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Lesson 2 - Defending and Intercepting

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 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

Cones

20-30

Used as targets/goals, placed around perimeter of playing area

Alternative: Plastic bottles, bean bags, small hoops

Balls

15-20

Various colours to maintain engagement

Alternative: Soft balls, foam balls

Bibs

To identify teams/pairs if needed

Alternative: Coloured pinnies, wristbands

Key Vocabulary

Defend

To protect your target by stopping the ball from reaching it

Intercept

To stop or catch the ball before it reaches its intended target

Ready position

Standing with knees bent, on toes, hands spread, ready to move quickly

Target

The goal or cone that needs to be protected from the ball

Attacker

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

Consistent ready position maintained during defensive play

Successful interceptions made in game situations

Understanding demonstrated of when and how to defend

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