Tactical Attacking & Defending
•Year 4
•Football
•Placed around activity area perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Size 3 footballs for better control, tennis balls for indoor practice
Used to mark boundaries, goals, and activity zones
Alternative: Bean bags, markers, or corner flags
One colour per team for easy identification
Alternative: Coloured bands or pinnies
Goals approximately 2m wide for small-sided games
Alternative: Target areas marked with cones or playground markings
Positioning yourself between the attacking player and the ball to prevent them from receiving a pass
Positioning yourself between the attacking player and the goal to prevent them from having a clear shot
Moving quickly towards an attacking player when they receive the ball to reduce their time and space
Using your body position to force an attacker to move in a specific direction, usually away from goal
Reading the game to step in and win the ball when it's passed between opponents
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Calculating distances and angles for positioning, measuring goal dimensions, timing activities and calculating averages
Understanding forces and motion in channelling movements, exploring balance and centre of gravity in marking positions
Using directional language (behind, in front of, goalside), understanding spatial relationships and positioning
Developing teamwork and communication skills, building resilience when facing challenges, showing respect for teammates and opponents
Move between groups during skill practice, position at side of games for full visibility, central position for demonstrations
Watch for correct marking positioning, appropriate contact levels, communication between students, signs of fatigue or frustration
Step in if students struggling with marking concept, if safety concerns arise, if games become too physical or competitive
Show clear body positioning for both marking types, demonstrate at slow pace initially then normal speed, use students as positive examples when possible
Minimum 30m x 20m for full lesson, additional space for multiple small games
Dry, even surface free from holes, stones, or other hazards
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or call for medical assistance, ensure other students are safe and supervised
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