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Lesson 5 - Defending 2v1 Situations

Tactical Intelligence Fundamentals

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Year 4

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Invasion Games

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Big Question

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

Tag Belts

1 per student (30)

Pre-distributed around activity areas

Alternative: Coloured bibs tucked into shorts

Softballs

10-12

Placed at football activity station

Alternative: Size 3 footballs for better control

Netball

10-12

Available at netball activity station

Alternative: Size 4 netballs or basketballs

Cones

30-40

Mark boundaries and starting positions for each activity

Alternative: Markers or spots

Spots

For warm-up activity reference points

Alternative: Small cones or markers

Key Vocabulary

Jockeying

Moving backwards while facing the attacker, staying balanced and ready to react

Closing space

Moving quickly towards the attacker to reduce their time and options

Weaker side

The side of the body or foot that a player is less skilled with

Communication

Clear verbal instructions to help teammates understand defensive positioning

Numerical advantage

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

Consistent closing of space under pressure

Clear vocal communication during play

Successful forcing of attacking errors

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