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Lesson 5 - Defending in 2v1 Situations

Tactical Thinking & Movement

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Year 3

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Invasion Games

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Big Question

How can one defender use smart positioning and communication to stop two attackers?

Learning Objectives

To close space effectively when defending in outnumbered situations
To force opponents onto their weaker side through tactical positioning
To communicate clearly and listen effectively during defensive play

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective space closure and jockeying techniques
Students will show understanding of defensive positioning principles
Students will communicate effectively with teammates during game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Tag Belts

1 set per student (30)

Distributed before warm-up, checked for safety

Alternative: Coloured bibs tucked into shorts

Softballs

10 balls

Placed at activity stations

Alternative: Size 3 footballs or foam balls for safety

Netball

10 balls

Available at netball station

Alternative: Basketballs or playground balls

Cones

20 cones

Mark boundaries and activity areas

Alternative: Markers or chalk lines

Sun Markers

10 spots

Central reference points for activities

Alternative: Small cones or drawn circles

Key Vocabulary

Jockeying

Moving backwards while facing the attacker, staying balanced and ready to react

Closing space

Moving quickly towards the attacker to reduce their time and options

Weaker side

The side of the body that is less skilful for the opponent

Communication

Using clear voice commands to help teammates understand the situation

Numerical disadvantage

When the defending team has fewer players than the attacking team

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of attacking and defending roles
Simple 1v1 defending skills
Basic ball handling in invasion games

Current Skills

Closing space effectively in defensive situations
Jockeying and delaying techniques
Forcing opponents onto weaker side
Defensive communication skills

Next Steps

Team defending strategies
Defending in larger group situations (3v2, 4v3)
Advanced positioning and marking

Milestone Indicators

Consistent space closure without rushing in

Clear verbal communication during play

Reading and anticipating opponent movements

Key Teaching Points

Close space quickly but don't rush into the attacker - controlled approach is key
Jockey means moving backwards while facing the attacker, staying balanced and ready
Force opponents onto their weaker side through clever body positioning
Communication must be loud, clear, and helpful to teammates
When outnumbered, defenders must work together and be extra smart
Eyes on the ball, not the player's feet or body movements
Defending is about delaying and forcing errors, not just winning the ball immediately

Common Misconceptions

Defending means running straight at the attacker - correct with controlled space closure
Being outnumbered means automatic defeat - show how smart defending can succeed
Communication means shouting loudly - teach clear, helpful instructions
Watching the player's feet helps predict movement - focus on ball instead
Good defending is only about physical speed - emphasise tactical intelligence
Individual defending skills don't matter in team games - show connection between individual and team success

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, immediate feedback, clear boundaries and expectations, movement breaks as needed

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, larger equipment for easier handling, step-by-step instruction breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, advance warning of activity changes

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, clear verbal descriptions of positioning, buddy system for guidance, audio cues for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear gestures, written instruction cards, hand signals for communication, visual markers for positioning

physical disability

Adapted defending positions (seated/supported), modified tagging techniques, reduced area size, equipment modifications as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following complex instructions, using clear communication vocabulary, listening skills during strategy discussions

Maths

Measuring distances for station setup, counting successful defending actions, calculating numerical advantages in games

Science

Understanding forces and balance during jockeying, reaction times in defending, body positioning and centre of gravity

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, using directional language (left/right, forward/backward), mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and communication skills, supporting others when facing challenges, showing resilience when outnumbered

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position yourself to observe maximum number of students, circulate between stations during practice phases

Observation Focus

Watch for safe contact, effective communication, application of taught principles, inclusion of all students

Intervention Points

Step in if defending becomes too aggressive, if communication breaks down, or if students show frustration

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for skill demonstrations. Model excellent communication throughout. Show both correct technique and common errors for clarity.

Verbal Cues

•'Close space quickly then slow down!'
•'Eyes on the ball, not the feet!'
•'Communicate with your teammates!'
•'Force them to their weaker side!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m for full activities, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from debris, adequate grip for quick movement changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Tag belts checked for secure fastening before use
•Balls inflated to appropriate pressure for safe handling
•Cones positioned to avoid collision hazards
•Regular equipment inspection for damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during rapid space closure
•Falls during jockeying movements
•Inappropriate contact during defending
•Overexertion in competitive situations

Risk Mitigation

•Clear instructions about safe tagging techniques
•Emphasis on controlled defending rather than aggressive challenges
•Adequate spacing between activity stations
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all three stations
•Circulate actively during skill practice phases
•Monitor communication tone and content
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration

Emergency Procedures

Stop, assess, appropriate first aid support, contact office if needed