⚽

Lesson 3 - Defensive Tackling and Ball Control

Tactical Attacking & Defending

•

Year 4

•

Football

•

45 min

Big Question

How can we use our body position and technique to safely win the ball back from an opponent?

Learning Objectives

To perform a standing tackle technique to dispossess an attacker safely
To apply defensive tackling skills in game scenarios with confidence
To describe and demonstrate the key aspects of effective tackling

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to execute a standing tackle using correct body position and foot placement
Students will demonstrate marking and tackling skills in small-sided games
Students will understand the safety considerations and rules of tackling in football

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per student (30)

Distribute around activity areas, have spares ready

Alternative: Tennis balls for smaller groups or increased difficulty

Cones

20-30

Mark out channels 3-4 metres wide and game boundaries

Alternative: Markers, bibs, or chalk lines

Bibs

15 (half class)

For distinguishing teams in game situations

Alternative: Different coloured shirts or armbands

Goals

4-6 small goals

Position at ends of playing areas for game activities

Alternative: Cones for goal posts, marked lines on walls

Key Vocabulary

Standing tackle

A defensive technique where you stay on your feet to block or win the ball

Dispossess

To take the ball away from an opponent legally

Body position

How you position yourself in relation to the ball and opponent

Channelling

Forcing an attacker to move in a specific direction

Defensive stance

Ready position for defending with knees bent and weight on balls of feet

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic dribbling with inside and outside of foot
Understanding of marking and positioning
Experience playing small-sided games

Current Skills

Standing tackle technique
Defensive body positioning
Ball-watching and timing
Safe tackling practices

Next Steps

Sliding tackles in appropriate situations
Intercepting passes
Defensive partnerships and communication
Advanced 1v1 defending

Milestone Indicators

Attempts tackles without fouling

Maintains balance throughout tackle attempt

Successfully dispossesses opponent in practice

Applies tackling in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Safety is the absolute priority - emphasise staying on feet throughout
Technique over aggression - use side of foot like a gentle pass
Body position is crucial - knees bent, balanced, slight angle approach
Watch the ball not the player - timing depends on reading the ball
Build confidence gradually through progressive practice structure
Celebrate defensive play equally with attacking success
Link to game situations but maintain technique focus

Common Misconceptions

Students think tackling means kicking hard - correct with 'passing the ball away' concept
Belief that bigger/stronger players are automatically better defenders - emphasise technique and positioning
Misconception that tackling is about winning at all costs - reinforce fair play and safety
Thinking that good tacklers are aggressive - demonstrate that calmness and timing are key
Assumption that sliding tackles are better - explain standing tackles are safer and more controlled

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries, immediate positive feedback for appropriate behaviour

dyspraxia

Extra practice time, simplified instructions, larger targets and easier success opportunities

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for key instructions, written technique reminders

physical disability

Adapted tackling from seated position, modified rules for participation, focus on understanding concepts

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, using specific vocabulary, describing techniques to others

Maths

Counting successful tackles, calculating success rates, measuring distances for channels

Science

Understanding forces in tackling, balance and centre of gravity, reaction times

Geography

Spatial awareness, positioning and angles of approach, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing competitive emotions, respecting opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the teaching area to observe all students, particularly during partner work

Observation Focus

Watch for correct body position, safe tackling technique, and appropriate contact levels

Intervention Points

["Step in if students using dangerous technique", "Support struggling students with individual demonstration", "Manage competitive emotions in game situations"]

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate all techniques slowly first, then at normal speed. Use student volunteers to show good examples

Verbal Cues

•'Stay on your feet!'
•'Watch the ball, not the player!'
•'Use the side of your foot like a pass!'
•'Get close but stay balanced!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m, clear of obstacles with safe run-off areas

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check footballs are correctly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify bibs are clean and appropriate size

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during tackling practice
•Falls when attempting to tackle
•Overenthusiastic or dangerous tackling
•Frustration leading to inappropriate contact

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise staying on feet throughout lesson
•Progress gradually from walking to jogging pace
•Clear boundaries and appropriate spacing
•Continuous supervision and technique correction
•Stop activity immediately if unsafe behaviour observed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during partner work
•Move between groups during practice activities
•Monitor competitive games closely for safety
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if needed