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Lesson 7 - Jockeying and Tracking Opponents

Foundation Skills & Game Sense

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Year 4

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Football

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49 min

Big Question

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

Cones

Used for creating channels, areas, and goals throughout the lesson

Alternative: Markers, spots, or any boundary markers

Softballs

Distributed around area perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Any suitable balls for dribbling practice

Team bibs

Half the class wear bands to distinguish teams during games

Alternative: Coloured bibs or different coloured tops

Key Vocabulary

Jockeying

A defensive technique where you move backwards slowly to delay an opponent without tackling

Tracking

Following an opponent's movement to stay between them and their target

Denying space

Using your body position to block areas where the opponent wants to go

Low body position

Knees bent, weight on balls of feet, ready to move in any direction

Closing down

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

Maintains low, balanced stance consistently

Moves backwards smoothly while facing attacker

Successfully delays attackers in practice scenarios

Shows understanding of when to jockey vs when to tackle

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