Lesson 6 - Consolidating Defending Skills
Strategic Thinking: Treasure Games
•Year 1
•Invasion Games
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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
Placed around the outside of the playing area as attacker bases
Alternative: Cones or markers for home bases
Placed in central treasure trove zone
Alternative: Soft cones, foam blocks, or tennis balls
Mark out central treasure trove square (3m x 3m)
Alternative: Chalk lines or rope
To identify different groups clearly
Alternative: Coloured paper bands or stickers
Key Vocabulary
A player whose job is to stop the other team from scoring or winning
A player trying to score or win by getting past the defenders
Touching another player gently with your hand to stop them
A clever plan to help you succeed in the game
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
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