Lesson 4 - Goalkeeping Positioning and Defence
Tactics & Ball Control
•Year 2
•Invasion Games
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How can I use my body position to become an effective goalkeeper and defender?
Learning Objectives
- To examine the role of a goalkeeper and position ourselves correctly
- To perform defensively as an individual in a game situation
- To recognise quality goalkeeping techniques and apply them consistently
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct goalkeeper positioning with wide stance and bent knees
- Students will maintain defensive positioning even when the ball moves around them
- Students will attempt to save goals using appropriate body parts and techniques
Equipment & Resources Required
Distribute to each group for skill development
Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls, playground balls
Set up goals and boundaries for activities
Alternative: Markers, plastic bottles
Place in goal areas for knocking over game
Alternative: Skittles, plastic bottles, small cones
Distinguish attackers, defenders, and goalkeepers
Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers
Key Vocabulary
Standing ready with knees bent, wide stance, arms spread, on toes
Feet shoulder-width apart or wider for better balance and coverage
Placing your body between the attacker and the goal you're defending
Stopping the ball from going into the goal using hands, feet, or body
Being prepared to move quickly in any direction
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling skills
- Understanding of attacking and defending roles
- Simple catching and throwing techniques
Current Skills
- Goalkeeper positioning and stance
- Defensive movement and footwork
- Ball saving techniques using various body parts
Next Steps
- Advanced goalkeeper distribution
- Coordinated team defending
- Goalkeeper decision making in game situations
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Goalkeeper position foundation: knees bent, wide stance, arms spread, on toes, eyes on ball
- Movement technique: shuffle feet without crossing, maintain low position while tracking ball
- Safety emphasis: controlled shooting power, awareness of others, using soft equipment only
- Team cooperation: defenders working together, supporting goalkeeper, positive communication
- Variety in saving: use hands, feet, or any body part safely and appropriately
- Building confidence: celebrate effort over outcome, provide encouragement for all attempts
- Progressive challenge: start with stationary practice, build to dynamic game situations
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'Goalkeepers only use their hands' - Correct: Can use any part of body safely
- Misconception: 'Stand up tall to see better' - Correct: Low position provides better balance and reaction time
- Misconception: 'Stay in centre of goal' - Correct: Move to face the ball and adjust position based on play
- Misconception: 'Dive for every ball' - Correct: Position well to make saves easier, diving is last resort
- Misconception: 'Harder shots are better' - Correct: Accuracy and placement more important than power
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use movement and variety to maintain focus, frequent positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Simplify initial positioning requirements, use larger balls and targets, provide extra practice time, break down movements into smaller steps
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedule for activities, offer quiet area if overwhelmed, consistent praise and encouragement
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of positioning, buddy system for guidance, audio signals for directions
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher clearly, tap shoulder for attention
physical disability
- Adapt goalkeeper position to seated or supported standing, modify goals to appropriate height, allow use of mobility aids, focus on hand-eye coordination
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting saves made, measuring distances for goals, understanding angles for shooting, timing activities with seconds
Science
Forces when saving balls, balance and stability in goalkeeper position, understanding reaction time and reflexes
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and movement, mapping court/field layouts
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, building confidence, showing resilience when goals are scored, celebrating others' success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups during skill development, central position during demonstrations, circulate during games for optimal supervision
Observation Focus
Watch for correct goalkeeper positioning, safe shooting, effective teamwork, and individual progress throughout activities
Intervention Points
Step in if shots become too powerful, if students struggle with goalkeeper positioning, or if game becomes too competitive
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for clarity, demonstrate both correct and incorrect techniques, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate
Verbal Cues
- •'Show me your bear position!'
- •'Eyes on the ball!'
- •'Shuffle your feet!'
- •'Work together as a team!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m hall space, clear of obstacles with safe boundaries
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, dry and even flooring, free from hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Soft balls only - check inflation and condition
- •Cones positioned safely with rounded edges
- •Target objects stable and safe to knock over
- •Adequate space between activity areas
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during movement
- •Falls when moving in goalkeeper position
- •Ball strikes from overpowered shots
- •Overexertion during energetic games
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and safe spacing established
- •Emphasis on controlled shots, not power
- •Soft equipment used throughout
- •Regular rest and rotation periods
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all activity areas
- •Monitor shot power and control closely
- •Watch for fatigue, especially during games
- •Check goalkeeper safety in circle area
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, contact office if needed