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Lesson 5 - Defending Tactics Application

Tactical Thinking: Treasure Games

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Year 2

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Invasion Games

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45 min

Big Question

How can we work together as defenders to protect our treasure and stop attackers from scoring?

Learning Objectives

To create and understand simple defending tactics
To apply defending principles as a team during game situations
To understand the importance of teamwork in defending

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to create and apply simple defending tactics into a game
Students will understand why defending as a team is more effective than individual defending
Students will demonstrate collaboration and communication when defending as a unit

Equipment & Resources Required

Balls

33 (3 per defending team)

Place 3 beanbags in each defending team's hoop at start of game

Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls, or small soft toys

Hoops

1 per team (8-12 hoops)

Space hoops around playing area with adequate room for defending

Alternative: Cones to mark treasure areas, chalk circles

Coloured Bibs

Half class set

Differentiate defending teams from attacking teams

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Cones

8-12

Mark boundaries and safety zones if needed

Alternative: Markers or rope

Key Vocabulary

Defending

Working to prevent the other team from scoring or taking your treasure

Tactics

Plans or strategies that teams use to be successful in games

Teamwork

Working together towards the same goal

Eliminated

When a team is out of the game because they lost all their beanbags

Collaboration

Working together and helping each other succeed

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of tagging games
Knowledge of simple attacking principles
Experience working in small teams

Current Skills

Creating defending tactics as a team
Understanding when and why to defend
Applying defending principles in game situations

Next Steps

Combining attack and defence in competitive games
Advanced tactical awareness in team games
Leadership roles in team defending

Milestone Indicators

Students discuss defending tactics before games

Teams stay organised during defending phases

Students understand consequences of individual vs team defending

Key Teaching Points

Defending as a team is more effective than individual defending
Tactics need to be agreed by the whole team and applied consistently
Communication between defenders is essential for success
Different defending tactics work for different situations
All defenders have important roles, not just the ones who tag
Learning from unsuccessful tactics is as valuable as celebrating successful ones
Teamwork skills in defending transfer to many other games and sports

Common Misconceptions

All defenders should chase the same attacker - explain zone coverage
The fastest defender should do all the chasing - emphasise role distribution
Tactics can't change during the game - show tactical adaptation
Only the person who tags contributes to defending - highlight support roles
Defending is just about running fast - emphasise positioning and communication
Simple tactics aren't effective - demonstrate power of basic teamwork

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter tactical discussion periods, clear boundaries and rules, regular movement breaks

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time for tactics, partner support during games

autism spectrum

Clear routine for role swaps, visual tactical boards, quiet zones for overwhelm breaks

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, clear verbal descriptions of tactics, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual signals for game starts/stops, written tactical cards, demonstration-heavy teaching

physical disability

Adapted roles such as tactical advisor, modified movement patterns, wheelchair accessible equipment placement

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills in tactical discussions, listening to team members, explaining strategies

Maths

Counting treasure and teams, spatial positioning concepts, strategic problem-solving

Science

Understanding forces in movement, energy levels during activity, cause and effect in tactical decisions

Geography

Positional language and spatial awareness, understanding of territories and boundaries

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, handling competition and winning/losing

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all teams, central position during discussions and demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical application, team communication, and safe play throughout activities

Intervention Points

Step in if tactics aren't being followed, support teams struggling with communication, manage competitive intensity

Demonstration Notes

Use students as positive examples during games, pause action to highlight good tactical play, demonstrate problem-solving in tactical discussions

Verbal Cues

•'Defenders, talk to your team!'
•'Remember your tactics!'
•'Work together, don't chase alone!'
•'Gentle tags only!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m clear space, larger preferred for multiple team areas

Surface Check

Level, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check beanbags are intact with no loose filling
•Ensure hoops have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify bibs are appropriate size and in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during chasing
•Trips and falls around hoops and equipment
•Over-excitement leading to rough play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and rules established before play
•Safe tagging rules emphasised - gentle touches only
•Adequate spacing between defending team areas
•Regular breaks to manage excitement levels

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear sight lines to all team areas
•Monitor tagging intensity throughout games
•Be ready to pause game if safety concerns arise

Emergency Procedures

STOP signal must be obeyed immediately, assess any incidents calmly, apply first aid if needed, have emergency contacts available