Lesson 2 - Defending with Sideways Movement
Game Skills & Tactics
•Year 1
•Invasion Games
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How can moving sideways help us become better defenders?
Learning Objectives
- Play in a game with defined areas as both attacker and defender
- Use sideways movement to get into better defensive positions
- Work as part of a team to attack and defend effectively
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate sideways movement when defending
- Students will show understanding of attacking and defending roles
- Students will work cooperatively in team games
Equipment & Resources Required
Distribute around the playing area before lesson starts
Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls, or sock balls
Place 2 hoops 2 metres apart in centre of each square
Alternative: Cones in circles, chalk circles, or rope circles
Mark corners of 7x7m squares - need 3 squares for class of 30
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, or rope
Key Vocabulary
Moving left or right while keeping your body facing forward
A player whose job is to stop the other team from scoring
A player whose job is to try to score points for their team
Predicting what might happen next in the game
Where you place yourself on the playing area
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching skills
- Understanding of simple game rules
- Basic spatial awareness
Current Skills
- Sideways movement for defending
- Positioning in attack and defence
- Team communication and cooperation
Next Steps
- More complex defensive strategies
- Advanced movement patterns
- Game tactics and decision making
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Sideways movement involves step-together technique, never crossing feet
- Defenders should stay in ready position facing forward while moving sideways
- Anticipation comes from watching the attacker's body language and ball position
- Teamwork requires communication and supporting each other's efforts
- Success in defending comes from good positioning, not just quick reactions
- Practice makes progress - celebrate effort and improvement over winning
- Connect movement skills to real game situations for better understanding
Common Misconceptions
- That defending means standing still and waiting - correct by emphasising active movement
- That crossing feet is acceptable in sideways movement - show why step-together is more stable
- That winning is most important - focus on skill development and teamwork
- That defenders can't communicate - encourage talking and helping teammates
- That faster always means better - emphasise control and accuracy over speed
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent positive feedback, allow movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Use larger equipment, slow down demonstrations, provide extra practice time and support
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules, offer quiet space if needed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of space and positions, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, written instruction cards, ensure clear sight lines to teacher
physical disability
- Modify movement to seated/supported versions, use larger targets, adjust distances as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting jumps and scores, measuring distances for games, understanding shapes and positions
Science
Understanding forces when sliding objects, learning about balance and movement, exploring how muscles work
Geography
Directions and movement (left, right, sideways), spatial awareness and positioning
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, respect for others in competition
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the space to observe all students, position at corner for maximum visibility during games
Observation Focus
Watch for correct sideways movement technique, safe spacing, and positive teamwork
Intervention Points
Step in if students not using sideways movement, if safety concerns arise, or if teamwork breaks down
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate the skill slowly first, then at normal speed, use students as good examples, show common mistakes then correct version
Verbal Cues
- •'Step together, don't cross your feet!'
- •'Watch the ball, then move sideways!'
- •'Great teamwork, keep talking to each other!'
- •'Stay in your ready position!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum hall space 15m x 20m, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip surface free from trip hazards and small objects
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Soft balls and beanbags only - no hard balls
- •Check all equipment for damage before use
- •Cones placed securely and visible to all students
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during sideways movement
- •Trips and falls when moving quickly
- •Beanbags/balls hitting students
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and explained
- •Adequate spacing between groups during activities
- •Emphasis on controlled movement rather than speed
- •Use of soft equipment only
- •Constant supervision and positioning for maximum visibility
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all groups during multi-group activities
- •Move around space to observe different students closely
- •Monitor for signs of fatigue or frustration
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, follow school protocols