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Lesson 6 - Consolidating Defending Skills

Strategic Thinking: Treasure Games

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Year 1

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Invasion Games

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45 min

Big Question

How can we become brilliant defenders who protect our treasure from attackers?

Learning Objectives

To consolidate understanding of defending roles and responsibilities
To apply defensive strategies effectively in game situations
To demonstrate appropriate speed and direction changes when defending

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective defensive positioning and movement
Students will explain why defending is important in games
Students will show improved tagging technique and strategic thinking

Equipment & Resources Required

Hoops

1 per student (30)

Placed around the outside of the playing area as attacker bases

Alternative: Cones or markers for home bases

Balls

30-40 pieces

Placed in central treasure trove zone

Alternative: Soft cones, foam blocks, or tennis balls

Cones

8-12

Mark out central treasure trove square (3m x 3m)

Alternative: Chalk lines or rope

Bibs

6 different colours

To identify different groups clearly

Alternative: Coloured paper bands or stickers

Key Vocabulary

Defender

A player whose job is to stop the other team from scoring or winning

Attacker

A player trying to score or win by getting past the defenders

Tagging

Touching another player gently with your hand to stop them

Strategy

A clever plan to help you succeed in the game

Treasure trove

The special area where the treasure is kept that defenders must protect

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of attacking and defending concepts
Ability to run and change direction safely
Understanding of simple game rules

Current Skills

Consolidating defensive positioning and movement
Applying strategic thinking to defensive play
Understanding consequences of defensive actions

Next Steps

Introduction to team defending strategies
More complex invasion games with multiple defenders
Understanding of offensive and defensive transitions

Milestone Indicators

Demonstrates consistent defensive positioning

Shows strategic thinking in game situations

Explains defensive concepts clearly to others

Key Teaching Points

Defenders protect territory by positioning between attackers and treasure
Gentle tagging technique using open palm on shoulder or back only
Strategic thinking involves watching attackers and anticipating their movements
Good defenders stay calm and focused rather than chasing frantically
Fair play and following rules makes games enjoyable for everyone
Different defensive strategies work better against different types of attackers
Defenders must balance protecting treasure with tagging attackers

Common Misconceptions

Thinking defenders should chase attackers instead of protecting territory
Believing tagging can be rough or forceful
Assuming one defensive strategy works for all situations
Thinking defending is less important than attacking
Believing defenders should try to watch all attackers equally
Assuming defensive positioning doesn't matter as long as you can run fast

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter game segments, clear role definitions, regular movement breaks, positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Extra practice of tagging technique, simplified rules initially, larger equipment for easier handling

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, defined boundaries, quiet zones available during breaks

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, clear verbal instructions, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all rules, hand signals for game management, written instruction cards

physical disability

Modify tagging to gentle touching, allow seated defending position, adapt movement requirements

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting treasure pieces, scoring systems, measuring distances for game areas

Science

Understanding forces and motion in defensive movements, reaction times

Geography

Spatial awareness, positioning concepts, understanding of territory and boundaries

PSHE

Teamwork, fair play, following rules, respecting others, managing competition emotions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups to observe all students, position for quick intervention if needed

Observation Focus

Watch for correct defensive positioning, safe tagging technique, and strategic thinking

Intervention Points

Step in if tagging becomes rough, if students don't understand rules, or if safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when showing defensive positions and tagging technique

Verbal Cues

•'Gentle tags only!'
•'Watch the attackers!'
•'Great defensive positioning!'
•'Think about your strategy!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 15m, clear of obstacles with additional 2m safety buffer

Surface Check

Even surface free of holes, debris, or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Beanbags checked for tears or loose filling
•Hoops inspected for cracks or sharp edges
•Cones stable and positioned safely

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during chasing
•Falls due to quick direction changes
•Rough tagging or physical contact

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained
•Gentle tagging technique taught and reinforced
•Adequate spacing between groups
•Controlled movement emphasised throughout

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups simultaneously
•Monitor tagging technique continuously
•Watch for fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, clear access to first aid, emergency contact available