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Lesson 5 - Defending and Leadership Skills

Ball Control & Decision-Making

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Year 4

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Football

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Big Question

How can we work together as a team to keep possession while showing leadership on the pitch?

Learning Objectives

To develop defensive skills including jockeying, watching the ball, and decisive tackling
To demonstrate leadership skills whilst maintaining concentration when not directly involved
To understand team balance and positional play in football

Key Outcomes

Students will show improved defensive positioning and decision-making
Students will demonstrate leadership qualities during game situations
Students will understand the importance of concentration and team roles

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per student (30)

Pre-positioned around area perimeter

Alternative: Bean bags if footballs unavailable

Cones

6 per group

Arranged in hexagon pattern for possession activities

Alternative: Markers or spots

Coloured Bibs

15 (mixed colours)

Ready for team identification and defender marking

Alternative: Coloured bands or different coloured tops

Goals

4 small goals

Positioned at ends of playing areas

Alternative: Cone goals (2 cones 2 metres apart)

Key Vocabulary

Jockeying

Moving backwards whilst facing an attacker, staying close but not diving in to tackle

Pass and move

Passing the ball to a teammate then immediately moving to a new position

Possession

When your team has control of the ball

Defensive shape

How defenders position themselves to protect their goal

Leadership

Guiding and encouraging teammates to perform their best

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball control with feet
Simple passing techniques
Understanding of basic game rules

Current Skills

Defensive positioning and jockeying
Pass and move techniques
Leadership and communication

Next Steps

Advanced tactical awareness
Complex attacking patterns
Team strategy development

Milestone Indicators

Student can maintain defensive shape for extended periods

Student demonstrates leadership naturally without prompting

Student shows understanding of positional responsibility

Key Teaching Points

Pass and move is fundamental to keeping possession
Jockeying means staying patient and watching the ball
Leadership means encouraging others and making good decisions
Concentration is needed even when ball is far away
Team balance means sometimes playing in positions we don't prefer
Officiating develops decision-making and leadership skills
Learning from opponents makes us better players

Common Misconceptions

Thinking defending means always trying to win the ball immediately - teach patience and jockeying
Believing leadership only means being loud - show how quiet encouragement and good decisions are leadership
Assuming you only need to concentrate when you have the ball - emphasise off-ball awareness
Thinking referees just make decisions - explain how officiating develops leadership and decision-making
Believing passing hard is always better - teach appropriate weight of pass

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear movement boundaries, provide fidget equipment during discussions

dyspraxia

Larger equipment where possible, extra demonstration time, reduce complexity of movements initially

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet time if needed, use visual schedule for lesson segments

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and bibs, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, pair with sighted buddy

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for referee decisions, demonstrate techniques clearly, use visual cues for game changes

physical disability

Modify defending to interception only, allow seated or supported positions, adjust pace requirements

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting passes in possession games, measuring distances for pitch setup, angles for passing

Science

Understanding balance and forces in jockeying, heart rate changes during activity

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of movement patterns and directions

PSHE

Leadership development, respect for officials, working as a team, dealing with pressure

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between activities to observe all groups, position at corners for maximum visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for application of pass and move, defensive positioning, leadership qualities, and concentration levels

Intervention Points

Step in if defending becomes too physical, if students lose concentration, or if conflicts arise during officiating

Demonstration Notes

Use students as positive examples, demonstrate jockeying technique clearly, show referee signals, model positive communication

Verbal Cues

•'Pass and move!'
•'Watch the ball, not the player!'
•'Great leadership!'
•'Stay concentrated!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m clear area suitable for two 10x20m pitches

Surface Check

Flat, dry surface free from holes, debris, and obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are properly inflated
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Goals securely positioned and stable

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during fast-paced games
•Trips and falls during direction changes
•Ball strikes during possession activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and enforced
•Appropriate spacing between activities
•Controlled defending - no dangerous tackles
•Regular hydration breaks in warm weather

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of both game areas
•Monitor defending intensity in possession games
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required