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Lesson 7 - Jockeying and Tracking

Foundational Skills & Challenges

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Year 3

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Football

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1h 2min

Big Question

How can we use our body position to delay attackers and give our team time to reorganise?

Learning Objectives

To understand and demonstrate the jockeying technique to defend against opponents
To apply defensive positioning skills to slow down attacking play
To work collaboratively as a defensive unit to deny space and time

Key Outcomes

Students will use jockeying technique with bent knees and balanced body position
Students will demonstrate the ability to delay opponents and restrict their movement
Students will communicate effectively with teammates during defensive play

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Used for marking channels, areas, and goals throughout lesson

Alternative: Rubber spots, bean bags, or training markers

Softballs

One ball per pair for main activities, distributed around area perimeter

Alternative: Size 3 footballs for younger students, rugby balls for variation

Team bibs

For distinguishing teams during 3v3 games

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, bandanas, or wristbands

Key Vocabulary

Jockeying

A defensive technique where you move backwards to stay between the attacker and goal, slowing them down without tackling

Tracking

Following an opponent's movement to deny them space and time on the ball

Delay

Slowing down the attacker's progress to give teammates time to get back in position

Body position

The way you position your body when defending - balanced, bent knees, on balls of feet

Closing down space

Moving closer to an opponent to reduce the area they have to operate in

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic movement skills - running, sidestepping, changing direction
Understanding of attacking and defending roles
Basic ball control and dribbling skills

Current Skills

Jockeying technique with bent knees and low body position
Tracking opponents by moving backwards in their direction
Defensive positioning to deny space and time

Next Steps

Advanced tackling techniques
Team defensive strategies and formations
Transition from defence to attack

Milestone Indicators

Maintains balanced defensive stance for extended periods

Successfully delays attackers for 10+ seconds

Demonstrates clear communication during defensive play

Key Teaching Points

Jockeying is about patience and positioning, not rushing in to tackle
Correct body position with bent knees and balanced stance is fundamental
Defenders should always stay between attacker and goal when possible
Backwards movement allows defenders to maintain visual contact with attacker
Team defensive communication helps coordinate jockeying efforts
Delaying attackers gives teammates time to recover defensive positions
Reading attacker's intentions helps defenders position more effectively

Common Misconceptions

Students think defending means always trying to win the ball immediately - emphasise patience and delay
Belief that moving backwards is defensive weakness - explain it's strategic positioning
Assumption that only big or strong players can defend well - highlight technique over physicality
Thinking jockeying is just following the attacker - stress the importance of positioning between attacker and target
Misconception that defending is less important than attacking - value both equally
Belief that faster backwards movement is always better - emphasise control and balance over speed

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear visual boundaries, use frequent positive reinforcement, allow movement breaks

dyspraxia

Slower movement patterns, extra practice time, simplified multi-step instructions, use physical guidance when needed

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of activities, establish quiet zone for breaks, use consistent language and routines

visual impairment

Use bright coloured cones and balls, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written activity cards, ensure visual contact when speaking

physical disability

Adapted positioning activities from seated position, modified movement patterns, use larger/lighter equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances for channels and areas, timing activities, counting touches and passes, understanding angles of approach

Science

Forces and motion in backwards movement, friction between feet and ground, gravity affecting balance and stability

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding direction and movement across areas, mapping defensive zones

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration, resilience when under pressure, managing emotions during competitive activities, supporting teammates

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around outside of activity areas to maintain visibility of all students, position at corners during game activities

Observation Focus

Watch for correct defensive body position, controlled backwards movement, and safe spacing between students

Intervention Points

["Step in if students attempt to tackle when jockeying should be used", "Correct body position immediately if students are unbalanced or unsafe", "Intervene if game activities become too physical or lose structure"]

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate jockeying technique slowly first, then at game speed. Use student helpers to show correct and incorrect techniques for comparison.

Verbal Cues

•'Knees bent, stay balanced!'
•'Backwards and patient!'
•'Position yourself between attacker and goal!'
•'No tackling, just delay!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m clear area, ideally outdoor grass surface or indoor sports hall

Surface Check

Check for even surface free from holes, debris, or wet areas that could cause slipping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Ensure footballs are correctly inflated and in good condition
•Check cones have no cracks or sharp edges that could cause injury
•Team bands should be appropriate size and in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during backwards movement
•Slips and falls when changing direction quickly
•Over-physical defending leading to contact
•Students running into equipment or boundaries

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and communicated before activities
•Emphasis on controlled movement rather than maximum speed
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
•No tackling rule clearly established and enforced
•Adequate spacing between practice areas

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe maximum number of students during activities
•Monitor high-activity areas like 3v3 games more closely
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety
•Ensure students follow activity rules consistently

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or seek additional support as needed