Lesson 3 - Defensive Positioning
Tactical Skills Foundations
•Year 3
•Hockey
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How can smart positioning help us win the ball back without even touching it?
Learning Objectives
- Use defensive body position in preparation for tackling
- Apply defensive positioning to force mistakes and regain possession
- Demonstrate defensive skills in game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will maintain correct defensive positioning when facing a ball carrier
- Students will pressure opponents effectively to force errors
- Students will apply defensive skills confidently in small-sided games
Equipment & Resources Required
Check stick height - should reach between hip and waist
Alternative: Shorter junior sticks for smaller students
Distribute balls to designated 'shipwrecked' players
Alternative: Larger quick sticks balls for easier control
4 cones for skill practice, remainder for boundaries and islands
Alternative: Dome markers or bean bags
Different colours for sharks vs shipwrecked players
Alternative: Coloured bands or team markers
Key Vocabulary
Standing ready to face the ball carrier with stick prepared
The player who has possession and control of the ball
Getting close enough to make the ball carrier feel rushed or worried
Blocking a player's path illegally without going for the ball
Attempting to win the ball from an opponent using your stick legally
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic stick grip and control from previous lessons
- Close control dribbling techniques
- Understanding of basic hockey rules
Current Skills
- Defensive body positioning facing ball carrier
- Applying pressure without obstruction
- Basic tackling preparation stance
Next Steps
- Active tackling techniques
- Defensive marking in team situations
- Transition from defence to attack
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Defensive position always faces the ball carrier front-on
- Maintain at least 1-metre distance to avoid obstruction
- Stay on toes ready to move and change direction quickly
- Watch both the stick and ball of the opponent
- Patient positioning can force mistakes without tackling
- Good defenders think ahead and read the game
- Balance is crucial when moving backwards while watching ball
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking defending means immediately trying to tackle - correct by emphasising positioning first
- Getting too close to ball carrier and obstructing - reinforce 1-metre rule constantly
- Turning sideways or backwards when ball carrier moves - emphasise always facing the ball
- Believing defending is only about being aggressive - show how patience and smart positioning work better
- Forgetting to watch the ball when focusing on player - remind to watch stick and ball together
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent positive feedback, use visual cues for positioning reminders
dyspraxia
- Simplify defensive movements initially, provide extra practice time, use wall or partner support for balance activities
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule of lesson sections, create quiet zone for breaks if needed, use consistent language and routines
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of positioning, pair with sighted buddy for spatial guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations of defensive position, create hand signals for key instructions, provide written rule cards
physical disability
- Modify defensive stance for seated positions, use larger/softer balls, adjust distances to suit mobility levels
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring 1-metre defensive distance, counting in 5s during island rest periods, understanding angles of approach and retreat
Science
Forces and motion in defensive movements, balance and centre of gravity when on toes, reaction times in defensive responses
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and movement patterns, mapping defensive zones
PSHE
Perseverance when learning new defensive skills, respect for opponents while defending, teamwork and communication in defence
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter during games to observe all students, position centrally during demonstrations for maximum visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for defensive positioning technique, safe distance maintenance, and integration with attacking skills
Intervention Points
Step in if defensive positioning becomes too aggressive, correct unsafe backwards movement, clarify rules if confusion arises
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to show defensive position clearly, demonstrate with students as examples, show common mistakes to avoid
Verbal Cues
- •'Face the ball carrier!'
- •'Stay on your toes!'
- •'One metre distance!'
- •'Watch and wait for your chance!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m area, clear of obstacles and other activities
Surface Check
Dry, level surface suitable for running and quick direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Hockey sticks checked for correct size and no damage
- •Balls properly inflated and suitable for age group
- •Cones stable and placed to avoid collision risks
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Stick contact between players during defensive practice
- •Collisions when moving backwards while maintaining ball focus
- •Loss of balance during dynamic defensive movements
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise 1-metre minimum distance rule consistently
- •Teach proper backwards movement technique with small steps
- •Progress speed gradually only after technique is secure
- •Clear boundaries and controlled group sizes
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all groups during skill development
- •Monitor game intensity and intervene if too physical
- •Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, have clear evacuation route to medical facility