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Lesson 5 - Defensive Skills: Blocking & Tackling

Advanced Skills Integration

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Year 4

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Hockey

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45 min

Big Question

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

Hockey sticks

1 per student (30)

Check sticks are appropriate height (hip level) and in good condition

Alternative: Plastic floor hockey sticks or pool noodles for beginners

Hockey balls

15 (1 per pair)

Use softer balls for beginners or indoor surfaces

Alternative: Tennis balls or foam balls for safety

Cones

20-30

Use to mark goals, zones and boundaries clearly

Alternative: Marker discs or chalk lines

Bibs

15 (for team identification)

Ensure clear team distinction for game situations

Alternative: Different coloured tops or arm bands

Key Vocabulary

Defending

The act of preventing the opposing team from scoring by regaining possession or blocking their attacks

Intercepting

Moving to catch or stop a pass before it reaches the intended target

Blocking

Using your body and stick position to prevent an attacker from moving forward with the ball

Tackling

Actively trying to win the ball from an opponent using the flat side of the stick

Marking

Staying close to an opponent to limit their options and prevent them from receiving the ball easily

Man-to-man marking

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

Consistently chooses correct defensive technique for situation

Maintains safe distance and positioning when tackling

Shows immediate response to loss of possession

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