Lesson 4 - Defending in Game Scenarios
Strategic Thinking: Treasure Games
•Year 1
•Invasion Games
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How can defenders work together to protect their treasure and stop attackers from winning?
Learning Objectives
- To apply simple defending principles in game situations
- To understand the role and responsibilities of a defender
- To develop basic defensive strategies through practical application
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate basic defending skills by tagging attackers effectively
- Students will show understanding of when and why to defend during games
- Students will work cooperatively to apply simple defensive strategies
Equipment & Resources Required
Place in central treasure zone for main activities
Alternative: Soft balls, cones, hoops
Mark boundaries and treasure zones clearly
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines
Help identify defenders in group activities
Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured tops
Key Vocabulary
A player whose job is to stop attackers from scoring or taking treasure
A player who tries to score points or take treasure from the defenders
Gently touching another player to stop them in the game
A plan for how to play well and work together
Objects that attackers try to collect and defenders try to protect
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Students can run and change direction safely
- Students understand basic rules of tag games
- Students have experienced simple attack and defence activities
Current Skills
- Applying defending principles in structured games
- Understanding the consequences of defensive actions
- Working collaboratively in small group games
Next Steps
- More complex defending strategies with multiple defenders
- Introduction to offensive and defensive transitions
- Team-based attack v defence games with specific roles
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Defenders should position themselves between attackers and their target/escape route
- Quick direction changes and speed adjustments are essential for successful defending
- Communication and teamwork make defending more effective than individual efforts
- Gentle, safe tagging technique protects all players and maintains fair play
- Honest play when tagged builds trust and sportsmanship in all students
- Defending is just as important and exciting as attacking in games
- Strategic thinking and positioning matter more than just running fast
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: Defenders should always chase the nearest attacker. Correction: Defenders should position strategically and work together to cover space
- Misconception: Running fast is the only skill needed for defending. Correction: Positioning, watching, and quick direction changes are equally important
- Misconception: Defenders can use any method to stop attackers. Correction: Only gentle tagging is allowed, no pushing or grabbing
- Misconception: Defending is less important than attacking. Correction: Both roles are essential and equally valuable in games
- Misconception: Tagged players can continue playing if they weren't tagged hard. Correction: Any tag means stop immediately and perform penalty
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity periods, clear simple instructions, movement breaks, positive reinforcement system
dyspraxia
- Slower pace options, larger target areas, simplified equipment, extra practice time for movement skills
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule, consistent routines, quiet space available, advance warning of game changes
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured equipment, clear verbal cues for boundaries, buddy system for support, tactile markers for zones
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for start/stop, demonstration-based teaching, written instruction cards, clear lip reading position
physical disability
- Seated defending positions, modified treasure collection, adapted tagging with soft implements, wheelchair accessible zones
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting treasure pieces, timing activities, measuring distances for zones, comparing scores between rounds
Science
Understanding forces when tagging, how the body moves and changes direction, heart rate changes during activity
Geography
Spatial awareness, understanding boundaries and zones, using directional language
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, honesty and fair play, leadership and following instructions, celebrating others' success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups to observe all students, stand where you can see the whole space
Observation Focus
Watch for safe tagging, rule following, cooperation, and application of defending principles
Intervention Points
Step in if play becomes too aggressive, students not following rules, or safety concerns arise
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate with enthusiasm, use clear body language, involve students in demonstrations where safe
Verbal Cues
- •'Gentle tagging only!'
- •'Eyes up, watch the attackers!'
- •'Work together defenders!'
- •'Brilliant honesty when tagged!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m clear space, multiple smaller zones for group work
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from debris, suitable for running and direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Beanbags checked for secure stitching
- •Cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Playing areas clearly marked with safe boundaries
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during chase activities
- •Aggressive tagging leading to falls
- •Excitement levels becoming unsafe
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and enforced
- •Gentle tagging technique demonstrated and reinforced
- •Adult positioning for maximum visibility of all groups
- •Regular reminders about safe play
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all activity areas simultaneously
- •Monitor energy levels and intervene if becoming too competitive
- •Watch for tired students who may take risks
Emergency Procedures
Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation route identified