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Lesson 5 - Partner Attack and Defence

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 work together as a team to score points and stop the other team from scoring?

Learning Objectives

Work cooperatively with a partner to attack and defend targets against opposition
Use simple communication and tactical awareness to improve team play
Apply attacking and defending skills in competitive game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will work effectively with a partner to score and defend points
Students will demonstrate basic tactical understanding in 2v2 games
Students will communicate with their partner to improve performance

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls

1 per pair (15)

Distributed to pairs at start of activities

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls

Hoops

4-8 depending on activity

Placed as targets around activity area

Alternative: Buckets, bins, marked targets on wall

Cones

20-30

Yellow for 'Sun', blue for 'Ice' in warm-up

Alternative: Different coloured bibs, bean bags

Key Vocabulary

Attack

When your team has the ball and is trying to score points

Defend

When you try to stop the other team from scoring by blocking or intercepting

Intercept

Catching or stopping the ball when the other team throws it

Counterattack

Quickly attacking after winning the ball back from the other team

Pass

Throwing the ball to your partner to help score

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of personal space
Simple 1v1 attacking and defending concepts

Current Skills

Partner cooperation in competitive situations
Basic tactical awareness in 2v2 games
Communication during gameplay

Next Steps

More complex team tactics
Increased speed of play
Understanding of game strategies

Milestone Indicators

Consistent passing before shooting

Effective communication with partner

Quick transition between attack and defence

Key Teaching Points

Partners must communicate before every throw or tactical decision
Pass before shooting rule is non-negotiable for developing teamwork
Defensive positioning should be taught as 'making yourself big' between opponent and target
Emphasise cooperation over competition throughout all activities
Use positive language to celebrate attempts as well as success
Encourage children to help their partner rather than do everything themselves
Quick transitions between attacking and defending roles keep all children active

Common Misconceptions

Children think attacking means running straight at targets - teach using space and passing
Belief that defending means grabbing or pushing - emphasise positioning and blocking
Assumption that faster/stronger children should do everything - promote equal partnership roles
Thinking that winning is most important - consistently reinforce teamwork and improvement goals
Misconception that talking during games is cheating - actively encourage communication

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent position changes, clear short instructions, immediate positive feedback for good behaviour

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, slower-paced demonstrations, extra practice time for skills

autism spectrum

Clear routine and structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of all actions, tactile boundaries with rope or cones

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, ensure child can see teacher's face

physical disability

Modify throwing distances, allow seated play if needed, provide alternative roles like coaching

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, listening to partner instructions, speaking clearly during games, using descriptive language for tactics

Maths

Counting successful shots and goals, understanding pairs and teamwork numbers, measuring distances for throwing

Science

Understanding forces in throwing, balance and stability in defensive positions, heart rate changes during exercise

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, managing emotions during competition, celebrating others' success, resilience when losing

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between 2v2 areas to provide equal attention, position for maximum visibility of all groups

Observation Focus

Partner communication, rule adherence, safety in competitive situations, inclusion of all children

Intervention Points

Step in if rules forgotten, provide tactical hints to struggling pairs, manage competitive emotions

Demonstration Notes

Use child volunteers for demonstrations, exaggerate movements for clarity, involve whole class in examples

Verbal Cues

•'Pass first, then shoot!'
•'Talk to your partner!'
•'Great defending - you blocked that well!'
•'How can you work together?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor area minimum 20m x 15m, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from hazards, adequate cushioning for potential falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check beanbags/balls for damage and cleanliness
•Ensure hoops are stable and properly positioned
•Cones placed safely away from high-activity areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between moving children
•Falls during quick direction changes
•Overexcitement leading to unsafe play
•Equipment throwing causing injury

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and playing areas established
•Emphasis on controlled movement and gentle contact
•Regular safety reminders during activity
•Teacher positioned for maximum visibility

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all playing areas simultaneously
•Move between groups during activities
•Monitor emotional state of children during competition

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation route identified