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Lesson 6 - Tracking and Defending an Opponent

Skills & Tactics Overview

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Year 3

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Basketball

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45 min

Big Question

How can good defending skills help your team control the game and create scoring opportunities?

Learning Objectives

To develop tracking and defending skills against an opponent
To understand the importance of staying between the attacker and the target
To learn appropriate defensive positioning and movement

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to maintain defensive position while tracking an opponent
Students will demonstrate slide defence technique with proper body positioning
Students will understand when and how to attempt to win the ball back

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

15 (1 per 2 students)

Distributed around teaching area perimeter

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, rubber playground balls

Cones

Used for creating gates and boundaries

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, chalk circles

Team bibs

15 (1 set of 2 colours)

Ready for distribution during group activities

Alternative: Coloured bibs, different coloured tops

Key Vocabulary

Defender

The player trying to stop the opponent from scoring

Tracking

Following and staying close to an opponent

Slide Defence

Moving sideways with feet apart to block an attacker's path

Defensive Stance

Body position with knees bent, feet apart, ready to move

Foul

Illegal contact between players

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and dribbling skills
Understanding of personal space and movement
Basic understanding of attack and defence roles

Current Skills

Tracking an opponent while defending
Using slide defence technique
Maintaining defensive positioning

Next Steps

Team defensive strategies
Intercepting passes
Transition from defence to attack

Milestone Indicators

Student can maintain position between attacker and goal

Student demonstrates proper defensive stance consistently

Student shows understanding of when to attempt tackle

Key Teaching Points

Defensive stance with bent knees and balanced feet positioning
Slide defence using feet movement rather than reaching with hands
Maintaining position between attacker and target goal
Recognising appropriate moments to attempt winning the ball
Team communication and marking assignments in game situations
Fair play principles and avoiding contact fouls
Connecting individual defensive skills to team success

Common Misconceptions

That good defending means being aggressive or making contact - actually requires control and positioning
That defenders should always try to win the ball immediately - patience and timing are crucial
That slide defence is just running sideways - requires specific stance and footwork technique
That defending is less important than attacking - actually fundamental to team success
That faster movement is always better - controlled positioning is more effective than speed

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Include regular breaks between activities, provide clear and concise instructions, use high-energy activities to maintain focus

dyspraxia

Break down slide defence into smaller steps, provide extra practice time, use larger equipment for easier handling

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedule for lesson sections, offer quiet zones if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured cones and balls, provide clear verbal descriptions of positioning, implement buddy system with sighted partner

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for game starts/stops, provide written instructions on cards, demonstrate all techniques clearly

physical disability

Adapt slide defence to seated position in wheelchair, modify distances for reduced mobility, focus on tactical understanding

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances for gates and positioning, counting passes and points, understanding spatial relationships

Science

Forces and motion in defensive movements, balance and centre of gravity in stance, friction between feet and surface

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of boundaries and territories, directional movement

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation in defensive strategies, respect for opponents, honest play and rule-following

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of teaching area to observe all students, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for defensive technique quality, appropriate spacing between players, fair play standards

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe contact occurs, redirect students losing focus, provide immediate feedback on technique

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, show common mistakes alongside correct technique, involve students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Bend those knees!'
•'Move your feet, not your hands!'
•'Stay between your player and the goal!'
•'Watch their eyes, not the ball!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m clear area, preferably marked court or hall

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from obstacles, wet patches or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs are properly inflated and free from damage
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify team bands are in good condition without loose parts

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during tracking activities
•Falls during slide defence movements
•Contact during competitive defending
•Overexertion during high-intensity activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate space between working pairs
•Emphasis on no-contact defending throughout lesson
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
•Constant supervision during competitive elements

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all pairs during tracking activities
•Monitor contact levels during gate games closely
•Watch for fatigue during extended game periods

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required