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Lesson 4 - 1v1 Defending Tactics

Ball Control & Decision-Making

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Year 4

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Football

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1h 8min

Big Question

How can we use clever positioning and teamwork to overcome numerical advantages and disadvantages in football?

Learning Objectives

To develop tactical awareness in possession and when defending
To understand and apply numerical advantage strategies through overlapping and underlapping
To demonstrate effective 1v1 defending techniques

Key Outcomes

Students will make informed decisions when in possession of the ball
Students will demonstrate tactical understanding of numerical advantages
Students will show competent 1v1 defending skills

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

15-20 (1 per 2 students plus extras)

Distribute around area perimeter for quick access

Alternative: Size 3 footballs for better control, foam balls for less confident students

Cones

20-30

Use to mark boundaries, areas, and goals

Alternative: Markers, bibs, or chalk lines

Bibs

2 sets of different colours (15 each)

Ensure clear team identification for game situations

Alternative: Coloured bands or asking teams to tuck shirts in/out

Goals

6 small goals or cone goals

Set up multiple small pitches for 6v4 games

Alternative: Cones placed 2m apart, playground markings

Key Vocabulary

Numerical advantage

When one team has more players than the other in a particular area

Overlapping

Running around the outside of a teammate who has the ball

Underlapping

Running inside or behind a teammate to create a passing option

Jockeying

Defensive technique of moving backwards while facing the attacker

Closing down

Moving quickly towards an opponent to reduce their time and space

Ball carrier

The player who currently has possession of the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball control with feet
Simple passing and receiving skills
Understanding of basic football rules
Experience working in pairs and small groups

Current Skills

Decision-making under pressure
1v1 defending techniques
Tactical movement patterns
Numerical advantage and disadvantage strategies

Next Steps

Advanced tactical formations
Set piece strategies
Complex team coordination
Match analysis and reflection

Milestone Indicators

Students can explain their tactical decisions

Students demonstrate consistent 1v1 defending success

Students show awareness of numerical situations

Students can adapt tactics during gameplay

Key Teaching Points

Pass and move principle - always look to move after making a pass
Tactical awareness - use numerical advantages through width and movement
1v1 defending - sideways body position, patience, and timing
Communication - constant talking between teammates to coordinate play
Decision-making - when to pass, dribble, overlap, or shoot
Pressure application - how to close down space without overcommitting
Team coordination - working together when outnumbered

Common Misconceptions

All attacking players should crowd around the ball (encourage spreading out)
Defenders should always try to win the ball immediately (teach patience and timing)
Numerical advantage means easy victory (emphasise need for good tactics)
Passing is always better than dribbling (teach situational decision-making)
1v1 defending requires aggressive tackling (emphasise positioning and patience)
Communication is not important in football (highlight crucial role of talking)

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with movement breaks, clear and simple instructions, regular positive feedback

dyspraxia

Slower progression through skills, larger footballs, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time

autism spectrum

Clear routines and structure, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet zones available for breaks

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured footballs and bibs, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all skills, written/pictorial instruction cards, hand signals for communication

physical disability

Modified roles such as tactical advisor, adapted equipment, wheelchair-accessible positions

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Forces in football (impact, momentum), body systems response to exercise, biomechanics of movement

Geography

Spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns, understanding direction and positioning

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, resilience when facing challenges, communication

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during activities, position at corner of game areas for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Tactical decision-making, 1v1 defending technique, team communication and coordination

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with tactical concepts, unsafe play during defending, or team frustration

Demonstration Notes

Use student demonstrations where possible, emphasise key teaching points through exaggerated movements, film good examples for later sharing

Verbal Cues

•'Pass and move!'
•'Use the space!'
•'Stay sideways when defending!'
•'Talk to your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m outdoor area or large sports hall with additional space for multiple small games

Surface Check

Even surface free from debris, appropriate for running and quick changes of direction

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are correctly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Goals securely positioned and appropriate size

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during games and running activities
•Overexertion during high-intensity activities
•Frustration from competitive elements
•Potential injuries from tackling in 1v1 situations

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate space between activities
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Emphasis on controlled defending rather than aggressive tackling
•Regular monitoring of student fatigue and hydration needs

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple groups during game application
•Active monitoring during 1v1 defending practice
•Watch for students becoming overcompetitive or frustrated

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school first aider if required