🏒

Lesson 3 - Defensive Positioning

Tactical Skills Foundations

•

Year 3

•

Hockey

•

45 min

Big Question

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

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check stick height - should reach between hip and waist

Alternative: Shorter junior sticks for smaller students

Hockey balls

15 (half the class)

Distribute balls to designated 'shipwrecked' players

Alternative: Larger quick sticks balls for easier control

Cones

12-16

4 cones for skill practice, remainder for boundaries and islands

Alternative: Dome markers or bean bags

Coloured Bibs

Different colours for sharks vs shipwrecked players

Alternative: Coloured bands or team markers

Key Vocabulary

Defensive position

Standing ready to face the ball carrier with stick prepared

Ball carrier

The player who has possession and control of the ball

Pressure

Getting close enough to make the ball carrier feel rushed or worried

Obstruction

Blocking a player's path illegally without going for the ball

Tackling

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

Maintains defensive position while tracking ball carrier

Shows patience in defensive approach

Demonstrates understanding of space and positioning

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