Lesson 7 - Jockeying and Tracking Opponents
Foundation Skills & Game Sense
•Year 4
•Football
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How can defenders use smart positioning and movement to control attacking players without tackling?
Learning Objectives
- To understand and apply jockeying techniques to delay opponents
- To use defensive positioning to deny time and space to attackers
- To work collaboratively as a defensive unit to prevent scoring
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate effective jockeying technique with low body position
- Students will successfully delay attackers using backwards movement and positioning
- Students will show understanding of defensive teamwork and communication
Equipment & Resources Required
Used for creating channels, areas, and goals throughout the lesson
Alternative: Markers, spots, or any boundary markers
Distributed around area perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Any suitable balls for dribbling practice
Half the class wear bands to distinguish teams during games
Alternative: Coloured bibs or different coloured tops
Key Vocabulary
A defensive technique where you move backwards slowly to delay an opponent without tackling
Following an opponent's movement to stay between them and their target
Using your body position to block areas where the opponent wants to go
Knees bent, weight on balls of feet, ready to move in any direction
Moving towards an opponent to reduce the time and space they have
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running and moving in different directions
- Understanding of personal space and spatial awareness
- Basic ball control and dribbling skills
- Simple team game concepts
Current Skills
- Jockeying technique with low body position
- Backwards movement while maintaining balance
- Defensive positioning and spatial denial
- Non-tackling defensive strategies
Next Steps
- Combining jockeying with tackling techniques
- Advanced defensive positioning in team formations
- Reading game situations for defensive decisions
- Transition from defence to attack
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Maintain low body position with knees bent throughout jockeying
- Move backwards slowly and under control, not rushing
- Position body between attacker and their intended target
- Use jockeying to delay, not to tackle or make contact
- Communication with teammates is essential during defensive play
- Patience is key - jockeying is about control, not speed
- Read the attacker's intentions and anticipate their next move
Common Misconceptions
- Jockeying means tackling - correct by emphasising positioning over contact
- Moving backwards quickly is better - teach controlled, deliberate movement
- Defenders should always face the same direction - show importance of facing the attacker
- Jockeying only works individually - demonstrate how team jockeying creates pressure
- It's not 'real' defending without tackling - explain how jockeying sets up successful tackles
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries and rules, regular movement breaks, simplified instructions
dyspraxia
- Break down movements into smaller steps, additional practice time, larger target areas, peer support
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules, offer quiet break area if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured cones and balls, provide verbal descriptions of positioning, assign sighted partner for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for key concepts
physical disability
- Adapt to wheelchair use with modified positioning, adjust activity space, focus on upper body movements
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Spatial awareness and angles, measuring channel widths, timing activities for data collection
Science
Forces and motion during backwards movement, balance and centre of gravity
Geography
Directional movement, spatial positioning, mapping movement patterns
PSHE
Teamwork and collaboration, managing emotions during pressure situations, supporting others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between practice areas to observe technique, stand where all students can see demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for low body position, controlled movement, and tactical understanding
Intervention Points
Step in if students lose technique, become physical, or show frustration
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for clarity, demonstrate with confident student, repeat key points multiple times
Verbal Cues
- •'Stay low like a spring!'
- •'Move backwards slowly!'
- •'Be their shadow!'
- •'Position between them and their target!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m clear area for multiple activities, additional space for channels
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from obstacles, adequate grip for backwards movement
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check cones have no sharp edges or damage
- •Ensure footballs are correctly inflated
- •Verify team bands are not too tight
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Backwards movement causing falls
- •Collisions between pairs in adjacent channels
- •Contact during jockeying activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise controlled backwards movement
- •Adequate spacing between practice areas
- •Clear no-contact rules for defensive practice
- •Gradual progression from simple to complex activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe multiple practice areas
- •Monitor pairs who may be struggling with control
- •Watch for students becoming frustrated or overly physical
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid support, modify activity if needed