Lesson 6 - Defensive Positioning Skills
Game Skills & Tactics
•Year 1
•Invasion Games
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How can we position ourselves to be the best defenders and protect our targets?
Learning Objectives
- Identify where to stand to defend goals (hoops) effectively
- Play in competitive games using defined rules
- Make tactical decisions about defensive positioning during gameplay
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate understanding of defensive positioning concepts
- Students will participate successfully in competitive team games
- Students will apply defensive strategies in game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around playing area perimeter
Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls, bean bags
Placed 2 metres apart in centre of each square
Alternative: Buckets, targets, cones in circles
Mark corners of 7x7m squares
Alternative: Markers, spots, chalk lines
Different colours for each team
Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured t-shirts
Key Vocabulary
Standing between the ball and the target you are protecting
Standing on toes with knees bent, ready to move quickly
Staying close to an opponent to prevent them from receiving the ball
Stopping the ball when it's passed between attackers
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of attacking and defending roles
- Can follow simple game rules
- Can work cooperatively in small teams
Current Skills
- Defensive positioning awareness
- Quick direction changes when defending
- Ready position for defending
Next Steps
- Advanced defensive strategies
- Communication during defensive play
- Coordinated team defending
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Defensive positioning is about being between the ball and the target you're protecting
- Stay on toes in ready position to move quickly in any direction
- Face the ball carrier and adjust position as the ball moves
- Communication with defensive partner is essential for team success
- Fair play and no contact rules keep everyone safe and make games enjoyable
Common Misconceptions
- Children thinking defenders should stand next to the target instead of between ball and target
- Belief that defenders should chase the ball rather than maintain position
- Assumption that bigger/stronger children automatically make better defenders
- Thinking that defenders can't move or must stay in one spot
- Misconception that defending is less important or exciting than attacking
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short activity bursts, clear visual boundaries, regular movement breaks, simple rule reminders
dyspraxia
- Larger targets, slower ball movement, extra practice time, simplified positioning concepts
autism spectrum
- Clear visual boundaries, consistent routines, quiet zones if needed, predictable role rotations
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of positioning, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and demonstrations, written rule cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Adapted rules for wheelchair users, modified throwing distances, seated defensive positions
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting scores, understanding positions and directions, measuring distances in metres
Science
Understanding forces in throwing, balance and movement, reaction times
Geography
Spatial awareness, understanding relative positions, mapping playing areas
PSHE
Teamwork, cooperation, fair play, managing emotions in competition, resilience
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between playing areas to observe all groups, position for maximum visibility during games
Observation Focus
Watch for defensive positioning, rule compliance, safety, and teamwork
Intervention Points
Step in if rules are broken, safety concerns arise, or children need positioning guidance
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements to show defensive positioning, repeat demonstrations as needed
Verbal Cues
- •Get between ball and hoop!
- •Stay on your toes!
- •Great defensive position!
- •Work together!
- •Fair play!
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Multiple 7x7m areas with 2m clearance between playing spaces
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check balls are appropriate size and softness for Year 1
- •Ensure hoops are stable and won't cause tripping
- •Verify cones have no sharp edges or damage
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between players
- •Tripping over equipment
- •Ball impacts to face
- •Falls during quick direction changes
Risk Mitigation
- •Enforce no contact rule strictly
- •Clear boundaries to prevent collisions
- •Use soft balls appropriate for age group
- •Adequate space between playing areas
- •Emphasise controlled movements
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe multiple groups simultaneously
- •Monitor compliance with no contact rule
- •Watch for appropriate force in throwing
- •Ensure safe entry/exit from playing areas
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required