risk Mitigation

•Clear no-contact rule established and consistently enforced
•Adequate space between game areas to prevent interference
•Regular breaks and hydration opportunities
•Teacher positioning for maximum visibility of all games
•Emphasis on sportsmanship and positive competition

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple games simultaneously
•Move between games to provide guidance and ensure safety
•Monitor for signs of fatigue or emotional distress
•Quick response to any rule violations or disputes

Emergency Procedures

Immediate whistle stop for any safety concern, first aid kit accessible, clear route to medical attention, calm management of any injuries or emotional upset