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Lesson 3 - Shielding Skills in Invasion Games

Tactical Intelligence Fundamentals

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Year 4

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Invasion Games

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Big Question

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

Softballs

1 per student (30)

Place in equipment bag at edge of playing area

Alternative: Size 3 balls for easier control

Basketball

Stored in separate container, properly inflated

Alternative: Junior basketballs or larger playground balls

Tennis Balls

Check for damage, replace if cracked

Alternative: Foam balls or bean bags

Tennis Rackets

Check strings are intact, grips secure

Alternative: Junior rackets or paddles

Unihoc Sticks

Appropriate length for Year 4 students

Alternative: Hockey sticks or pool noodles

Cones

18 (6 per group)

Bright colours for visibility, spread 3m apart

Alternative: Markers or spots

Bibs

15 (3 colours)

Clean and ready for group identification

Alternative: Coloured bands or team identifiers

Key Vocabulary

Shielding

Using your body to protect the ball from opponents whilst maintaining possession

Body Position

How you place your body in relation to the ball and opponent for maximum protection

Possession

Having control of the ball and being able to move with it

Peripheral Vision

Being able to see what's happening around you whilst concentrating on the ball

Sporting Values

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

Consistent low body position when shielding

Smooth turning movements whilst maintaining control

Demonstrates sporting values without prompting

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