Lesson 2 - Defending and Intercepting
Attack & Defence Basics
•Year 1
•Invasion Games
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How can we use our bodies like shields to protect our targets from attackers?
Learning Objectives
- To experiment with catching different sized balls and beanbags
- To develop basic defensive positioning and intercepting techniques
- To understand how to protect a target using defensive body position
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate basic defending skills to protect targets
- Students will show understanding of defensive body positioning
- Students will successfully intercept balls and beanbags using appropriate techniques
Equipment & Resources Required
Used as targets/goals, placed around perimeter of playing area
Alternative: Plastic bottles, bean bags, small hoops
Various colours to maintain engagement
Alternative: Soft balls, foam balls
To identify teams/pairs if needed
Alternative: Coloured pinnies, wristbands
Key Vocabulary
To protect your target by stopping the ball from reaching it
To stop or catch the ball before it reaches its intended target
Standing with knees bent, on toes, hands spread, ready to move quickly
The goal or cone that needs to be protected from the ball
The person trying to hit the target with the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and catching skills
- Understanding of simple games with rules
- Ability to follow instructions and work in pairs
Current Skills
- Defensive body positioning with ready stance
- Intercepting balls and beanbags using hands and feet
- Quick reaction and movement between attack and defence
Next Steps
- Advanced defending techniques with footwork
- Team defending strategies
- Transition from defence to attack
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Defensive position requires knees bent, hands ready, and positioning between attacker and target
- Eyes should track the ball rather than the attacker to anticipate direction
- Quick reactions are important but maintaining correct position is priority
- Defending is about being a barrier - make yourself wide and stable
- Practice makes improvement - celebrate attempts as well as successes
- Safe, controlled movements are essential for injury prevention
- Working with partners develops cooperation and communication skills
Common Misconceptions
- Defenders should watch the attacker instead of the ball - teach to watch ball movement
- Defending means running towards the attacker - teach positioning between ball and target
- Faster movement is always better - emphasise control and positioning over speed
- Only hands can be used for defending - explain whole body can act as barrier
- Defending is about catching everything - explain blocking and deflecting are also successful
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Incorporate regular movement breaks, use shorter activity segments, provide clear boundaries and rules
dyspraxia
- Use larger equipment for easier handling, break down defensive position into smaller steps, provide extra practice time and encouragement
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedule for lesson sections, allow quiet space if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and beanbags, provide clear verbal descriptions of activities, assign sighted buddy for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals alongside verbal instructions, ensure clear line of sight for demonstrations, use written numbers as well as called numbers
physical disability
- Adapt defensive position for seated/standing limitations, use larger targets for easier success, modify ball sizes and speeds as appropriate
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following verbal instructions, using descriptive language for movements, listening skills during number calling
Maths
Counting pairs for Numbers Game, understanding position and direction, measuring distances between attackers and defenders
Science
Forces and movement, understanding how body position affects balance and stability, reaction times
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation with partners, resilience when defending doesn't work, supporting and encouraging others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at edge of playing area for clear view of all students, move between pairs during partner work
Observation Focus
Watch for correct defensive stance, safe movement speeds, and positive interaction between partners
Intervention Points
Step in if students become over-excited or unsafe, provide immediate feedback on defensive positioning
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate defensive position with exaggerated movements for clarity, use positive student examples to reinforce learning
Verbal Cues
- •'Knees bent like sitting on invisible chair!'
- •'Hands ready to catch!'
- •'Eyes on the ball!'
- •'Be the shield for your target!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 15m hall or playground space, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, adequate grip for quick movements
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all balls properly inflated but not over-inflated
- •Ensure beanbags in good condition with no split seams
- •Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Balls stored safely when not in use
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during Tom and Jerry activity
- •Slips and falls when changing direction quickly
- •Ball strikes to face during defending practice
- •Fatigue from maintaining crouched defensive position
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for all activities
- •Adequate spacing maintained between pairs/groups
- •Controlled throwing/sliding speeds emphasised
- •Regular position breaks during skill practice
- •Use of soft equipment appropriate for age group
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students
- •Monitor Tom and Jerry activity for safe speeds
- •Check defensive position practice for signs of fatigue
- •Ensure throwing remains controlled during Numbers Game
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately with raised hand signal, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students remain safely seated