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Lesson 1 - Defensive Pressure and Team Defence

Tactical Skills & Team Integration

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Year 4

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Basketball

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Big Question

How can defenders work together to force attackers into making mistakes without fouling?

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate effective defensive pressure techniques to force attacking mistakes
Apply previously learned basketball skills in defensive game situations
Evaluate team defensive performance and suggest tactical improvements

Key Outcomes

Students will maintain defensive posture while applying pressure to attackers
Students will work collaboratively as a defensive unit to prevent scoring opportunities
Students will analyse their defensive play and implement tactical adjustments

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per pair (15)

Inflated to appropriate pressure, distributed around court perimeter

Alternative: Size 5 footballs or playground balls

Basketball Hoops

4-6 hoops

Positioned at various heights around playing area

Alternative: Hula hoops on stands, buckets, or wall targets

Dish Cones

20-25 cones

Used to define grids, start lines, and boundaries

Alternative: Flat markers, chalk lines, or tape

Coloured Bibs

15 bibs (2 colours)

Clearly distinguish attacking and defending teams

Alternative: Coloured bands or team pinnies

Stopwatch

Visible to students for activity timing

Alternative: Smartphone timer or whistle for time intervals

Key Vocabulary

Defensive Pressure

Using body position and movement to make it difficult for attackers to pass, dribble or shoot

Channelling

Using body position to force an attacker to move in a particular direction away from danger

Defensive Stance

Low, balanced body position with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, arms ready

Interception

Legally taking possession of the ball from the attacking team during a pass or loose ball

Man-to-Man Defence

Each defender is responsible for guarding one specific attacker

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic basketball dribbling techniques
Simple passing and catching skills
Understanding of offensive and defensive roles
Basic court awareness and spacing

Current Skills

Defensive stance and posture
Applying pressure without fouling
Team defensive positioning
Intercepting and channelling techniques

Next Steps

Advanced defensive strategies (zone defence)
Fast break transitions
Press defence techniques
Individual defending skills (shot blocking, steal techniques)

Milestone Indicators

Maintains defensive posture for extended periods

Forces attackers into difficult positions consistently

Communicates effectively with defensive teammates

Makes clean interceptions without fouling

Key Teaching Points

Defensive pressure means using position and movement, never physical contact
Effective defence requires low stance, quick feet, and constant communication with teammates
The best defence makes attackers make mistakes rather than trying to steal the ball
Teamwork in defence means coordinating movements and supporting each other
Channelling attackers away from danger areas is more effective than trying to stop them completely
Good defenders keep their eyes on the player's midsection, not just the ball
Patience in defence is crucial - rushing leads to fouls and easy scoring opportunities

Common Misconceptions

That pressure means you can push or grab opponents - correct by emphasising legal defensive positioning
That good defence means always trying to steal the ball - teach patience and positioning instead
That individual defending is more important than team defence - emphasise communication and coordination
That defenders should always stay close to their player - teach when to help teammates and when to stay
That being aggressive means being effective - show how controlled, smart defence is more successful

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, offer movement breaks, use positive reinforcement frequently

dyspraxia

Simplify defensive movements initially, provide extra practice time, use verbal counting for movement rhythm, pair with supportive partner

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine for activities, use visual schedule showing lesson progression, offer quiet space if needed, prepare for rule changes in advance

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for guidance, use tactile cues for positioning

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations and hand signals, establish simple visual cues for start/stop, provide written key words, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Adapt defensive stance for seated players, modify movement requirements, use larger targets or closer distances, provide alternative roles like coaching

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Forces and motion in defensive stance, balance and stability principles, heart rate changes during activity

Geography

Directional language and spatial concepts, mapping movement patterns around court

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation skills, managing emotions under pressure, respectful competition and sportsmanship

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of activities for clear sight lines to all groups, position near most challenging group when needed

Observation Focus

Watch for correct defensive stance, appropriate pressure without contact, positive team communication, inclusive participation

Intervention Points

Step in when contact occurs, when students show frustration with pressure, when groups aren't rotating fairly, when safety rules are forgotten

Demonstration Notes

Use confident student helpers for demonstrations, model all skills clearly before practice, emphasise key points through exaggerated movements

Verbal Cues

•'Stay low, bend those knees!'
•'Pressure without contact!'
•'Talk to your teammate!'
•'Great teamwork, I can hear you communicating!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m indoor court or equivalent outdoor hard surface area

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Basketballs properly inflated and checked for damage
•Hoops securely mounted or positioned
•Cones placed safely away from main playing areas
•No sharp edges on any equipment

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during defensive pressure
•Falls from attempting steals or aggressive defending
•Contact injuries from over-enthusiastic pressure application
•Trips and falls over court boundaries or equipment

Risk Mitigation

•Clear rules about no contact defending established and enforced
•Adequate spacing maintained between groups during activities
•Progressive skill building from individual to game application
•Regular safety reminders throughout lesson
•Proper warm-up to prepare bodies for activity

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups during skill practice
•Monitor game activities for over-physical play
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration affecting safety
•Ensure proper rotation and inclusion of all students

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any contact or collision, assess need for first aid, have ice packs available for minor bumps