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Lesson 6 - Tracking and Defending an Opponent

Foundational Skills & Game Basics

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Year 4

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Basketball

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45 min

Big Question

How can we become like basketball defenders who can stay with their opponents and help our team win the ball back?

Learning Objectives

To develop tracking skills to stay close to an opponent
To learn effective defending techniques including slide defence
To understand how to delay an opponent's progress towards goal

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate the ability to track an opponent using slide defence technique
Students will show understanding of positioning to delay attackers effectively
Students will work cooperatively to defend as a team and win back possession

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per pair (15 total)

Distributed around the teaching area perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 3 basketballs for smaller hands, or playground balls

Cones

Used to create gates, boundaries, and goals throughout activities

Alternative: Markers, small hurdles, or chalk lines

Team bibs

15 (two different colours)

Distributed to create clear team identification during games

Alternative: Coloured bibs, temporary tattoos, or wristbands

Key Vocabulary

Defender

A player whose role is to prevent the opposition from scoring

Slide Defence

Moving sideways with feet sliding to stay in front of an opponent

Tracking

Following and staying close to an opponent to limit their options

Delay

Slowing down an opponent's progress without immediately trying to win the ball

Anticipation

Predicting where an opponent will move next

Foul

Illegal contact with an opponent during play

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic movement skills - running, jumping, changing direction
Understanding of personal space and awareness of others
Experience with ball handling and dribbling skills

Current Skills

Tracking an opponent using slide defence technique
Positioning to delay an attacker's progress
Coordinating with teammates in defensive situations

Next Steps

Advanced defensive strategies including double-teaming
Reading attacking patterns and intercepting passes
Transition from defence to attack quickly

Milestone Indicators

Maintains balanced defensive stance with knees bent

Keeps appropriate distance to avoid fouling while pressuring attacker

Successfully delays opponent's progress toward goal

Key Teaching Points

Maintain low defensive stance with knees bent and feet shoulder-width apart throughout all defending activities
Use slide steps without crossing feet to stay in front of attacking opponents
Position yourself between the attacker and their target rather than reaching or grabbing for the ball
Read opponent's body language and anticipate direction changes by watching hips and foot positioning
Communicate constantly with teammates during team defending situations to coordinate coverage
Challenge for the ball only when opponent is not using protective dribble technique
Apply individual slide defence skills effectively within team defensive strategies and game situations

Common Misconceptions

Defenders should always try to steal the ball immediately - actually, delaying and positioning are often more effective
Good defending means making lots of contact with opponents - proper defending uses positioning and minimal contact
All defenders should chase the ball in team games - each defender should mark a specific opponent instead
Crossing feet when sliding is acceptable if you're quick - crossing feet leads to loss of balance and slower reactions
Reaching with arms is the best way to defend - body positioning and footwork are much more important than arm position

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with frequent changes, clear boundaries and rules, positive reinforcement for good choices, movement breaks between explanations

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for movement patterns, simplified instructions broken into steps, larger equipment for easier handling, patient encouragement for skill development

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson activities, designated quiet space available, consistent routines and signals, advance warning of activity changes

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, provide additional verbal cues for positioning, buddy system with sighted partner, use tactile markers for boundaries

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear sight lines, hand signals for instructions, written key points on display board, buddy system for verbal instructions

physical disability

Modified defending from seated position, adapted equipment such as larger/slower balls, reduced playing area size, alternative roles such as tactical coach

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances for defensive positioning, angles of movement and sliding, counting passes and scores during games

Science

Forces and friction involved in stopping and starting movements, body mechanics of slide defence stance, physics of ball movement

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning concepts, understanding directions and movement patterns, mapping player positions on court

PSHE

Teamwork and communication skills, resilience when facing challenges, fair play and honest self-officiating, respect for opponents and teammates

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position centrally during demonstrations, move around perimeter during activities for optimal viewing angles of all students

Observation Focus

Watch for proper defensive stance and slide technique, monitor contact levels during games, observe tactical understanding and communication

Intervention Points

Step in when contact becomes too frequent, provide individual coaching for technique problems, mediate any disputes about rules or decisions

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clear visibility, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate, show common mistakes alongside correct technique

Verbal Cues

•'Stay low in your defensive stance!'
•'Slide your feet, don't cross them!'
•'Position, don't reach!'
•'Watch your opponent's hips for direction changes!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m indoor space with clear boundaries, suitable for basketball activities

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface suitable for sliding movements and direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Basketballs properly inflated and in good condition
•Cones with no sharp edges or cracks
•Team bands checked for wear and appropriate sizing

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during tracking and defending activities
•Contact during ball challenges leading to fouls
•Slips during slide defence movements
•Overexertion during continuous defending activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and channels established for tracking games
•Emphasis on positioning rather than physical contact in defending
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic defending
•Regular breaks and hydration opportunities
•Clear rules about fair play and stopping immediately on whistle

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all defending pairs during activities
•Monitor intensity levels and contact during competitive games
•Watch for correct technique during slide defence to prevent injury

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if contact occurs, assess for injury, provide appropriate first aid, ensure clear pathway for emergency services if required