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Lesson 3 - Tracking and Intercepting

Tactical Skill Development

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Year 2

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Invasion Games

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45 min

Big Question

How can defenders use their body position and awareness to stop attackers?

Learning Objectives

To track an opponent effectively using body positioning
To intercept passes by reading the game and positioning correctly
To apply attacking and defending skills in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to track opponents using a sideways-on position
Students will successfully intercept passes in small group activities
Students will demonstrate understanding of defensive principles in games

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

8-10

Have extras ready for quick replacement if balls go out of area

Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls

Coloured Bibs

15 (3 sets of 5)

One colour per team for game session

Alternative: Different coloured bands or t-shirts

Dish Cones

20-25

Mark boundaries, starting positions and target goals

Alternative: Spots, bean bags as markers

Goals

6 small goals

2 goals at each end line for 3 playing areas

Alternative: Cones as goal posts, hoops on floor

Key Vocabulary

Tracking

Following an opponent's movements while staying close enough to defend

Intercepting

Getting in the way of a pass to stop it reaching the intended target

Sideways-on position

Standing with body turned so you can see both the ball and your opponent

Defensive positioning

Where you stand on the court to best defend against attackers

Reading the game

Looking at what's happening to predict what will happen next

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic awareness of opponents in games
Simple passing and receiving skills
Understanding of attack vs defence concepts

Current Skills

Tracking opponents using body position
Intercepting passes through positioning
Reading the game to anticipate play

Next Steps

Coordinated team defending
Advanced intercepting techniques
Tactical understanding of space denial

Milestone Indicators

Maintains visual contact with both ball and opponent

Successfully intercepts 3 out of 5 passes in practice

Demonstrates sideways-on defensive stance consistently

Key Teaching Points

Sideways-on defensive position allows watching both ball and opponent
Tracking means staying close to your opponent while maintaining good position
Intercepting is about positioning yourself in the passing lane, not just catching
Communication with teammates improves defensive effectiveness
Reading the game means watching for clues about where the ball will go
In invasion games, quick transitions between attacking and defending are crucial
Teamwork in defence means supporting each other and covering space

Common Misconceptions

Thinking tracking means following directly behind opponent - correct to sideways position
Believing intercepting is only about catching the ball - emphasise positioning first
Assuming defenders should always watch the ball - teach dual focus technique
Thinking defence is less important than attack - highlight how good defence creates attacks
Believing you can't defend if you're smaller - teach that positioning beats size

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with frequent changes, clear boundary markers, regular movement breaks built in

dyspraxia

Slower-paced demonstrations, extra practice time for positioning, larger balls for easier catching

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet observation zone available if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and bibs, provide clear verbal descriptions of positioning, assign sighted buddy for support

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for game instructions, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Seated defending positions available, modified interception at lower level, adapted distances for wheelchair access

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting attempts in activities, measuring 5m and 2m distances, angles in sideways positioning, scoring and simple statistics

Science

Forces in intercepting movements, friction when changing direction, body systems response to exercise

Geography

Directions and spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns around court areas

PSHE

Teamwork skills, resilience when facing challenges, managing emotions in competitive situations, fair play and respect

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the space to observe all groups. During games, position at centre to see all courts. Stand where all students can see demonstrations.

Observation Focus

Watch for sideways-on defensive stance, successful tracking movements, intercepting attempts, and team cooperation

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with positioning concept, if games becoming too physical, or if safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Exaggerate sideways stance for visibility. Show slow-motion intercepting movement. Use student examples when possible.

Verbal Cues

•'Sideways-on - one eye on ball, one on opponent!'
•'Track your player like a shadow!'
•'Step into the passing lane!'
•'Read where the ball is going!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m, preferably netball court size with additional areas for group work

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards. Check for any water/wet patches if outdoors

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Use soft play balls only - check for damage before use
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Check bibs are not torn (could cause entanglement)

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during game activities
•Slips during quick direction changes
•Overexertion during high-intensity games
•Injuries from poor catching technique

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•No physical contact rules enforced
•Adequate spacing between groups maintained
•Regular checks on student fatigue levels
•Soft balls used throughout

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all groups during activities
•Move between courts during game session
•Monitor high-activity areas closely
•Watch for signs of overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs. Send injured student to sit safely while assessing. Have first aid kit accessible. Know school injury reporting procedures.