Lesson 3 - Shielding Skills in Invasion Games
Tactical Intelligence Fundamentals
•Year 4
•Invasion Games
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How can I use my body position to protect the ball and maintain possession under pressure?
Learning Objectives
- To develop effective shielding techniques using body positioning
- To apply shielding skills across different invasion game contexts
- To demonstrate sporting values during competitive activities
Key Outcomes
- Students will shield a ball from opponents using correct body positioning
- Students will turn in different ways whilst maintaining possession
- Students will demonstrate sporting values in game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Place in equipment bag at edge of playing area
Alternative: Size 3 balls for easier control
Stored in separate container, properly inflated
Alternative: Junior basketballs or larger playground balls
Check for damage, replace if cracked
Alternative: Foam balls or bean bags
Check strings are intact, grips secure
Alternative: Junior rackets or paddles
Appropriate length for Year 4 students
Alternative: Hockey sticks or pool noodles
Bright colours for visibility, spread 3m apart
Alternative: Markers or spots
Clean and ready for group identification
Alternative: Coloured bands or team identifiers
Key Vocabulary
Using your body to protect the ball from opponents whilst maintaining possession
How you place your body in relation to the ball and opponent for maximum protection
Having control of the ball and being able to move with it
Being able to see what's happening around you whilst concentrating on the ball
Positive behaviours that show respect, fairness and good sportsmanship
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball control with feet and hands
- Understanding of personal space and spatial awareness
- Previous exposure to invasion game concepts
Current Skills
- Body positioning for shielding
- Maintaining possession under pressure
- Turning with the ball whilst shielding
Next Steps
- Advanced shielding in match situations
- Combining shielding with passing and shooting
- Team shielding and support play
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Shielding requires positioning your body between the opponent and the ball
- Maintain a low, wide stance for better balance and stability
- Keep the ball close with small, controlled touches whilst shielding
- Use peripheral vision to see both the ball and the opponent
- Sporting values are as important as technical skills in all activities
- Shielding techniques can be adapted across different invasion games
- Effective shielding involves both defensive positioning and ball control
Common Misconceptions
- Students think shielding means just standing still - correct by emphasising movement and ball control
- Students believe bigger students are automatically better at shielding - highlight that technique beats size
- Students focus only on winning rather than sporting values - constantly reinforce character development
- Students think shielding only works in football - demonstrate application across multiple sports
- Students try to shield with the ball too far from their body - emphasise close control with small touches
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with regular breaks, clear physical boundaries, immediate positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment for easier control, simplified movement patterns, extra demonstration and practice time
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet area available if needed, consistent routines and expectations
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for support
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations with clear hand signals, written instruction cards, ensure eye contact when speaking
physical disability
- Modify shielding to seated position, use larger or lighter equipment, adjust activity boundaries
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following complex instructions, using specific sporting vocabulary, explaining techniques to others
Maths
Spatial awareness and geometry through body positioning, counting and timing in activities
Science
Forces and motion in ball control, body balance and stability, effects of exercise on heart rate
Geography
Understanding space and movement patterns, directional language during activities
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, handling competition and pressure, showing respect and fairness
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move constantly between three activity zones to maintain oversight and provide feedback
Observation Focus
Watch for correct shielding body position, sporting values demonstration, and safe play
Intervention Points
Step in if contact becomes too aggressive, technique needs correction, or sporting values are forgotten
Demonstration Notes
Use student demonstrations frequently, exaggerate key body positions, model sporting values consistently
Verbal Cues
- •'Body between ball and opponent!'
- •'Keep the ball close!'
- •'Show me those sporting values!'
- •'Wide and stable stance!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall or outdoor area minimum 30m x 20m for three simultaneous activities
Surface Check
Non-slip surface free from hazards, suitable for running and ball activities
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check balls are properly inflated and undamaged
- •Ensure rackets have secure grips and intact strings
- •Verify unihoc sticks are appropriate length and undamaged
- •Cones positioned safely away from playing areas
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during peripheral vision warm-up
- •Equipment contact during shielding activities
- •Slips and falls on playing surface
- •Overexertion during competitive games
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear practice round before full-speed activities
- •Emphasis on controlled contact only
- •Adequate spacing between activity zones
- •Regular breaks and hydration opportunities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all three activity zones
- •Monitor crossing patterns during warm-up
- •Watch for appropriate contact levels during shielding
- •Ensure sporting values prevent dangerous play
Emergency Procedures
Immediate stop signal, first aid trained staff available, emergency contact details accessible