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Lesson 4 - Goalkeeping Positioning and Defence

Tactics & Ball Control

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Year 2

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Invasion Games

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45 min

Big Question

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

Softballs

1 per group of 3 (10 balls)

Distribute to each group for skill development

Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls, playground balls

Cones

22 cones

Set up goals and boundaries for activities

Alternative: Markers, plastic bottles

Mixed Objects

3-4 per game area

Place in goal areas for knocking over game

Alternative: Skittles, plastic bottles, small cones

Bibs

Different colours for teams

Distinguish attackers, defenders, and goalkeepers

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Key Vocabulary

Goalkeeper position

Standing ready with knees bent, wide stance, arms spread, on toes

Wide stance

Feet shoulder-width apart or wider for better balance and coverage

Defensive positioning

Placing your body between the attacker and the goal you're defending

Save

Stopping the ball from going into the goal using hands, feet, or body

Ready position

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

Maintains wide stance with bent knees consistently

Eyes track the ball throughout play

Adjusts position based on ball movement

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