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Lesson 3 - Defensive Positioning and Recovery

Teamwork & Fair Play

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Year 3

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Basketball

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45 min

Big Question

How can strong defensive positioning help us protect our goal and win back the ball?

Learning Objectives

To demonstrate correct defensive body positioning with low, wide stance
To apply running back techniques when beaten by an attacker
To use contact rules appropriately during defensive play

Key Outcomes

Students will maintain defensive posture with knees bent and hands ready
Students will recover quickly when an attacker moves past them
Students will play fairly using agreed contact rules

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per 3 students (10 balls)

Placed in bag at side of court for easy access

Alternative: Size 5 footballs, playground balls if basketballs unavailable

Basketball Hoops

1.5 (depending on space)

Position at end of playing area

Alternative: Cone placed in hoop, target on wall, netball post

Cones

12-15

Mark boundaries, start lines, and target areas

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk lines

Bibs

15 (one colour)

For identifying teams during games

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, team bands

Key Vocabulary

Defensive stance

A balanced, ready position with knees bent, feet wide, and hands prepared to defend

Running back

Quickly recovering to defend when an attacker gets past you

Contact rules

Agreed rules about what physical contact is allowed during defence

Intercept

Taking possession of the ball when the opposition is passing or dribbling

Posture

The position and alignment of your body

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic dribbling and ball control skills
Understanding of shoot, pass, dribble principles
Simple moving and stopping techniques

Current Skills

Defensive body positioning and stance
Running back and recovery techniques
Contact rules application during defence

Next Steps

Advanced defensive movements and sliding
Team defensive strategies and communication
Pressing and double-team defensive tactics

Milestone Indicators

Maintains defensive stance for extended periods

Anticipates attacker movements

Communicates effectively with teammates during defence

Key Teaching Points

Defensive stance must include all five key elements: wide feet, bent knees, weight forward, chest up, hands ready
Running back is essential when beaten - never give up on defensive play
Contact rules ensure fair play and safety - emphasise these throughout
Connect toilet tag warm-up position to defensive stance for better understanding
Praise defensive effort equally with attacking success to build positive attitude
Use clear, simple language for rule explanations and repeat key points regularly
Demonstrate both correct and incorrect techniques for better learning contrast

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking defensive stance means standing straight and tall - emphasise low, athletic position
Believing that being beaten means they've failed - teach that running back is part of good defending
Assuming any contact is allowed - clearly distinguish between deliberate and accidental contact
Thinking defence is less important than attack - emphasise that good defence wins games
Expecting to master stance immediately - reinforce that it takes practice and patience

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries and rules, positive reinforcement for following instructions

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for stance positioning, simplified movement patterns initially, peer support for complex sequences

autism spectrum

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

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured cones for boundaries, verbal descriptions of defensive positions, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for game rules, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Modified stance with chair support if needed, seated defensive positioning practice, adapted distances for movement

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles in defensive stance (90-degree knee bend), measuring court dimensions, counting successful defences

Science

Forces and balance in defensive positioning, friction between shoes and surface, body systems during exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of boundaries and areas, directions and movement

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation in defence, resilience when beaten by attackers, fair play and rule following

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during skills practice, position at side of court during games for clear view of defensive actions

Observation Focus

Watch for correct defensive stance technique, monitor contact levels, note students struggling with concepts

Intervention Points

Step in if contact becomes too physical, provide individual technique coaching, adjust groupings if skill levels vary greatly

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for stance teaching, demonstrate with confident students, show both correct and incorrect examples for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'Low and wide!'
•'Hands ready!'
•'Run back fast!'
•'Fair play only!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m clear area, basketball court ideal but adaptable to playground or hall

Surface Check

Non-slip surface essential for defensive movements, check for wet patches or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Basketballs properly inflated and in good condition
•Cones with no sharp edges or cracks
•Basketball hoop securely fixed if permanent installation

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during running back phases
•Falls from defensive stance position
•Contact between students during defending
•Overexertion from sustained defensive positioning

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained
•Adequate spacing between practice groups
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Emphasis on non-contact defending throughout
•Regular breaks during stance practice

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups during skills practice
•Monitor contact levels during game application
•Watch for fatigue during defensive stance holds

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if collision occurs, assess for injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed