Lesson 5 - Defensive Skills: Blocking & Tackling
Advanced Skills Integration
•Year 4
•Hockey
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How can we regain possession and prevent attacking opportunities when we lose the ball?
Learning Objectives
- To understand and apply the concepts of defending including intercepting, blocking and tackling
- To demonstrate safe tackling techniques using the flat side of the hockey stick
- To apply defensive strategies in game situations including man-to-man marking
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to distinguish between intercepting, blocking and tackling and know when to use each technique
- Students will demonstrate safe tackling skills from the front of their opponent using correct stick positioning
- Students will understand that their role changes to defender immediately upon losing possession
Equipment & Resources Required
Check sticks are appropriate height (hip level) and in good condition
Alternative: Plastic floor hockey sticks or pool noodles for beginners
Use softer balls for beginners or indoor surfaces
Alternative: Tennis balls or foam balls for safety
Use to mark goals, zones and boundaries clearly
Alternative: Marker discs or chalk lines
Ensure clear team distinction for game situations
Alternative: Different coloured tops or arm bands
Key Vocabulary
The act of preventing the opposing team from scoring by regaining possession or blocking their attacks
Moving to catch or stop a pass before it reaches the intended target
Using your body and stick position to prevent an attacker from moving forward with the ball
Actively trying to win the ball from an opponent using the flat side of the stick
Staying close to an opponent to limit their options and prevent them from receiving the ball easily
Each defender is responsible for marking a specific opponent throughout the game
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic hockey stick handling and control
- Understanding of attacking principles from previous lessons
- Basic spatial awareness and movement patterns
Current Skills
- Distinguishing between intercepting, blocking and tackling
- Safe tackling technique with stick positioning
- Marking and tracking opponent movements
Next Steps
- Advanced defensive positioning and communication
- Team defensive strategies and formations
- Transition play from defence to attack
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Safety is paramount - flat side of stick only, tackle from front only
- Defending means transitioning roles immediately when possession is lost
- Blocking creates barriers without contact, tackling actively wins ball back
- Marking requires staying close to opponent and reading their movements
- Good defensive position keeps body between attacker and goal
- Team defending requires communication and working together
- Choose the right defensive technique for each situation
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking you can tackle from any angle - emphasise front only
- Believing bigger is always better in defence - technique beats size
- Assuming all defending is about winning the ball - sometimes blocking/delaying is better
- Thinking marking means staying right next to opponent - maintain safe distance
- Believing defence is less important than attack - both are equally crucial
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear simple instructions
dyspraxia
- Use larger equipment, reduce complexity of movements, provide extra practice time and patience
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure with visual schedule, quiet zone available if overwhelmed, consistent routines and expectations
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and sticks, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, assign sighted partner for support
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, ensure students can see teacher's face when speaking
physical disability
- Modify tackling to seated position if needed, use lighter equipment, adapt distances for individual needs
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Understanding angles of approach for tackling, measuring distances for marking, counting successful defensive actions
Science
Forces involved in blocking and tackling, friction between stick and ball, body mechanics in defensive positions
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning on the pitch, understanding zones and territories
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation in defensive situations, respect for rules and safety, resilience when defending under pressure
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between practice pairs during skill development, central position during game for maximum visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for safe tackling technique, effective marking, and appropriate choice of defensive method
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for unsafe tackling, provide individual support for struggling students, manage game flow
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for defensive techniques, always emphasise safety first, involve students in demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Stay low and balanced!'
- •'Flat side only!'
- •'Mark your player!'
- •'From the front only!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m, clear of obstacles and with non-slip surface
Surface Check
Dry, even surface suitable for running and stopping movements
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check hockey sticks are appropriate height (hip level) and have no damage
- •Ensure balls are suitable for surface and skill level
- •Cones positioned to avoid tripping hazards
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Stick contact between players during tackling
- •Collisions during game play
- •Slips and falls during defensive movements
Risk Mitigation
- •Strict enforcement of front-only tackling rule
- •Clear zones in game to prevent overcrowding
- •Emphasis on ball contact only during tackles
- •Adequate spacing between practice pairs
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe tackling practice closely
- •Monitor for any dangerous stick use
- •Watch for students becoming frustrated or aggressive
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately for any contact between sticks or players, assess injuries, provide appropriate first aid