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Lesson 5 - Defensive Skills & Transition

Attack & Defence Tactics

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Year 5

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Basketball

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Big Question

How can we regain possession quickly and turn defence into attack to score points?

Learning Objectives

To refine defending (marking) skills applying appropriate defending tactics during a game
To develop understanding that once possession is regained, players become attackers
To apply passing, dribbling and moving skills to create successful shooting opportunities

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective man-to-man marking techniques
Students will transition fluidly between defending and attacking roles
Students will create and execute successful counter-attacks

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per 4 students (8 balls for class of 30)

Placed at court edges for easy access during transitions

Alternative: Size 5 footballs or netballs if basketballs unavailable

Basketball Hoops

5 hoops minimum

Positioned around sports hall or playground area

Alternative: Football goals, netball posts, or marked endzones on walls

Coloured Bibs

15 each of 2 colours

Ready for quick team identification

Alternative: Team bands or ask students to tuck in shirts

Whistles

6 whistles

For student referees during game activities

Alternative: Verbal calls if whistles unavailable

Stopwatch

4-6 timers

For timed shooting challenges in Breakaway Basketball

Alternative: Smartphone timers or teacher countdown

Cones

20 cones

Mark court boundaries and positions

Alternative: Chalk marks or natural boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Man-to-man marking

A defensive strategy where each defender is responsible for marking one specific opponent

Counter-attack

A quick attacking move immediately after regaining possession from the opposition

Marking

Staying close to an opponent to prevent them receiving the ball or making easy passes

Pressure

Active defending that makes it difficult for the opponent to pass, dribble or shoot

Transition

The change from defending to attacking (or vice versa) when possession changes

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic basketball skills - dribbling and passing
Understanding of attacking principles
Simple defensive positioning

Current Skills

Man-to-man marking techniques
Transitioning between defence and attack
Counter-attacking strategies

Next Steps

Advanced team defensive strategies
Complex offensive patterns
Game officiating and rule application

Milestone Indicators

Maintains marking distance throughout game situations

Switches roles immediately upon possession change

Creates successful shooting opportunities from defensive transitions

Key Teaching Points

Man-to-man marking requires each defender to take responsibility for one specific opponent
Effective marking distance is arm's length - close enough to pressure, far enough to react
When possession changes, mental attitude must switch immediately from defending to attacking
Communication between defenders is essential for successful team defence
Counter-attacks are most effective when executed quickly after regaining possession
Pressure defending means making it difficult for opponents without making physical contact
Good defensive stance involves low centre of gravity with knees bent and arms active

Common Misconceptions

Thinking marking means staying directly behind the opponent - correct position is between opponent and goal
Believing you can grab or hold when defending - basketball is a non-contact sport for defending
Assuming defence ends when you win the ball - it's the start of your attacking opportunity
Thinking all defenders should go to the ball - each maintains responsibility for their assigned player
Believing good defending is passive - effective defending requires active pressure and communication

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular activity changes, clear boundaries, immediate feedback, physical movement incorporated throughout

dyspraxia

Larger target areas, simplified movement patterns, extended practice time, visual cues for positioning

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet reflection zones, consistent referee signals

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, clear verbal instructions for court positions, buddy system for navigation, audio cues for timing

hearing impairment

Visual demonstration emphasis, hand signals for game instructions, written rule cards, vibrating timer for time limits

physical disability

Seated marking positions where appropriate, modified court sizes, adapted equipment, peer support for movement

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, clear communication during games, listening skills for referee instructions

Maths

Timing and measurement in 15-second challenges, counting successful passes and scores, calculating team statistics

Science

Understanding force and motion in ball movement, reaction times in defending, energy systems during high-intensity play

PSHE

Teamwork and communication skills, leadership through refereeing, resilience when defending under pressure, fair play and respect for rules

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts to observe all groups, position near current focus of instruction

Observation Focus

Watch for: marking consistency, transition quality, communication, safe contact levels

Intervention Points

Step in if: unsafe contact occurs, students not applying learned skills, referees need support

Demonstration Notes

Use students as positive examples, show common mistakes to avoid, demonstrate key concepts with energy and clarity

Verbal Cues

•'Stay with your player!'
•'Quick transition - attack now!'
•'Communicate with your team!'
•'Pressure the ball safely!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full sports hall or large playground area minimum 25m x 15m per court

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles, check for any water or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Basketballs properly inflated and in good condition
•Cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Whistles clean and functioning
•Basketball hoops securely attached

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during high-intensity defending
•Contact between players during marking
•Falls during rapid direction changes
•Ball strikes to head or body

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise no-contact defending rules consistently
•Adequate spacing between game courts
•Progressive skill building before full game application
•Clear referee instructions for safety enforcement

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all courts
•Monitor physical contact levels closely
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safe play
•Support student referees in safety decisions

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately on whistle, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if required