Lesson 5 - Partner Attack and Defence
Attack & Defence Basics
•Year 1
•Invasion Games
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
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
Distributed to pairs at start of activities
Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls
Placed as targets around activity area
Alternative: Buckets, bins, marked targets on wall
Yellow for 'Sun', blue for 'Ice' in warm-up
Alternative: Different coloured bibs, bean bags
Key Vocabulary
When your team has the ball and is trying to score points
When you try to stop the other team from scoring by blocking or intercepting
Catching or stopping the ball when the other team throws it
Quickly attacking after winning the ball back from the other team
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
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