Lesson 3 - Defensive Principles Overview
Strategic Thinking: Treasure Games
•Year 1
•Invasion Games
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can defenders work together to protect their territory and prevent attackers from scoring?
Learning Objectives
- To understand what defending means in sport and games
- To learn basic defensive strategies such as positioning and movement
- To develop the ability to tag attackers while working as a team
Key Outcomes
- Students will understand the role of a defender in games
- Students will demonstrate basic defensive movements and positioning
- Students will apply simple defensive strategies in game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Use to mark out 4-5 scoring zones across playing area
Alternative: Bean bags, small mats, or playground chalk
To identify defenders clearly during games
Alternative: Different coloured bands or arm bands
For drawing simple game diagrams and explaining rules
Alternative: Large paper and felt tip pen
Key Vocabulary
A player whose job is to stop the attackers from scoring
A player trying to score points or reach a target
Gently touching another player with your hand
The area or space that defenders need to protect
The area where attackers try to reach to score points
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running and stopping on command
- Understanding of personal space and boundaries
- Simple tagging games experience
- Following basic game rules
Current Skills
- Understanding defensive concepts and vocabulary
- Positioning to defend territory or zones
- Coordinated movement with change of speed and direction
- Team defensive strategies
Next Steps
- Advanced defensive positioning and communication
- Transition from attack to defence
- Defending in invasion games with equipment
- Creating defensive strategies in small-sided games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Defending means protecting territory or preventing attackers from scoring
- Good defenders position themselves strategically rather than just chasing
- Communication and teamwork make defending much more effective
- Defenders must be ready to adapt their position based on what attackers do
- Gentle, safe tagging technique is essential for enjoyable games
- Understanding consequences helps players make better defensive choices
- Defending skills transfer to many different sports and games
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking defending is just about running fast and catching people
- Believing all defenders should chase the same attacker
- Not understanding that positioning is more important than speed
- Thinking defenders don't need to communicate with teammates
- Assuming that rough tagging makes you a better defender
- Believing defending is only important in some sports, not others
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Use shorter activity bursts, provide clear role definition, give specific positioning jobs, celebrate focus and attention
dyspraxia
- Use larger boundary areas, allow extra thinking time for positioning, break down instructions into smaller steps
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual routine card, allow practice of new games before full participation, offer quiet zone if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured cones and bibs, provide verbal descriptions of game setup, pair with sighted buddy for positioning guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals for start/stop, demonstrate all instructions, ensure student can see teacher's face when speaking
physical disability
- Modify to walking pace if needed, use seated version where appropriate, adjust boundaries to suit mobility
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting scores and tags, understanding position and direction vocabulary, spatial awareness concepts
Science
Understanding forces in movement, learning about heart rate and exercise, exploring balance and coordination
Geography
Positional language (near, far, between), understanding space and boundaries, mapping movement around areas
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, following rules and consequences, developing resilience and perseverance
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at edge of playing area where all students are visible, move around perimeter during activities
Observation Focus
Monitor defensive positioning, teamwork, safe tagging technique, and student understanding of concepts
Intervention Points
Step in if tagging becomes rough, if students ignore boundaries, or if defensive strategies need prompting
Demonstration Notes
Use student examples during games to highlight good defensive positioning. Stop play briefly to show tactical positioning. Use clear, simple language with visual demonstrations.
Verbal Cues
- •'Spread out defenders!'
- •'Gentle tags only!'
- •'Work as a team!'
- •'Think about your positioning!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m clear space, free from obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from water, leaves or other slip hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Cones placed securely with no sharp edges
- •Bibs checked for tears or damage
- •Markers visible and stable
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during chasing games
- •Slips and falls during direction changes
- •Rough tagging leading to injuries
- •Overexertion during high energy activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and reinforced
- •Gentle tagging technique taught and monitored
- •Adequate rest periods between high intensity activities
- •Supervision positioned for maximum visibility
- •Clear stop signal established and practiced
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position at edge of playing area for full view
- •Move around perimeter during games to monitor all students
- •Focus on tagging technique and student interactions
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately on signal, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, notify school office if needed