Lesson 5 - Defending 2v1 Situations
Tactical Intelligence Fundamentals
•Year 4
•Invasion Games
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can one defender effectively challenge two attackers using smart positioning and communication?
Learning Objectives
- To develop defensive positioning skills in 2v1 situations
- To understand how to force opponents onto their weaker side
- To improve communication skills during defensive play
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to close space effectively when defending
- Students will demonstrate the ability to force opponents onto their weaker side
- Students will communicate clearly during defensive situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Pre-distributed around activity areas
Alternative: Coloured bibs tucked into shorts
Placed at football activity station
Alternative: Size 3 footballs for better control
Available at netball activity station
Alternative: Size 4 netballs or basketballs
Mark boundaries and starting positions for each activity
Alternative: Markers or spots
For warm-up activity reference points
Alternative: Small cones or markers
Key Vocabulary
Moving backwards while facing the attacker, staying balanced and ready to react
Moving quickly towards the attacker to reduce their time and options
The side of the body or foot that a player is less skilled with
Clear verbal instructions to help teammates understand defensive positioning
Having more players in a situation than the opposition
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of attacking and defending roles
- Simple passing and moving skills
- Awareness of space and positioning
Current Skills
- Closing space as a defender
- Forcing opponents onto weaker side
- Communication during defensive play
- Jockeying technique
Next Steps
- Team defensive strategies
- Coordinated pressing
- Advanced intercepting techniques
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Close space quickly then slow down to jockey effectively
- Force opponents onto their weaker side through body positioning
- Watch the ball not the player's feet when defending
- Communicate constantly during defensive situations
- Work as a team to overcome numerical disadvantage
- Apply defensive principles consistently across different sports
- Stay patient and avoid diving in when defending
Common Misconceptions
- Defenders should always rush towards attackers at full speed - actually need to slow down to jockey
- Good defenders watch the player's feet for clues - should focus on ball position instead
- Communication isn't important in PE - it's crucial for team coordination
- Defending principles are different for each sport - core concepts transfer across activities
- Being outnumbered means you can't defend effectively - teamwork can overcome numerical disadvantage
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, regular feedback, movement breaks between activities
dyspraxia
- Slower demonstrations, break skills into smaller steps, allow extra practice time, use larger equipment
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routines, visual schedule of activities, offer quiet zones if needed, consistent expectations
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign sighted buddy
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and demonstrations, provide written instruction cards, ensure visual contact when speaking
physical disability
- Modify movements to seated or adapted positions, use larger/softer equipment, adjust activity rules
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Clear communication, listening skills, following and giving instructions
Maths
Calculating angles of approach, measuring distances for activities, timing rotations
Science
Forces in sport, reaction times, body systems during exercise
PSHE
Teamwork, resilience when outnumbered, supporting others, fair play
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between the three activity stations, spending equal time with each group
Observation Focus
Communication quality, application of defensive principles, safety during contact
Intervention Points
Step in if students not communicating, if contact becomes too aggressive, or if defensive principles are forgotten
Demonstration Notes
Use student volunteers to demonstrate good practice, exaggerate good communication for others to hear
Verbal Cues
- •'Close the space!'
- •'Force them wide!'
- •'Call it out!'
- •'Watch the ball not the feet!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall or outdoor area minimum 30m x 20m for three simultaneous activities
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Tags securely attached to avoid choking hazards
- •Balls properly inflated and in good condition
- •Cones with rounded edges positioned safely
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during 2v1 situations
- •Slips during direction changes
- •Tag-pulling injuries
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and rules for contact
- •Emphasis on controlled defending rather than aggressive tackling
- •Regular breaks to avoid fatigue-related injuries
- •Proper warm-up and cool-down procedures
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all three activity stations
- •Monitor contact levels during games
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
Emergency Procedures
Stop, assess, provide appropriate first aid, follow school procedures for incident reporting